Yard Drainage

Tap to Read ➤ Pragya T

It is important to have a good yard drainage system, as drainage problems can make the foundation of the house weak, which can reduce the value of your property.

To set up a water drainage system, there are three main steps. The first is to check the source of water blockage, secondly, install an effective drainage system and other drainage solutions.

And lastly direct the excess water to municipal storm drain or a dry well. Here are the useful tips that will help you identify the source of drainage problems, and effective drainage solutions.

Figuring out the Drainage Problems

Take a notepad and pencil with you and go around the house and check the drainage system. Note down the areas where water is getting clogged, and areas which need to be installed with additional yard drainage system. Check the gutters first to see if they are clean or have some debris blocking them.

Also, check the downspouts for debris and maintenance. Examine the landscaping, if it is properly sloped or not. Check whether the water is getting directed towards a storm drainage system. Lastly check, if there is too mulch in the garden which is trapping excess moisture. If there is excess mulch, then use a rake to get rid of it.

Mostly, houses which are on a slope will suffer from water clogging problems. In such a case a good drainage system like a French drain or a sump pump and additional minor drainage solutions should be installed, and the excess water needs to be conveyed to the city's storm drain.

Most yard drainage problems are caused due to water running off the roof or due to broken pipelines. So, make sure you check the area around the house properly to figure out the water clogging problems. Once you figure out the water blockage problems, install a good drainage system to prevent the water accumulation problems.

Types of Drainage Systems

French Drains

French drains are popular and installing them is easy, and one can do it by themselves. For French drain installation all one needs to do is dig a trench at the base of the sloped area, that is causing water clogging.

Then allow the water to be captured by French drain. This water then gets redistributed.

Sump Pumps

Sump pumps are very effective and work even for extreme situations. Like if there is a low water table that is pushing water from below the ground, then the water will get accumulated in the pit of the sump and gets drained out and away by pumping.

Thus, the water is drained away from the home foundation with the help of underground pipes, and then directed to a dry well or the municipal storm drain.

Trench Drains

Trench drains are used for capturing storm water which flows over a large area like a driveway. Trench drains are connected to the city's storm drain system.

Yard Inlets

Yard inlets are similar to catch basins, but are smaller in size and form as effective drainage solutions for yards. One can buy metal or plastic yard inlets at any hardware store.

Dry Wells

These are popular as drainage solutions for yards in areas which cannot be connected to a storm drainage system. Dry wells are filled with gravel and then filter fabric surrounds this layer. The water flows in the well and infiltrates in the ground due to the gravel.

Run Off Drainage

These drainage solutions around house or a building are used to direct top water away from the building.

The water that gets accumulated due to rain or running water gets directed away due to run off drainage. It is installed in areas where drains can't be placed around the foundation.

So, figure out the water clogging problem, and install an effective drainage system which directs the excess water to the city's storm drain. Make sure you keep maintaining the drainage system to prevent any water clogging problems.