How do I prevent drainage issues in my garden during heavy rain?

02/07/2024
Nick at Fergusons Plumbing

If you, like many homeowners, are faced with drainage issues, it’s harmless to say that these problems can quickly escalate and cause havoc.

Taking the initiative to prevent drainage issues before they arise can save you from unnecessary expenses and inconvenience.

Let’s go through some tips on how to prevent drainage problems.

Identifying Common Causes – Understanding the typical causes of drainage problems will allow you to effectively prevent them.
Planning Garden Drainage – An efficient garden drainage strategy can help deter water logging and other issues.
Improving Yard Drainage – Implement practical steps such as soil grading to enhance yard drainage.
Building a Rain Garden – This could be an effective solution for managing excess water.
Installing Underground Drainage Pipes – Proper installation of these pipes can redirect water and prevent pooling.
Gutter and Downspout Cleaning – Regular maintenance can keep these flowing freely and prevent overflow.
Plant Options for Water Absorption – Certain trees, shrubs, and perennials can absorb excess water, aiding in water management.

Maintaining good drainage systems around your property isn’t just about preventing water damage; it’s an investment in the overall health of your home.

Tips on Preventing Drainage Issues

Avoiding drainage troubles begins with being proactive about your home’s plumbing needs.

Keeping an eye on potential problem spots and dealing with them promptly will go a long way towards staving off bigger issues in the future.

You could also consider seeking professional help from experienced plumbers to conduct regular maintenance.

Remember, safeguarding your home from drainage issues also protects its value, ensuring a comfortable and worry-free life for you and your family.

Contents

Identifying Common Causes of Drainage Problems
Planning and Mapping Effective Garden Drainage
Practical Steps to Improve Yard Drainage
Building a Rain Garden as a Drainage Solution
Underground Drainage Pipes and their Installation
Dry Well Construction for Excessive Rainfall
The Importance of Regular Gutter and Downspout Cleaning
Tree, Shrub, and Perennial Options for Water Absorption
Securing Your Garden

Identifying Common Causes of Drainage Problems

An extensive cause of drainage issues are high water tables. This condition typically results in continuous dampness.

Low grading might also be the culprit. If your property stands below others around it, excess water flow can be challenging.

Underground layers composed of hard materials, like stone, are another potential cause. They obstruct the soil’s capacity to adequately drain.

Additionally, if your yard has extremely compacted soil, this can stifle proper drainage and create puddles.

Common Drainage Issue	Possible Cause
Continuous Dampness	High Water Tables
Excess Water Flow	Low Property Grading
Obstructed Drainage	Hard Underground Layers
Puddles Formation	Compacted Soil
Understanding these factors can aid in mitigating drainage issues.

This tabletop chart is a snapshot of common drainage issues and their possible causes.

Planning and Mapping Effective Garden Drainage

Planning Mapping Effective Garden Drainage

Effective garden drainage begins with properly preparing the ground. Eliminate sod by dividing it into 1 ft wide strips using a spade. Then, roll up the severed roots.

If the soil is notably dry, a rototiller can be rented from a home improvement store to turn up the problem areas. For large sections or an entire yard, consider installing a complete drainage system.

Adequate slopes are critical for redirecting water away from your home. The elevation of the soil should change by approximately 1⁄4in over every 12 in distance to achieve a 2% slope.

“Remember, water should move downhill, away from your home. If you notice standing puddles or water flowing backwards, your yard’s slope could be part of the problem.”

Ensuring even coverage when planting grass seeds or unrolling sod prevents waterlogging. Protect fresh grass seeds with layers of topsoil and straw to shield them from birds.

Regularly inspect your property for potential leaks that could cause moisture build-up, particularly around downspouts and utility pipes. Turn off your home’s water supply to check for any continuous meter increase.

Testing soil absorption can guide your drainage efforts. Dig a hole of specific dimensions (1 ft deep and 4 in wide), fill it with water, and observe how quickly it drains.

Practical Steps to Improve Yard Drainage

Improving your yard drainage can start with compost. Adding organic matter to your soil forms air pockets enhancing water flow.

Mix 3-4 inches of compost into your soil annually for continuous improvement in drainage.

For expansive areas hard to modify with compost, consider growing water-loving plants such as marsh marigold, cardinal flower and turtlehead.

These species flourish in waterlogged conditions, helping alleviate excessive moisture.

Building a rain garden is another practical step. These shallow depressions catch and filter rainwater.

With the right plant species and a well-designed drainage system, they can become both functional and attractive features of your yard.

Method	Description	Benefits
Mix in Compost	Adds organic matter to soil, improving drainage	Continuous enhancement in drainage over time
Growing Water-Loving Plants	Plants that thrive in wet conditions	Helps alleviate excessive moisture
Build a Rain Garden	Catches and filters rainwater	Functional and attractive yard feature
Create Bog Garden/Pond	Larger water feature with land shaping and a water retention system	Effective drainage solution, beneficial for wildlife
Install Drain Tile	Laborious approach with details like slope, tile depth, outlet location	Potential for complementary features like a rain garden or bog garden
A variety of methods to improve yard drainage.

Remember, certain approaches may require more effort or professional guidance but can offer comprehensive solutions for your drainage issues.

Building a Rain Garden as a Drainage Solution

A rain garden isn’t just an attractive feature. It serves as a natural filter and sponge for runoff water, cleaning it before it seeps back into the soil.

This simple project, suitable to undertake over a weekend, is low cost but can make a significant impact on your local environment.

Three distinctly different zones make up the rain garden. Zone 1, the centre, houses plants such as Lady fern that thrive in standing water.

Zone 2, the middle section, contains plants that tolerate occasional standing water like Snowberries. The outer zone is reserved for drier climate-loving plants such as western bleeding heart.

Choose an absorbent site away from overly soggy areas and at least 10 feet from your home. Test the site’s percolation rate to ensure its suitability.

The size and shape of your garden will depend on local rainfall patterns. A minimum of 150 square feet is usually aesthetically pleasing.

Removing the grass is easier with a sharp spade or sod cutter. You should aim to roll up the stripped lawn like carpet sections.

Excavate a flat-bottom basin deep enough to provide good water percolation. A berm may be needed on one side if the site is on a slope.

An inlet pipe made from rigid piping or corrugated tubing brings water from your gutter downspouts into the rain garden basin. Stones lining the pipe area prevent erosion.

The basin should be filled with a mix of native soil and compost, leaving space at the top for planting. Drought-tolerant native plants work best.

Mulch around your new plantings to retain moisture and curb weed growth. Check your mulch regularly and top it up as needed. Washington State University’s Extension website has more advice on building a rain garden.

Underground Drainage Pipes and their Installation

Underground Drainage Pipes their Installation

Installing an in-ground backyard drainage system requires preliminary work. Begin with digging a hole to accommodate your dry well and overflow tube. Retain some removed dirt for later use.

From here, an adjoining trench should be excavated, making sure it’s deep enough to drain downhill from the dry well. This needs careful planning and accurate measurements.

Finding a suitable location: The area should be lower than the house to allow for effective water drainage.
Soil type: Be aware of tough soils, such as those with clay or fieldstone, as they can require significant effort to dig.
Using crushed rock: Add at least 3 inches of crushed rock at the trench bottom, which aids in water absorption.
Checking for water escape routes: If the land gradient isn’t apparent, utilise a line level with stakes and a tape measure.

After digging the trench, attach a protective cover over the tube end to deter critters. Construct a rock bed around the tube end to hinder erosion.

You may also consider installing a Y-fitting for efficient roof water runoff. This directs rainwater from your gutter system directly into the main drainage line.

Last but certainly not least, cover the tubes with several inches of rock. This will limit erosion and boost water absorption.

Dry Well Construction for Excessive Rainfall

Dry Well Construction Excessive Rainfall

How Can a Dry Well Overflow?

When experiencing heavy rainfall, a dry well may overflow, leading to flooding in your immediate vicinity. This typically occurs when the dry well is filled to capacity and there’s no place for the water to go, ultimately leading to an overflow.

What Makes My Drain Overflow Even after Installing a Dry Well?

Your drainage line could be connected at the bottom of the dry well tank. This unconventional approach creates a difficulty in filling up the tank and might be the reason why your drain overflows even during short periods of heavy rain.

What Could Be the Solution for Drain Overflows?

For proper function, you may need to consider re-installing your dry well. Installing it deeper into the ground and connecting the drainage pipe at the top of the tank might prevent overflow issues in future.

Is Relying Solely on a Dry Well Enough?

A single dry well may not always be sufficient depending on the volume of water your property needs to manage. In such cases, more robust solutions such as a sump pump or land regrading could be required.

What Other Measures Can I Take?

If feasible, you might consider draining your driveway to daylight. This would give rainwater a downhill path away from your property, potentially alleviating flooding issues. Remember though, this is dependent on your property’s layout and other environmental factors.

The Importance of Regular Gutter and Downspout Cleaning

Keeping your home’s exterior in check is as crucial as interior maintenance. Neglected gutters and downspouts may cause expensive problems later on.

Regular cleaning of these areas can prevent potential damage to your roof, foundation, and landscaping.

Preventative Home Maintenance Services

Consider utilising preventative home maintenance services like those offered by HomeSmiles. These include gutter and downspout cleaning.

This service focuses on ensuring that all aspects of your home remain protected and in good working condition.

How to Clean Your Gutters and Downspouts

Begin your gutter maintenance by removing debris using a trowel or a special gutter scoop. Remember to wear gloves and protective eyewear.

Following this, check if the downspouts are clogged. Run water through them using either a hose or a bucket of water.

If the water does not flow freely, it might indicate that your downspout is blocked. Disconnect it from the gutter and clean its top thoroughly.

Ensuring Free Flowing Water

To clear the downspout, use a garden hose or a plumber’s snake. When it seems clear, reconnect it and check for blockages again.

If the downspout goes into the ground, make sure to clean its bottom too. Dig a small trench around it, remove any debris, then refill it with gravel to avoid erosion.

The Value of Regular Checks

Scheduled gutter and downspout cleanings help prevent potential damage to your home. It keeps your exterior well-maintained, mirroring the care you give to your interior spaces.

Tree, Shrub, and Perennial Options for Water Absorption

Tree Shrub Perennial Options Water Absorption

The Red Maple is a favourite among homeowners for its vibrant autumn foliage. More importantly, it’s an excellent choice for water absorption.

Another option to consider is the Weeping Willow. Known for its long, drooping branches, this tree is a thirsty one.

Exploit Ash Tree Capabilities

The Ash tree is another great pick. Besides adding aesthetics to your garden, it plays a pivotal role in draining water naturally.

Take note also of the Oriental Arborvitae; known not just for its unique shape but its impressive soaking ability.

Favour Water-Loving Shrubs

If you’ve got smaller spaces, consider the Inkberry and Button bush. These shrubs are perfect for areas that often have standing water.

Besides those, the Summersweet and American Cranberrybush shrubs are also effective for improving garden drainage.

Select Optimal Perennials

Moving towards perennial choices, the Daylily can be a bold yet practical addition. It thrives well in wet soils, aiding in water absorption.

Likewise, the Bee Balm and Globeflower make great additions to your water-absorbing garden while adding a touch of beauty.

Securing Your Garden

Preventing drainage issues in your garden during heavy rain is vital. Regularly clean and maintain your drains to avoid blockages. Install appropriate drainage systems such as French drains or soakaways to manage excess water. Consider rain gardens or permeable paving, and selecting plants that can tolerate wet conditions may also help. Always consult a professional for proper installation and advice.