Water Drainage

Spring is a grand time for all sorts of things. The birds come back, the snow melts away, and there’s a huge puddle in your yard. Wait, what? Every year you may find the same areas of your yard underwater for extended periods. This can make it difficult for grass to grow and makes your backyard a mud pit for a month or so every year. Aside from this, pooling water can be hazardous to your home if it pools up along the side of your house. This water can eventually work its way into your basement or through basement windows damaging your walls and flooring.

One of the best and easiest solutions to address the issue is by creating a proper drainage channel for all that sitting water. The materials you need are relatively inexpensive, and if you’re keen to do the work yourself you can save some extra money.

Establish where the water is gathering and how it got there.

1. This is going to help you know what type of draining solution you need. If you can intercept steady running water, a channel drain may be a good option. If it’s a regular low spot in your yard that collects water, a French drain could do the trick. And if you are noticing it pooling around your home, a perforated drain pipe (sometimes called weeping tile) can be a helpful solution.
2. If you are experiencing a lot of water in your basement, your drainage lines will need to be much deeper along your foundation walls. Talk with an expert as this is a big job and may not be something you want to tackle on your own.

1. Sometimes we’re excited to get the shovel into the dirt and we forget about electrical lines, gas lines, and other utility services that are buried below the surface. Check with your utility providers and have them mark out the services so you know where they are.
2. Depending on your neighbourhood you may also need to consult with a permit office before performing the work.

1. Consider what is beyond the point where you are draining. Moving water out of your yard may be a solution, but if it ends up in your neighbour's yard you may have created a different kind of problem.
2. Depending on the size of your drainage pipe, you will want your trench to be a few inches larger on all sides.
3. Be sure your trench is lower at the exit point than the collection point with no “sags” in the middle to make sure your water keeps flowing.

1. This will prevent dirt from falling into your drainpipe and keep the area weed-free.
2. Make sure you use enough that it lines the bottom, and sides and there is extra to wrap over your pipe when you’re done.

1. Put a layer of rock at the bottom of the trench.
2. Lay your drainage pipe along the rock
3. Cover the pipe with the remainder of your rock. The rock will allow water to flow to your weeping tile without plugging up the holes in your drainage pipe.
4. Now finish by wrapping the remaining portions of your landscaping cloth over the top of your pipe and rocks keeping the dirt out.

1. Lastly, fill the remainder of the trench with the dirt from digging the trench.