Puddles in the Yard: A DIY Solution
When Amber Oliver noticed her yard was beginning to look more like a pond than a yard, she decided it was time to act. Believe it or not, rainwater drainage solutions can be a relatively affordable DIY project for reasonably sized undertakings, but it is important to get it right. Homeowners in the Central or Eastern United States are no stranger to extreme downpours; sometimes for weeks at a time.
POOLING AROUND THE FOUNDATION
Excess water pooling around the foundation of a house can have serious consequences. When water sits around the foundation, it can cause the ground to become saturated, which can lead to foundational instability. This can ultimately result in costly repairs and damage to the home. In addition to causing structural problems, excess water around the foundation can also contribute to the growth of mold. Not only is excess water around the foundation a functional problem, it can also be unsightly, turning a once beautiful yard into a swampy mess.
DIGGING THE TRENCH
Before you start, order a long tape measure and call in a friend to approximate how many linear feet your trench needs to be. Figure out your soil type and determine how rocky, “clay-ey” it is, etc. This will help you in ordering the right amount of material, and approximating how long it might take to dig!
Digging the trench for a combo drainage system is an important, and maybe the most difficult, step in the process. Before beginning the digging process, it is extremely important to call and have utilities marked to ensure that you do not accidentally damage any underground lines. Do not dig before knowing where utilities are at, or you risk turning a fun day in the backyard into a small nightmare. Once the utilities have been marked, you can begin digging the trench. It is important to ensure that the trench has the proper slope, or “fall,” to allow water to flow through the pipe without pooling.
“Eyeballing” this part in the process is probably a bad idea. Instead, a helpful tool to use in this process is a self-leveling rotary laser, which can assist in achieving the proper fall for the trench. These lasers are widely available for purchase at a cost of around $400 and can be an invaluable tool for ensuring that your drainage system is installed correctly.
The trench should also be dug to the desired termination point in the yard where you want to install emitters, which are devices that allow the water to flow out of the drain and into the surrounding soil.
Take care during trenching. Don’t take unnecessary risks. For small projects you may be able to dig by hand with a shovel or pick-axe. For medium sized projects and ups, you may want to call in a professional to do your trenching. If you are comfortable, spend some time on YouTube, and make yourself aware of the pitfalls, and risks, you can rent a trencher or a mini excavator. Once again, make sure you know what you are doing. Permitting may be required during this stage if you’re in city limits, or in a town or neighborhood. As a beginner, you really should not get too close to your house. Mini Ex Buckets and Foundation Walls or siding don’t mix – yikes!
CORRUGATED PIPE
Corrugated pipe is a commonly used material in exterior drainage projects due to its flexibility and effectiveness at carrying water away from the foundation. However, it is important to properly install corrugated pipe to ensure it functions as intended. When digging a trench for the pipe, it is crucial to ensure it has the proper slope, or “fall,” which allows water to flow through the pipe without pooling. If the pipe is installed with “U” shapes or inclines, the water will not flow properly and may back up, defeating the purpose of the drain.
Downspouts from your house can be connected to corrugated drain pipes to direct the flow of water away from the foundation. This can be achieved by installing a connector, or “port,” on the downspout that fits onto the corrugated pipe. This allows water from the roof to be carried away from the foundation, rather than being allowed to pool around it. Coupled with Catch Basins for rinsing and clearing shingle gravel and debris, you can effectively tie your downspouts into the system.
In case I wasn’t obvious the first time… Take care during trenching by the house!
FRENCH DRAINS
A French drain is a type of exterior drainage system that is designed to carry water away from a specific area. It typically consists of a trench filled with gravel or rock and a perforated pipe that allows water to enter and be carried away. Downspouts can be tied into French drains by running a length of perforated pipe from the downspout to the French drain. This creates a combo system that effectively directs water from the roof and surrounding areas away from the foundation.
USING THE RIGHT MATERIALS
According to the American Building Standards (ASTM), it is important to properly design and install exterior drainage systems to ensure they function effectively. You should choose a durable pipe which can take a little beating during the install. When constructing a french drain, Non-woven filter fabric should also be used to prevent debris from clogging the drain. (NOTE: You only need to wrap perforated pipe, ie “French Drain”. You don’t need to wrap non-perforated pipe in filter fabric or gravel.) This type of fabric allows water to pass through easily enough while trapping larger particles and preventing them from entering the drain. Do not use woven filter fabric, which does not allow water to flow through into perforated pipe quickly enough. “Burrito wrap” the perforated pipe with a significant quantity of gravel inside the non-woven filter fabric. This enhances the drain’s functionality, and creates another channel for water to flow. When it comes time to fill the trench with material, do not use organic material, soil, or clay, as it does not allow for proper drainage. Instead, use clean gravel and cover only the uppermost layer with sod, or soil and seed. It is important to avoid using crusher fines, as they can also clog the drain.
Make sure you order all the fittings you are going to need. For French Drain or downspout DIY projects, French Drain Man has some great quality materials. Check it out! You can take a look at his kits to decide what fittings you are going to need.
By using the right materials and properly installing the French drain, you can make sure that your drain system works great for many years to come!
MAKING IT LOOK NICE
Amber’s DIY project involved implementing a backyard drainage solution and adding patio pavers. The end result was a much improved appearance around the patio, turning a once swampy yard into a functional and visually appealing space. With the functional aspects of the project complete, Amber and her team were able to move on to more enjoyable DIY projects, such as building cornhole boards and a pallet potting bench.
CONCLUSION
Excess water pooling around the foundation of a home can cause serious damage and can be a health hazard in the home due to mold, pests, and more. By implementing an effective exterior drainage system, such as a combo system using corrugated pipes and French drains, you can protect your home and yard from the negative effects of excess water. With a little bit of knowledge and some elbow grease, a DIY rainwater drainage solution can be a relatively affordable and rewarding project. In the process of installing a corrugated pipe drainage system, it is important to ensure that you DYOR and get it right. And ultimately, it’s a LOT of work. If you aren’t feeling it, take the task to someone else!
CALL IN A PRO
If you are tackling a mid-sized or large project in Central Missouri and are in need of professional assistance, consider contacting us at The Foundation Guys. With expertise in the field of exterior drainage and foundation repair, we are well equipped to handle even the most complex of projects. At The Foundation Guys, we understand the importance of effective rainwater drainage and are dedicated to helping homeowners protect their homes and properties from the negative impacts of excess water.
As a company, we offer a satisfaction guarantee and a warranty on all of our work. We stand behind the quality of our services and strive to ensure that our customers are completely satisfied with the results of their projects. So, if you are in need of professional assistance with your drainage project, give us a call at The Foundation Guys and let us help you take on the task.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Underground Downspouts from A-Z by French Drain Man
https://frenchdrainman.com/underground-downspouts/
Backyard Update: A Rainwater Drainage Solution by Amber Oliver