Taking care of drainage around the house is a fundamental part of construction. Stormwater runoff needs to be managed to reduce damage from moisture penetration or flooding, whether it’s your own house or the next door neighbor. It is important to understand what types of drainage are employed in your own yard, so which you can monitor the system.

Yard Drainage

Stormwater runoff must flow away from the house, so that water does not penetrate the foundation, undermining the structure and even flooding the basement and causing real damage. There are two standard types of drainage — surface and subsurface. Surface drainage is attained when the lawn is sloped so that runoff can flow away. In certain situations, subsurface drainage needs to be set up, by placing pipes in underground channels to communicate to the release point. .

Swales

Surface drainage is typically handled with swales — shallow depressions that catch stormwater runoff and carry it to a ditch or municipal drain. The ground needs to slope away in the house, usually toward swales from the side lawns. Depending on the natural slope of the lawn, the swales can carry runoff toward the front of the property, or the back, or both. Side yard swales keep runoff from entering neighboring properties, and bothering their drainage patterns.

Underground Pipes

When surface drainage is not acceptable for the site requirements, underground pipes will need to be set up. Frequently known as drainage or weeping tiles, the pipes to get lawn drainage are usually plastic, perforated with small holes to catch water infiltrating the ground from above. The pipe is laid on a gravel bed at a station, or trench, that is dug beneath the grade of the soil and sloped slightly toward the release point. The station is then backfilled with gravel, and also can be prepared for landscaping.

Yard Drainage Systems

Many homes need both surface and subsurface drainage to deal with stormwater runoff. Even if the ground is sloped sufficient to allow for surface drainage, pipes could be crucial for keeping water away from the footings or for window wells. In regions with flat territory, or moist soil, the drainage system may rely completely on underground pipes. Sensors and lawns are beneficial as part of the drainage system, since leaves and grass blades slow the runoff and use it for expansion.

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