How to Install Drainage
Proper drainage is important for minimizing
the potential for property damage, as well as maintaining the
vitality of plant life.
A good drainage system will minimize soil
compaction, control erosion, and prevent flooding. Proper
drainage around foundations, patios, walls and other man-made
features will prevent major structural damage. Directing water
from roof gutters and down spouts away from the building
foundation into an underground drainage system is essential!
- If water collects in a specific area,
use a catch basin to collect water then incorporate it into
the drainage system with additional tubing.
- Trench (either by hand with a shovel,
or rent a mini-excavator) at least 6” wide with a minimum of
1/8” fall per foot of length.
- The lowest part of the system must be
at the outlet.
- Lay fabric in the trench, place tubing
with perforations down, back fill with gravel (preference is
1”) to within 2” – 3” of surface.
- Flip the edges of the fabric over the
gravel, encasing both the tubing and the gravel within the
fabric, thus maintaining the integrity of the entire
drainage system.
- Place 2”-3” of topsoil over the fabric
(fabric provides a separation layer between gravel and
soil), grass seed and straw.
