Often a well landscaped property can turn into a perpetual wet swamp without the proper drainage system. A good designer will analyze the nature of your property – including soil type, water table levels, and topography – in order to make the best decisions regarding water management. Improper drainage can lead to foundation damage, wet crawl spaces & basements, sidewalk & driveway cracking. Legacy’s professionals can help assess your issues and give the best possible solution.
There are many different drainage solutions, some of the most commonly used include:
- FRENCH DRAIN: It is not a surprise that clay soils cause many surface water problems. This is where grading is very important. Often a property is not graded properly to allow the excess surface water to flow down the sideyard to the curb or storm drain. A designer may utilize a new drainage plan; one that includes new grading or installing a French drain System. A trench is dug to a proper depth and filled with gravel and possibly a perforated drain line. Soil is then replaced and grading is added to carry excess water through the drain instead of gathering on the surface.: Often an entire yard can suffer from poor drainage or standing water. This is typically too large for spot drainage systems. A more extensive grading and drainage plan may be required; consisting of underground pipes fed by drop inlets or trench drains. Often a sump is installed where a large hole is dug and packed with gravel. During times of high rainfall, water stands in the hole until it drains away.
- DOWNSPOUT: Gutters and downspouts move rainwater away from the house. However, most downspouts stop within a foot of the foundation. Leaving excess water to gather around foundations, landscaping, and often in the yard. A very common solution is to add a trench through the yard extend the downspout, connect it to solid pipe and run it through the trench. The water will then release into the yard through a pop up emitter or release through the curbing into the street.
- DRY CREEK Often a dry creek bed will help take the water away from your yard and allow the water to flow freely to a drainage system. First a swale is build and inside the swale, landscape fabric and river rock is installed. This allows water to run, controlled, to a drainage area. Often along fence lines is an ideal location for a dry creek bed.
Legacy has been helping customers with their drainage solutions for over 12 years. Legacy Outdoor Services professionals can assess your water issues and make suggestions regarding the best course of action. Call (256) 682-9475 for your free estimate.
