How to Design a Yard Drainage System
A yard that doesn't drain properly can cause problems with grass growth, bugs, and even foundational issues in the home. Drainage systems are easier to install than you might expect, but they take some planning to make them work properly. Designing a drainage system is the most important step in the entire installation process, and by considering a few facts about water and how it moves you'll be able to customize a system that fits your yard perfectly. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Graph paper
- Distance measuring wheel
- Laser level
- Property map
- Lawn spray paint
Instructions
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1
Use the distance measuring wheel to map the perimeter of your yard. Convert the distances to graphing squares so that you can outline a scaled version on your graphing paper.
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2
Plot the low points on your graph paper by measuring the distance from the perimeter to each location. Shade the lowest areas darkest, using your builder's level to make the determination if it is not obvious to the naked eye.
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3
Determine the ideal exit point for any water that will be removed from the yard. Ideally, this will be an already functioning ditch or natural collection point, such as a detention pond.
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4
Plan your drain pipe grid by drawing connections from the highest point in the yard with drainage problems and then down in succession to the lowest.
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5
Use lawn spray paint to mark a point in the center of each low spot where a drywell will be placed before drain pipes are laid. Drywells should be included in each location with drainage problems to prevent excessive drainage, which can result in a lack of moisture for grass, trees, and plants.
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Use your lawn spray paint to trace the path where you will lay your drain pipes. Once you've made a path for your trench to follow you can measure the actual distances using your measuring wheel and purchase supplies for the project.
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Tips & Warnings
Use the property map to make sure you do not route your drainage problems into someone else's yard. Any drainage exit should be placed at or near a ditch or collection point that is approved by your local city planning department for drainage purposes.
