Drainage Under a Driveway
Whether a driveway is paved with concrete, pavers or stones, it must have proper drainage above and beneath the surface. If water does not drain from under the pavement, it will loosen the gravel base and weaken it over time. In winter, underground moisture causes cracks and frost-heave damage. Improving drainage under a driveway is a big task, but it prevents damage to the structure and surface of the driveway. Does this Spark an idea?
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Site Preparation
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When installing a new driveway, the steps you take to prepare the site significantly affects how well underground water will drain. Once the foundation is excavated, dig down an extra inch for every 8 feet of distance toward the street. This slight pitch directs the flow of water toward the nearest street gutter. Compact loose dirt at the bottom with a compactor or tamper tool until the subsoil fees firm.
Foundation
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Driveways require a gravel foundation that is at least two-thirds as thick as the concrete slab or paving material. Use 3/4-inch gravel, because the medium-size, irregularly shaped rocks wedge together to form a solid, supportive base layer. The crevices between the stones leave enough flexibility to absorb ground tension and allow moisture to drain away.
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Drain Tiles
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Installing a basic drain system beneath the driveway prevents any moisture buildup beneath the surface. Dig two parallel drain trenches along the side of the driveway, and fill them halfway with gravel. Lay 4-inch perforated PVC drain pipes along the trenches and across the width of the driveway. Connect the length of pipes with elbow connectors to form the shape of a U with the U side toward the street. Attach a drain grid over the center of the pipes so water will quickly flow from the surface and into the system to be carried to the street.
Maintenance
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Over time, underground tree roots and normal wear and tear damage underground drainage. Puddles forming on the surface, cracks, soft patches or low areas on the driveway are all indicators that the drainage may need repair. Use a snake to check and unclog debris from drain pipes. Patch cracks and pits so they don't spread, and call a professional to check for structural problems if you see deep cracks running through the surface.
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