Lawn Drainage
Let Behncke Construction fix and prevent your common drainage issues.
Common Problems
Drainage and grading are obvious concerns for every foundation.
- Downspouts and Gutters - We always recommend homeowners properly maintain all gutters- keep them clean and clear to allow water to flow freely. Another important step is ensuring the downspouts are directed to drain away from the foundation.
- Grade - Unknowingly, the grade of the lawn could be causing the worst of your property's issues. Even a neighboring yard could be inadvertently directing water onto your property and causing a drainage issue.
- Moisture in Basement - If your lawn or landscape has a slope, or has been improperly graded so that water flows towards your foundation, you may end up with excess moisture in your basement.
Types of Drain Systems
The best solution is prevention.
- Grassy swaleA swale is an area of the lawn which is carefully graded to direct water. A swale helps dissipate water over a larger area, or directs the water to a bog planting or a drain.
- French drainA French drain is the most well-known type of outdoor drainage system. While the specifics vary, a French drain is usually comprised of a perforated pipe which is surrounded by gravel then wrapped in filter fabric to keep mud and particles out. A French drain directs water to a drain rather than dispersing it within the landscape.
- Dry well systemA dry well is an environment-friendly alternative to a French drain, because it discharges the storm water on-site. Downspouts or drains are directed to an underground storage well. The water slowly filters out of the well and eventually ends up back in the groundwater tables.
- Corrugated plastic tubesThis is an inexpensive solution for directing water from downspouts. It’s simply a corrugated tube made of plastic which sits over the end of the downspout and can be buried underground to direct water within the landscape to disburse, or to a drain.
