Performing a similar function to french drains, surface drainage channels catch water running off a surface and divert it to a collection or disposal point. They function much the same as the big rusty metal grids at the side of the road, catching water and redirecting it underground. Cause structural problems for paved surfaces, fences, sheds and outdoor buildings if they experience prolonged periods under water Homes and buildings are already designed to deal with surface water, and patios, driveways and lawns all play an important role in coping with it. Simply install a drainage space as close to the centre of the issue as possible giving the surface water an underground space to sit and drain away.

Wearing long-sleeve gloves, goggles and a mask, remove as much mud and silt as you can with your hands before using drain rods to break up any deeper debris. You are responsible for maintaining or repairing any drains inside the boundaries of your property - these are your private drains. You don't have to maintain or repair lateral drains that you share with your neighbour - your water company is responsible for these Apply organic matter to improve the soil structure or a balanced fertiliser in the spring, mulching over the root area after application Don’t pour used cooking oils or fats down the kitchen sink, absorb with kitchen roll and place it in the bin.A healthy lawn does a great job of allowing rainwater to flow through the water table. To help it do its best, keep on top of maintenance throughout the year. Re-seed bare patches to help avoid soil being compacted by heavy rainfall – this can impair its ability to absorb the water. Drainage pumps activate automatically when the water reaches a certain level (using a flotation device much like the one in the cistern of your toilet). A standard dirty water pump will shaft 160L of water per minute which is around 1.5 baths. If only bath taps could fill that fast! Waterlogging is more common in clay and compacted soils as there are fewer air particles for the water to pass through. Waterlogging can also be caused by poor soil preparation before laying turf or seeding.

There could be many reasons why water is sitting in your garden but the most common reason is that it has nowhere to go. The soil or surface is saturated and it simply cannot move the water in the ground fast enough to make space for the surface water to drain. Surface water drainage systems, such as soakaways or attenuation tanks, allow you to control surface water to avoid flooding, as do more traditional structures like patios, driveways and gutters. In this article, we consider ways to prevent a build-up of surface water and how to remove it from your property.

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This means buying the right products and materials to help you complete the task first time and as effectively as possible.

As garden drainage installers we have seen it all and have come up with workable solutions to most garden drainage issues. This article walks you through the best garden drainage solutions with examples and their pros and cons. French drains, so-called because of an American farmer called Henry French, who wrote about them in 1959, are an effective way to divert water away from the lawn and into a drain. We can advise on the best solutions for your drainage needs, and offer cost-effective and efficient solutions to keep your property free of excess surface water. You can also do a deeper percolation test, going down to a depth of a metre. If the water still stands without draining away, then you will have to seek an alternative destination for your rainwater drainage. How far should a soakaway be from the house?

The driveway surface must be set to a fall that collects rainwater and diverts it to a soakaway. What is not acceptable is to let the rainwater drain into the roadway.