Good Drainage Is the Foundation of a Great Landscape

Figure B

A channel drain (figure B) — ideal for keeping patio runoff from flooding the nearby landscaping — is installed into the concrete and guides water away from the house and into a pipe, which is below the concrete level. (Also make sure that the patio itself slopes away from the house.) A protective grate along the top of the channel keeps out yard debris. The channel drain is connected to another pipe, which leads water away from the house. Glassman also recommends that pool owners use a channel drain to help keep chlorinated water off the lawn and away from the house foundation.

Figure C

The puddle of water shown in figure C drains very slowly. Not only does it look bad, but it also creates a breeding ground for mosquitoes. To solve this drainage dilemma, install an area drain connected to a drainage pipe, which carries the water to the street through a series of underground pipes.

Figure D

An area drain has a receptacle where leaves and other yard debris collect (figure D).

Figure E

Even raised planters need drainage systems so that excess moisture doesn't saturate tender roots. Consider using a French drain, which is essentially a perforated drain pipe wrapped in landscape fabric (figure E) and then covered with rock. The landscape fabric protects the pipe so that soil and roots can't get in.

Figure F

A common mistake made by homeowners is installing a downspout along the side of the house so that it drains at the edge of the house (figure F). The job of a downspout is to drain water from the roof, but if you don't redirect it away from the house and into the ground, water funnels into the foundation, drowns out planters or soaks the lawn. The proper way to install a downspout is to slip an adapter onto the downspout and connect a small section of drain pipe. Attach a 90-degree-angled section to the pipe, and to that a long pipe that leads away from the house.

To ensure that your entire yard drains properly and away from the foundation of your house, install an underground drainage system, which includes lateral pipes that are trenched and connected around the yard. The lateral pipes are connected to channel drains, area drains and downspouts. The down line of the drainage system should extend as close to the street as possible.

Figure G

To install an underground drain system or area drain system, use a shovel to dig trenches for the pipes. Or you can rent a trencher for $120 to $150 per day. Make sure to dig the trenches deep enough that the pipes slope downhill. Place the pipes in the trenches and attach the reservoir. Place a plastic bag in the reservoir so that soil doesn't clog it (figure G).

Figure H

Once the underground system is in place, start backfilling with dirt to cover the pipes, and replace the grass. Turn on a hose to test whether the system works (figure H). If water flows out the opposite end, the system is functioning correctly.

"If you follow these steps," says Glassman, "then the rain in your terrain stays mainly in your drain."