Have you ever considered building your own underground drainage? It may seem like a daunting task but can be worth the work. Keep in mind that this is a permanent solution to your wet yard and can be done at a reasonable price for anyone interested in a solid DIY project.
It’s interesting to see the many approaches to combat flooding even in other parts of the world. The good news about underground drainage systems is that they’re relatively simple in terms of the materials needed. Also, they are very useful especially if you live in an area where rain and flooding are a constant occurrence. Most of the items can be found in a hardware store if not already in your garage. Today, we’re going to look at the materials you will need to go buy. Here are three:
1. The Drywell
The drywell is the key element to your underground drainage system. It is the collector of the water that would normally be dispersed throughout your yard. Making sure you choose the right size based on the severity of your drainage issues is something to consider as well. If you choose one that’s too small, your lawn and home will still be at risk of saturation and flooding. The right size drywell should mitigate the rainfall you receive.
If your roof downspout has severe water saturation around your home, then a drywell will be the absorber. The flow from your roof’s runoff will be funneled into the underground drywell. And how the runoff gets to the drywell brings us to the next material you will need.
While you’re out getting materials for the drainage project, don’t forget to look up tips on how to clean your drainage the DIY way. This can also save you a lot of time and money in the long run.
2. Drainage Pipes
Drainage pipes, the connectors if you will, are the funnels that guide all of your roof runoff into the drywell system. Most commonly, they’re laid underground around the home in the style of a moat. This way, pressure, and overflow during heavy rains is avoided and water can seamlessly be channeled into the drywell. If you’re unsure about which pipes in particular to buy, you can pick one here and sort out which size is best for you.
After your pipes are picked out, the drywell is installed, and you dig the trench, it’s time to start laying and connecting the pipes. Make sure the trench is wider than the pipes and you put them on a gradient to ensure a smooth flow of water. Connecting the pipes is the easiest part. However, a bad connecting job can undo all of the work you put in. So unless you want to re-dig the pipes and fix the problem, be detailed in connecting them before you cover them with the soil.
3. A Shovel To Dig The Trench
A shovel is a major tool used to dig the trench. Yes, digging a trench doesn’t sound fun but it’s a must. The shovel can also be used to keep up with the maintenance of the drainage system if there are any issues that arise. You should dig out just enough for the drainage pipes to fit inside the trench. After the drywell and drainage pipes are connected and set in place, you then cover up everything with soil. The key is to dig down far enough so none of the pipes or drywell are exposed when they are covered back up.
The good news is that most of you have a shovel at home. And if you don’t, they aren’t hard to find. The trench itself is the most laborious task without a doubt. But if you have friends or family that could assist, it will get done much faster.
Conclusion
As we’ve seen, flooding is a problem all across the world. Even in areas that are thought to be as dry aren’t ready to handle record downpours. A solution to keeping your home and lawn safe from water damage is an underground drainage system. The best part about the system is its relative ease of installation. Considering all it can prevent, the budget isn’t too steep either.
So if you’re experiencing flood issues, chances are it’s just a drainage issue. Maybe it’s time to take a weekend to grab those three materials, ask for some help, and get it done. Hopefully, your friends and family are up for an ambitious home project. Your home will thank you in the long run.
