A Dry Drainage Ditch In A Backyard With Blue Flowers On Each Side

How to Install a Backyard Drainage System (+ Types & Factors)

Admit it. You just hate it when your lush, inviting yard turns into a boggy marsh after a rainstorm.

As climate risks continue to rise, backyard flooding is an increasing headache for many Australian homes. Pests, diseases, and even foundation damage, all can be the effects of standing water in your yard.

Besides, turning your yard into a swamp also reduces the functional use of the outdoor space. No more creative landscaping on those puddles!

Since the flood situation in Australia is not getting any better, a proper backyard water drainage system is a must for your property. So, here are our tips for fixing your backyard flooding.

Signs You’re Having Backyard Drainage Problems

A Man Installing A Backyard Drainage System

Identifying the exact culprit behind your yard drainage problems is not exactly a walk in the park. There can be an issue with the land slope, surface depressions, or improperly installed downspouts.

Perhaps your home is located at a lower elevation and the culprit is the runoff from your neighbours. Not exactly their fault, to be fair.

Figuring out the exact reason for backyard flooding may require expert consultation. But there are things you can do on your own too. First, look out for signs that are clear problem indicators.

  • Does your lawn turn into a lake after a rain shower and the water remains standing for hours? For sure, something is wrong.
  • If the soil in your lawn is soggy even 2-3 days after a rainstorm, it has drainage issues. This excess water, in turn, will affect the plant growth. You may find signs of plant damage from excess water.
  • In some yards, topsoil erosion marks are visible where water has created runoff pathways.
  • Mould or mildew growth on the plants, or even on the walls of your home can be the sign of a yard drainage issue. Discoloured patches of grass are also a sign.

4 Basic Types of Surface Drainage Systems

To start, you need to take a look at the types of backyard drainage systems you can install. Now, you may ask if surface drainage solutions work in every scenario.

Good question.

In most cases, the answer is yes. But (always a but, there is), there can be scenarios where you might get unlucky. Then you will need a pump to remove the excess water.

As such, it’s difficult to point out the best surface drainage system for your backyard as each type serves a specific purpose. No option is a universal pick!

The step-by-step installation process will vary depending on the type of system you choose. Time and costs will depend on the complexity of the system. Before you start, check the local guidelines of your municipality regarding the installation of a drainage system in the backyard.

Can you set up a functional drainage system in the backyard on your own? Possibly, if you are an experienced DIYer familiar with drainage systems. If not, know that some of these systems are more complex. In that case, it might be best to take advice from a registered plumber.

Site prep for this kind of task is nowhere near as complex as for things like construction, so that’s something you can do yourself if you’re not very handy.

Surface Drainage System

Simple and effective, this system consists of shallow channels or drains or basins that collect excess water and are covered with grates. These channels also receive water from gutters and downspouts coming down from the roof. They help to direct the water away and are easy to install.

These drains can also come in the form of swales covered with grass and vegetation- a swell idea for decorative outdoor spaces. They are shallow and allow the water to percolate into the soil.

French Drains

A French Drain And Downspout

A French drain is a great option if you want to direct water away from a low spot, especially if there is a risk of foundation damage. And no, don’t trust the name: it’s not of French origin.

Here, the water is carried to a specific location, a wastewater drain or a sump pit, through a perforated pipe. The pipe goes into a trench, gravel goes on it.

While it has multiple advantages, installing a French drainage system can be complex. More so if it is close to your home’s foundation. It’s not ideal for all homes either.

Downpipe Extensions

If you find water pooling at the outlet of the downpipes, using extensions is a good idea. This can seep into the foundation or basement. Above-ground extensions are attachments that will carry the rainwater a few metres further. These pipes are routed through a trench and are easy to install and clean out.

Dry Well

We all know that the water in a puddle in the backyard will eventually seep back into the ground. A dry well is an extension of this concept. It’s a rock-filled (any other porous material will work too) subsurface chamber that collects the excess water. In fact, downpipe extensions are often connected with dry wells.

Have a flat yard that’s difficult to drain? The dry well is one of the best solutions without spending too much on land grading.

This in-ground drainage system allows the groundwater levels to recharge, which is a big plus. Being sub-surface, it frees up surface space allowing you to continue with the landscaping activities.

A quick warning here. Digging a deep pit is not an easy activity. Consider hiring an earthmoving contractor to get the task done easily.

Installing a Water Drainage System for a Backyard: Factors to Consider

While avoiding the problems—at times unforeseeable ones—from a flooded backyard is necessary, you simply can’t start digging up a drain without a laid-out plan. No matter the type of backyard drainage system you want to implement, considering some fundamentals is essential before starting.

Topography

Gravity and gradient—the magic words that make drains function. Without fail, a drain should be sloped away from the foundation of the house. Nothing ruins the day more than finding that water will not flow through your newly installed drainage system.

To pinpoint where the water is accumulating, you need to learn about the slope and contours of the property. This will also help you determine where the excess water is coming from.

This may not be a simple task for all yards as the land can have a natural slope. To redirect the water, you may need to add or remove soil, also called land grading. That means you need to calculate the right slope for the drain. If you are connecting with the municipality system, this is even more critical.

Soil Type

Since different soil types have different drainage capacities, determining the soil type is important. The soil will come under any of the four types – clay, loam, silt, or sand. A quick search and you will find a few easy ways to determine the soil type without conducting a soil test.

Among these, clay soil is hard to work with, more so if you are using the humble shovel. So, heavy-duty digging tools are needed for the trench work. On the other hand, loamy soil is the best option for drainage system installation.

Rainfall Patterns

A Waterlogged Backyard

Take into account the average rainfall pattern in your area, as well as the seasonal variations. This will help to determine the volume of water that the drainage system will have to transfer. If you’re planning a French drain, the size of the pipe will depend on the drainage volume. In addition, nearby water sources like rivers or lakes should be considered.

While there are some easy formulas to calculate the runoff, it might not be so simple if you are not familiar with the maths. Consulting a pro is a better idea.

Water Drainage System for the Backyard: FAQs

How to set up drainage in the backyard?

Setting up drainage in the backyard involves digging trenches or pits. The next step is installing the pipes and connecting them. Finally, you need to connect it to the municipal storm water drain and fill the trenches with soil.

How to solve the backyard drainage problem?

You can try solutions like scattering topsoil over shallow spots and aerating the grass. However, installing a proper water drainage system for the backyard is the best solution.

What is the most effective drainage system?

Each drainage system has its pros and cons. The most effective drainage system is the one that offers the best solution to manage the problem of water accumulation in the backyard.