(Or How to Get Water to Mind Its Manners).
This is a very broad overview of words around drainage (“rainage” should be a word) that you might come across OR simply need to know about. Sort of a stream of consciousness on stormwater.
Start with Gutters
Properly installed and maintained gutters collect roof water and convey it away from your house. Without gutters, everything else is just mopping.
French Drains
French drains are shallow trenches lined with geotextile fabric and filled with gravel and a perforated pipe. They should slope 0.5–1 percent (about a one-foot drop over 100 feet) to ensure flow. French drains intercept runoff from slopes or downspouts and divert it around buildings and driveways. They work best when there’s a downhill outlet. Keep heavy equipment and large pets off the drain to avoid crushing the pipe.
Berms and Swales
Low vegetated mounds 2–6 inches high (berms) slow and direct runoff. Grassy swales are shallow, gently sloped ditches planted with grass; they slow runoff and let it infiltrate. Both should drain within 48–72 hours; otherwise plant wetland species or adjust the slope. Mow swales to 3–4 inches and keep them free of foot traffic. If you secretly enjoy telling people to stay off your lawn, this is your moment.
Dry Wells
Dry wells are small pits lined with geotextile and filled with gravel that collect roof runoff and let it infiltrate. They should be at least 10 feet from foundations and 75 feet from wells or septic systems. Soil must be permeable enough to drain the water within 48 hours.
Soil Permits and Safety
If you need to move more than 50 cubic yards of soil, you may need a grading permit. Always call utility-location services before digging – hitting a gas line is the kind of excitement best left to action movies.
Reducing Stormwater Fees and Protecting Your Home
When done thoughtfully, combining gutters, French drains, berms, swales, dry wells, rain gardens and permeable pavers can turn your soggy yard into a cooperative landscape. These practices improve home drainage, protect your foundation from water damage and help reduce stormwater fees by capturing and infiltrating runoff. Most cities give you a discount on your property bill when you upgrade your drainage onsite. Both private and commercial properties. It depends on where you live of course but our Incentive Match Engine will help you find any local or state incentive programs.
Get Help with Rainplan’s Green Spending Advance
Need expert guidance? Rainplan’s Green Spending Advance can match you with the right contractor for your yard drainage or stormwater project, provide initial payments so your project starts quickly, and help you apply for available rebates or incentive programs. We’ll help you create a drainage solution that protects your home and your wallet.
