How does your driveway drain? If your answer is something like “not so well” or “the wrong way” then you’re not alone. Driveway drainage is, unfortunately, a dilemma homeowners often face. Improper driveway drainage can cause flooding and water damage to garages and carports. Here are three common solutions for correct driveway drainage.
Creating a Porous Driveway Surface
One driveway drainage solution is to install a porous pavement that allows rainwater to seep in through its surface. A stone reservoir underneath the pavement temporarily stores the water through the pavement surface. This water is then eventually absorbed by the subsoil underneath. But here on the “wet” coast of BC’s lower mainland, sometimes the water doesn’t just trickle in. It pours in.
A paved driveway may only be a partial solution, especially if your driveway slopes towards your garage, rather than away. As we mentioned in our “Where There’s Slope, There’s Hope” blog, at about out 60 centimetres (24 inches) away from the house, the ground should slope away by at least 20 centimetres (8 inches).
Installing a Trench Drain
A trench drain is a long and narrow drain that intercepts and collects surface water from the driveway, catching the water before it gets inside. It’s a solution we often use at Groundhog Excavating and Drainage. The endpoint of the trench drain is connected horizontally to a pipe which diverts the water away from your property. It’s then covered with a grate to prevent it from getting clogged with leaves, dirt and other debris.
Your trench drain should be durable and easy to clean. It’s also vital that a correctly weight-rated trench drain is installed since vehicles will regularly be driving over it.
Creating a Drainage System
Sometimes a simple trench drain installation will be the only fix you need. Other times, driveway drainage needs help from sump pumps or creek beds. Creek beds divert stormwater and may also provide an added aesthetic benefit. Again, drainage isn’t always a matter of installing a single drain.
The bottom line: getting a driveway to drain correctly is a labour- and time-intense labour drain on the part of any do-it-yourselfer. It’s best to leave driveway drainage to professionals with keen expertise in drainage systems, along with years of experience.
If you’re still thinking about installing a trench drain yourself, consider the whole drainage system that a professional installer takes into consideration. This includes the slope and possible excavating that may need to be done made to remedy it. It may also include concrete and asphalt work. Driveway drainage repair may also require sod, tree, and shrub removal and replacement.
When it comes to driveway drains and drainage, don’t dig yourself in deep. Hiring an experienced, well-equipped professional can save a lot of time, frustration, and money. If you choose our team at Groundhog, you’ll also save yourself from the trouble of hiring third parties for any of the necessary work we just mentioned. Talk with us about what’s required and what your options are. Phone 778-233-7499 or message us here.