Does your patio have standing water? If so, you may need to install drainage to control it. In this article, we will discuss how to install drainage around this space and avoid water problems on your property.
Why Does Water Pool On Your Patio?
Water pooling on your patio is not only unsightly but can also damage your home and undermine your basement waterproofing systems. But why does water pool on your patio in the first place?
There are several reasons why water may pool on your patio, including:
Poor Slope
Patios should have a slight slope away from the house, typically around 1-2% or a slope of 1/8 up to 1/4 inch per foot, to facilitate water runoff. If the patio is completely flat or slopes towards your home, water will tend to pool rather than drain away correctly. This can cause stagnant water in specific areas, especially during heavy rain or melting snow.
You may need to regrade the patio surface or level the concrete to ensure it slopes away from the house. This can involve resurfacing the patio, leveling the concrete, adding a topping material like gravel, or creating a slight incline to direct water flow away from problematic areas.
Poor Soil Drainage
Soil with poor drainage properties, such as clay, can hinder water absorption, causing it to pool on your patio. This issue tends to worsen during heavy rainfall.
Gutter And Downspout Runoff
Gutters and downspouts channel rainwater from your roof and guide it away from the foundation. However, if these systems are not adequately managed, they can inadvertently cause water to accumulate on your patio.
- When downspouts discharge water directly onto the patio surface, rather than redirecting it further away, the excess water can pool and create standing water issues.
- Sometimes, downspouts become disconnected or damaged, causing water to flow in unintended directions, including onto the patio.
- Downspouts without adequate extensions may release water too close to the house, leading to pooling on the patio and potential damage to the foundation.
Clogged Drainage System
Debris, such as leaves, soil, or twigs, can accumulate in drainage channels, eavestroughs, and gutters, blocking the water flow. When these channels are clogged, water is prevented from draining away efficiently, leading to pooling issues on your patio. This obstruction can occur due to seasonal changes, wind, and general outdoor activity, resulting in a buildup restricting water passage.
Regular maintenance is critical. Clean out gutters, downspouts, and drainage channels frequently. Installing gutter guards can help minimize debris accumulation.
Impermeable Materials
Impermeable materials do not easily allow water to pass through them. Examples include non-porous stones, asphalt, certain types of tiles, and sometimes concrete. These materials are commonly used in constructing patios, driveways, and other hardscapes.
Unlike porous materials, which absorb and allow water to seep through them into the ground below, impermeable materials create a solid barrier that prevents water infiltration. As a result, rainwater or any other form of water will stay on the surface until it is either drained away or evaporates.
Underground Issues
A high water table can cause water to pool on the surface, particularly during periods of high rainfall. This underground issue can prevent water from draining away properly.
When an underground spring is present near or beneath your patio, it continuously supplies water to the surface or the surrounding soil. Unlike surface water from rain, an underground spring maintains a consistent flow of water, which can exacerbate water pooling issues in areas like patios.
Sump Pump Discharge
Sump pumps are commonly installed in the lowest part of your basement or crawlspace to help prevent flooding by pumping out accumulated water. Sump pumps collect water in a sump basin and discharge it away from the home and its foundation. However, if the discharge is not managed correctly, it can create additional water pooling issues.
If the discharge point is too close to your patio or the home’s foundation, the water can flow back toward these areas, leading to pooling and potential water damage.
What Issues Does Pooling Water Create?
Pooling water around your patio, foundation, or other areas of your property can cause various problems.
Here are some critical issues linked to water pooling:
- Foundation Damage: Prolonged water exposure can weaken your home’s foundation, leading to cracks and potential structural instability.
- Patio Damage: Constant moisture can lead to the degradation of patio materials, causing cracks, warping, and discoloration. Freeze-thaw cycles can further damage paved or concrete surfaces as the water expands when it freezes.
- Basement Flooding: Pooling water can seep through foundation cracks or porous basement walls, leading to basement flooding. Even minor seepage can result in persistent dampness, promoting mold growth and compromising your home’s indoor air quality.
- Sump Pump Overload: Continuous pooling water can overload the sump pump system, leading to potential failures and subsequent basement flooding. Regular maintenance and correctly installed discharge systems are crucial to prevent such issues.
- Soil Erosion: Pooling water can erode the soil around the patio and foundation, destabilizing the ground and leading to uneven surfaces. Erosion can also affect landscaping features, leading to the loss of plants and soil nutrients.
- Saturated Soil: Excessive water can oversaturate soil, weakening its structure and making it more prone to erosion and subsidence. Saturated soil can impede plant growth, leading to unhealthy lawns and garden beds.
How To Install Drainage Around A Patio To Avoid Standing Water
As discussed above, standing water can damage your patio and foundation. Installing drainage around the patio is the best way to prevent these issues.
Here are some steps you can take to ensure that water drains out properly from your property:
Determine The Source Of The Water Problem And Fix It First
Before implementing any drainage solutions, identify the source of the water problem first. It could be poor grading, a leaking gutter, or other issues. Fixing the source will make the overall drainage system more effective.
Solution 1: Install A French Drain
A French drain is a trench designed to redirect surface water and groundwater away from specific areas, such as a house’s foundation or a waterlogged patio or yard. Its primary components include a trench lined with landscape fabric, a perforated pipe, and gravel.
How to Install:
- Trench Excavation: A shallow trench is dug in the problem area where water pools.
- Lining with Fabric: The trench is lined with a water-permeable landscape fabric. This fabric helps prevent soil and debris from entering the pipe.
- Installing the Perforated Pipe: A perforated pipe is placed at the bottom of the trench. This pipe collects and channels excess water.
- Adding Gravel: The pipe is covered with several layers of gravel or stone. The gravel lining allows water to flow into the pipe while providing structural stability.
- Backfilling: Once the gravel is in place, the trench is covered with soil and topped with sod or other surface materials.
Solution 2: A Dry Well
Drywells are underground structures designed to temporarily store excess water and allow it to percolate slowly into the surrounding soil.
How to Install:
- Choosing a Location: A suitable location is chosen away from the property for digging the dry well.
- Excavating a Hole: A large hole houses the dry well.
- Lining the Hole: The hole may be lined with a fabric to prevent soil from entering the dry well.
- Installing the Drywell Unit: A prefabricated dry well unit or a gravel-filled hole is placed inside the excavation.
- Creating Inflow Points: Inlet points or pipes direct excess water from the patio into the dry well.
- Filling and Covering: After the dry well is installed, the remaining space around it is filled with gravel or soil, and the area is covered as needed.
Solution 3: A Swale Or Terracing
Apart from French drains and dry wells, you can also install swales and terracing on your patio.
- Swales: A swale is a shallow, sloped ditch lined with grass or other vegetation to slow the movement of water, allowing it to be absorbed into the ground rather than running off immediately.
- Terracing: Terracing involves building a series of stepped levels on a slope, often held in place by walls or layers of soil and vegetation. This technique breaks a slope into multiple flat areas, decreasing the water flow velocity and promoting absorption.
Leave It Up To The Pros
Epp Foundation Repair offers basement waterproofing and drainage solutions to control home water issues. While DIY drainage systems can be fun and rewarding, they can also be tedious and costly if not done correctly. If you’re unsure what type of drainage system is best for your home or how to install it, contact Epp Foundation Repair today!
