Drainage Solutions For Hills District Yards

Manage The Water Before It Becomes A Problem

Managing the ground surface water runoff is vital as not only will it cause damage to your property, it can also cause damage to your neighbours property and can end up with council action if it is not managed correctly.
Pollutants and nutrients from the land into nearby waterways, which can harm aquatic ecosystems and compromise water quality after heavy rain. Read more about stormwater and drainage here.

Is your home’s roofing and guttering properly functioning?
Are the down pipes clear and draining into the stormwater system?
Do you need to add larger gutters or extra down pipes to deal with heavy rainfall?

Gutters and downpipes are designed to collect and channel water from the roof of a home and direct it away from the foundation and onto the ground.
If gutters or downpipes are clogged or damaged, water may overflow or pool around the foundation of the home, which can lead to water damage, foundation problems, and other issues.

Do You Have Paved Or Concreted Areas?

Connecting hard surfaces such as driveways and pathways to the stormwater system can also help to manage water runoff.
Permeable surfaces are also options and these allow water to pass through it and infiltrate into the ground below.
This can be an effective way to reduce water runoff and prevent flooding in a backyard, particularly in areas with heavy rainfall or poor drainage.

Permeable pavements can be made from a variety of materials, including porous concrete, asphalt, or pavers.
This allows water to flow through the pavement and into a gravel bed or other porous layer below, where it can slowly infiltrate into the soil.

While permeable pavements can be effective in reducing water runoff and preventing flooding, it is important to ensure that the underlying soil is able to absorb and filter the water properly. Additionally, proper installation and maintenance of the permeable pavement are critical to ensure its effectiveness over time.

Gravel Pits For Drainage

This is the type of drainage system that is commonly used in backyards, particularly in areas with sloping terrain or areas that experience heavy rainfall. It consists of a pit or trench filled with gravel or other porous materials that allow water to flow through it easily.

The purpose of a gravel pit drainage system is to help manage excess water in the backyard.
When it rains, water can accumulate in low-lying areas of the yard, creating puddles or even flooding.
This can be problematic for a number of reasons, including causing damage to property and making it difficult to use the backyard for recreational activities.

A gravel pit drainage system works by collecting water in the pit or trench and allowing it to slowly drain away. The gravel or other porous material in the pit allows water to filter through it and into the soil below, where it can be absorbed and eventually return to the groundwater supply.

In the Hills district of Sydney, gravel pit drainage systems are often used because the area is known for its hilly terrain and heavy rainfall. The Hills district receives an average of around 900mm of rainfall per year, which can lead to water accumulation in low-lying areas of backyards.

Gravel pit drainage systems are a cost-effective and environmentally friendly way to manage excess water in backyards. They require minimal maintenance and can be installed relatively quickly and easily. They are also effective at reducing the risk of erosion and runoff, which can be important considerations in areas with steep slopes or areas that are prone to flooding.

Overall, a gravel pit drainage system is a simple but effective way to manage excess water in the backyard. By allowing water to slowly filter through the gravel and into the soil below, it can help prevent flooding, reduce erosion, and protect property from water damage.

A French Drain Installation May Be A Drainage Solution

If a gravel pit is not suitable there are several alternatives that an Australian plumber can suggest to address the boggy backyard issue. These include:

French Drain: A French drain is a type of underground drainage system that consists of a perforated drainage pipe surrounded by gravel. Water is collected by the pipe and directed away from the problem area. This type of system can be effective in areas with heavy rainfall and can be installed relatively easily by a plumber.

A French drain is an underground drainage system that is designed to redirect water away from a problem area, such as a boggy backyard. It consists of a perforated pipe surrounded by gravel or other porous material that allows water to flow through and be redirected.

The French drain is typically installed by digging a trench along the problem area and laying the perforated pipe at the bottom of the trench. The pipe is then covered with a layer of gravel or other porous material, which helps to filter out any debris and allows water to flow through. The trench is then filled with soil, and grass or other vegetation can be planted on top to help prevent erosion.

The key to the effectiveness of a French drain is the perforated pipe, which allows water to enter the drain and be redirected away from the problem area. The pipe is typically made of PVC or other durable materials and is perforated with small holes or slits that allow water to enter. The pipe is also sloped slightly to ensure that water flows away from the problem area.

French drains are particularly effective in areas with heavy rainfall, as they can help prevent flooding and water damage to buildings and other structures. They can also be used to redirect water away from septic systems or other areas that are sensitive to excess water.

Overall, a French drain is a reliable and cost-effective solution for managing excess water in a backyard or other problem area. It can be installed relatively quickly and can provide long-lasting protection against water damage and erosion.
A plumber or landscape professional can help determine the best type of French drain system for a particular situation and provide guidance on installation and maintenance. Read more about French drain installation here

Using A Swale As A Drainage Option

A swale is a shallow, vegetated depression or ditch that is designed to manage and redirect surface water runoff. It is typically used to control water flow and prevent erosion in areas where there is a slope or low-lying area on a property. Swales are an effective drainage solution because they slow down and absorb water, allowing it to infiltrate into the soil and recharge groundwater.

Swales can be constructed in different ways depending on the specific site conditions and desired outcomes. Generally, a swale is constructed by digging a shallow, gently sloping ditch or depression that follows the contour of the land.
The bottom of the swale is then lined with a layer of gravel or rock, which helps to promote infiltration and prevent erosion. The sides of the swale are typically planted with grass or other vegetation that can help to absorb water and stabilize the soil.

In Australian backyards, swales are becoming an increasingly popular drainage solution, particularly in areas prone to heavy rainfall or flooding. Swales can be a drainage channel  to manage and redirect water runoff from roofs, driveways, and other impervious surfaces, and they can be designed to complement the overall aesthetic of the landscape.

It’s important to note that the construction of a swale requires careful planning and consideration of the site’s specific conditions, including soil type, slope, and drainage patterns. For this reason, it’s recommended that homeowners consult with a professional landscaper or drainage expert before constructing a swale on their property. Read more about swales here

Rain Gardens And Drainage Solutions

A rain garden can be a good solution for backyards that flood, as it is designed to capture and filter rainwater runoff. Rain gardens are essentially shallow, planted depressions that are designed to absorb and filter stormwater runoff from impervious surfaces such as rooftops, driveways, and patios. The plants and grains of soil in the rain garden act as a natural filter, removing pollutants and nutrients from the water before it infiltrates into the soil.

Rain gardens can be suitable for suburban homes, as they can be designed to fit into a variety of different spaces, including small backyards. In fact, rain gardens can be particularly effective in suburban areas where there is limited green space and high levels of impervious surfaces. By capturing and filtering stormwater runoff, rain gardens can help to reduce the risk of flooding, improve water quality, and enhance the overall aesthetic of the landscape.

While rain gardens are generally suitable for suburban homes, their effectiveness may depend on the specific site conditions. For example, if the soil on the property is poorly drained or compacted, a rain garden may not be as effective at absorbing and filtering stormwater runoff. Additionally, the size and design of the rain garden should be appropriate for the amount of stormwater runoff generated on the property.

In terms of acreage, rain gardens can also be effective in larger properties, as they can be designed to accommodate larger volumes of stormwater runoff. However, the design and construction of a rain garden on an acreage may require additional planning and preparation to ensure that it is effective and properly integrated into the larger landscape. Read more about rain gardens here

A Dry Well As A Drainage Option?

A dry well is a structure designed to collect and store excess water from a low-lying area on a property. It is essentially a large hole or pit filled with gravel or rock that allows water to slowly infiltrate into the surrounding soil. Dry wells are an effective drainage solution because they can help to prevent flooding and water damage by capturing and storing excess water in a drainage basin or catch basin. It is almost like creating a holding tank for the water while it is absorbed into the soil,

In Australian homes, dry wells are commonly used as a drainage solution in areas that are prone to flooding or have poor soil drainage. Dry wells can be installed in a variety of different locations, including in the backyard, underneath driveways or other impervious surfaces, or alongside the foundation of a home.

To construct a dry well, a large hole or pit is excavated and filled with gravel or rock. The size and depth of the pit will depend on the amount of water that needs to be collected and the soil type and drainage characteristics of the site. The dry well is typically covered with a layer of fabric to prevent soil from entering and clogging the drain.

When excess water flows into the dry well, it slowly infiltrates into the surrounding soil through the spaces between the gravel or rock. This helps to reduce the amount of water that runs off the property and can help to prevent flooding and water damage.

It’s important to note that the effectiveness of a dry well will depend on the specific site conditions and the amount of water that needs to be managed.
In some cases, multiple dry wells may be needed to adequately manage stormwater runoff.
The construction of a dry well should be done in accordance with local regulations and guidelines to ensure that it is installed safely and effectively.

Still wondering what Drainage options are going to be suitable for your yard?

The most appropriate solution will depend on the specific characteristics of the backyard and the amount of rainfall the area receives. A drainage expert plumber such as Plumbmaster Plumbing, or landscape professional can help determine the best drainage options are going to work best for your property.

Get in touch with out team today and we can give you some ideas of what we know works in the Hills District.