Low Maintenance Drainage Solutions for Busy Homeowners

Have your dreams of vibrant, green grass been cast to the wayside because your schedule is too busy to keep up with your yard? You’re not alone. Many homeowners struggle with finding the time to care for their landscaping properly. But life will always be busy–so this post will introduce three low-maintenance drainage solutions for homeowners with busy lives. After all, everyone deserves a healthy yard. French Drain Drainage Solution French drains are a common drainage solution whether you’re busy or not–they look good, work efficiently, and can be installed in a variety of environments. A French drain is a trench filled with gravel and a perforated pipe designed to divert groundwater or surface water from a specific area, such as a home’s foundation. They work by using gravity to draw water downhill through the stones and into the pipe, where it then flows to the desired location. There are many benefits to a French drain system, including functionality, aesthetics, and affordability. They prevent flooding by redirecting water flow and preventing it from building up in unwanted areas. Similarly, French drains also minimize toxic rainwater runoff, control erosion, and protect landscaping and hardscaping from mold and structural damage. Additionally, French drains are often more affordable to install and maintain than other drainage systems. They’re aesthetically pleasing solutions that can be covered with small rocks, plants, and decorative grates to blend with your landscaping. Above all, you’re getting a bang for your buck; French drains require little maintenance, are extremely durable, and can last 30 to 40 years. Dry Well Drainage Solution A dry well is a buried underground pit or chamber that collects and temporarily stores rooftop stormwater runoff. It is usually between 30 and 70 feet deep and 3 feet wide and made of concrete or plastic. It is lined with perforated castings, backfilled with stone or gravel, and connected to roof downspouts through underground piping. The dry well works by allowing rainwater to slowly drain out of the holes in the perforated drum and into the surrounding soil. Dry well systems also have benefits. Dry wells do a fantastic job of reducing stormwater runoff from a property. This, in turn, helps prevent erosion, sedimentation, and flooding. They also reduce the amount of pollutants that would flow into nearby streams and storm drains otherwise. Dry wells also help recharge groundwater by slowly draining water into the ground, replenishing aquifers and other underground water sources. A single dry well can meet the water needs of up to 10 households. Additionally, dry wells are a great drainage solution for tight spaces or urban areas, as they often only require a 6-foot diameter manhole at the surface. They’re also economical, as the equipment and materials needed to construct them are commonplace and readily available. Catch Basin Drainage Solution Catch basins, also known as storm drains, may be less common in residential yards but are no less effective. Catch basins are drainage structures that collect and temporarily store rainwater and other precipitation runoff from paved surfaces like roads, sidewalks, or parking lots. They’re usually made of concrete or metal and built right into the ground, the top of the basin being level with the surface. They contain a grate with a pipe that transfers excess water from the area, typically into an underground storm drain pipe system. Catch basins are also connected to a plumbing system that directs the water and debris to a sewage facility, reservoir, or sump. Catch basins are incredibly effective for flood prevention, protecting the streets and private property damage. They also help protect watersheds from pollutants washing into rivers or streams. They contain other debris that would otherwise enter natural waterways or the municipal water system, keeping waterways clean and the environment protected. Because of their low-maintenance nature, they are cost-effective over time; they can last up to 50 years when cleaned, inspected, and repaired appropriately. Conclusion Drainage goes hand-in-hand with landscaping and hardscaping, so you want to invest in a drainage system that meets your needs and doesn’t conflict with your schedule. French drains, dry wells, and catch basins are effective drainage solutions because they work efficiently with minimal maintenance or effort from the homeowner. Don’t let drainage be the reason your dream yard is out of reach.