Dear building professionals
My wife and I are planning our new build. I would like to install a drainage system, but I’m not sure how extensive it should be. Is it enough to install drainage all around the house (like a moat)? What about the garden? I have a garden both in front of and behind the house. Or should I lay pipes in a serpentine pattern throughout the entire garden?
Thank you very much!
My wife and I are planning our new build. I would like to install a drainage system, but I’m not sure how extensive it should be. Is it enough to install drainage all around the house (like a moat)? What about the garden? I have a garden both in front of and behind the house. Or should I lay pipes in a serpentine pattern throughout the entire garden?
Thank you very much!
S
Stefan00129 Jul 2021 13:55ypg schrieb:
Me too 🙂
Furthermore, with proper planning, the drainage should ultimately be connected to the downspouts and the sewer piping, which depends on the wastewater system design. This way, the drainage system is based on the actual house layout rather than an estimate made in the excavation pit. However, you also need to carefully check what is permitted regarding rainwater discharge into the sewer system or if it must be infiltrated on-site, etc.
Stefan001 schrieb:
You really need to check exactly what is allowed regarding stormwater going into the sewage system or only infiltration on private property, etc. That’s why I would focus on other matters right now. This issue will arise naturally and be dealt with when the time comes.
We need to have a drainage plan created and submitted to the local authority. Our architect is handling this and was able to answer all our questions, including rainwater drainage into a cistern, the size of the cistern, perimeter drains around the house, wastewater drainage into the sewer system, and so on.
B
BBaumeister29 Jul 2021 14:47It largely depends on the ground conditions. For example, we have very rocky and clayey soil, where water sometimes flows horizontally and presses against the basement wall. Are you planning to construct the basement as a waterproof concrete box (also known as a "white tank")?
Regarding the garden: here too, it depends on the soil's infiltration capacity. If the soil is typical, a drainage system is generally not necessary. However, the soil will be compacted due to the construction work regardless. If the soil has normal characteristics, it should at least be loosened using a rotary tiller. Ideally, compost is also incorporated.
If the soil is heavily rocky or clayey, installing drainage can make sense. We have a drainage pipe every five meters (16 feet) beneath the lawn. At the far end of the garden, the pipes converge. The water is drained into a stream located behind the garden.
Regarding the garden: here too, it depends on the soil's infiltration capacity. If the soil is typical, a drainage system is generally not necessary. However, the soil will be compacted due to the construction work regardless. If the soil has normal characteristics, it should at least be loosened using a rotary tiller. Ideally, compost is also incorporated.
If the soil is heavily rocky or clayey, installing drainage can make sense. We have a drainage pipe every five meters (16 feet) beneath the lawn. At the far end of the garden, the pipes converge. The water is drained into a stream located behind the garden.
We also have clayey, rocky soil but decided against drainage and opted for a waterproof concrete shell instead. Reasons: less maintenance and more reliable protection.
To prevent puddles in the garden, mixing some sand into the topsoil helps. Essentially, this reduces the clay content at the surface by adding sand.
For example, we are not allowed to redirect drainage water from our property to another location.
To prevent puddles in the garden, mixing some sand into the topsoil helps. Essentially, this reduces the clay content at the surface by adding sand.
For example, we are not allowed to redirect drainage water from our property to another location.
lukaszimmerman8 Oct 2024 14:27Hello,
I would also like to share my experience on this topic.
A drainage system around the house, as you described, is definitely a good idea and often the first step to protect the building from water accumulation and moisture. This so-called “perimeter drainage” helps keep water away from the foundation, which is especially important in damp or clay soils.
Regarding the garden, it strongly depends on the soil conditions and slope. For example, if you have heavy, poorly draining soil, it might make sense to install additional drain pipes in the garden. It doesn’t necessarily have to be laid in serpentine patterns, but you could place drains strategically where water tends to collect, such as in depressions or areas that remain particularly damp. A professional can conduct a soil analysis and recommend targeted measures if needed, rather than installing drainage throughout the entire garden.
I would also like to share my experience on this topic.
A drainage system around the house, as you described, is definitely a good idea and often the first step to protect the building from water accumulation and moisture. This so-called “perimeter drainage” helps keep water away from the foundation, which is especially important in damp or clay soils.
Regarding the garden, it strongly depends on the soil conditions and slope. For example, if you have heavy, poorly draining soil, it might make sense to install additional drain pipes in the garden. It doesn’t necessarily have to be laid in serpentine patterns, but you could place drains strategically where water tends to collect, such as in depressions or areas that remain particularly damp. A professional can conduct a soil analysis and recommend targeted measures if needed, rather than installing drainage throughout the entire garden.
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