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FrankChief25 Mar 2024 09:35Hello,
we are struggling with waterlogging in our garden.
The soil profile is as follows:
approximately 50cm (20 inches) of topsoil
then about 1.5m (5 feet) of a slightly compacted clay layer
below that is marl
We also have a soakaway in the garden, but maintaining a constant slope towards it is difficult due to uneven soil settling. The topsoil is also quite clayey and absorbs water like a sponge.
My question to you is: which drainage system would you recommend? We plan to loosen the topsoil with plenty of sand, but will do that only after installing the drainage system. Would you advise a vertical or horizontal drainage system?
Vertical: drilling larger holes through the clay layer and filling them with pipes wrapped in geotextile fabric and gravel.
Horizontal: installing a drainage system in the garden, such as a drain belt, which directs the water away and into the soakaway.
Does anyone here know the drain belt system? It is said to be completely maintenance-free for life and easy to install yourself.
we are struggling with waterlogging in our garden.
The soil profile is as follows:
approximately 50cm (20 inches) of topsoil
then about 1.5m (5 feet) of a slightly compacted clay layer
below that is marl
We also have a soakaway in the garden, but maintaining a constant slope towards it is difficult due to uneven soil settling. The topsoil is also quite clayey and absorbs water like a sponge.
My question to you is: which drainage system would you recommend? We plan to loosen the topsoil with plenty of sand, but will do that only after installing the drainage system. Would you advise a vertical or horizontal drainage system?
Vertical: drilling larger holes through the clay layer and filling them with pipes wrapped in geotextile fabric and gravel.
Horizontal: installing a drainage system in the garden, such as a drain belt, which directs the water away and into the soakaway.
Does anyone here know the drain belt system? It is said to be completely maintenance-free for life and easy to install yourself.
W
WilderSueden25 Mar 2024 09:48Where does the soakaway discharge to? Directly into the clay and marl? Neither of these soils are very permeable, with marl being even less so than clay. What do you do if the soakaway is full after three days of rain? Does it have an overflow to the sewer, or does it flood the entire property?
You’re already jumping too far ahead by asking about the specific drainage system. First, it needs to be clarified where the drainage water is going. How severe is the issue throughout the seasons? Clayey soil has the advantage in summer that it retains water longer than, for example, sandy soil. If you use drainage to remove the water, you will probably need to water more during the summer.
And I don’t believe in maintenance-free drainage systems. Every drainage system clogs up over a few years due to fine particles and needs to be flushed regularly. You can reduce the problem somewhat, but never completely eliminate it.
You’re already jumping too far ahead by asking about the specific drainage system. First, it needs to be clarified where the drainage water is going. How severe is the issue throughout the seasons? Clayey soil has the advantage in summer that it retains water longer than, for example, sandy soil. If you use drainage to remove the water, you will probably need to water more during the summer.
And I don’t believe in maintenance-free drainage systems. Every drainage system clogs up over a few years due to fine particles and needs to be flushed regularly. You can reduce the problem somewhat, but never completely eliminate it.
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FrankChief25 Mar 2024 09:55The infiltration trench is approximately 4 m deep (13 feet) and quite large (underneath the clay layer).
If the infiltration trench is full, there is an overflow onto the street and then into the sewer system.
The waterlogging is severe enough that after almost every rainfall, water remains standing for 1-2 days. After heavier rain showers, it can last 3-4 days or even longer.
The downside is that the lawn becomes unwalkable after each rain, and plants die due to waterlogging.
The drain belt absorbs water from below through small slits, which (according to the manufacturer) requires no maintenance.
The drain belt is said to be resistant to silting up.
If the infiltration trench is full, there is an overflow onto the street and then into the sewer system.
The waterlogging is severe enough that after almost every rainfall, water remains standing for 1-2 days. After heavier rain showers, it can last 3-4 days or even longer.
The downside is that the lawn becomes unwalkable after each rain, and plants die due to waterlogging.
The drain belt absorbs water from below through small slits, which (according to the manufacturer) requires no maintenance.
The drain belt is said to be resistant to silting up.
T
Thorben1081 Feb 2025 18:12Hello Frank,
may I ask if you have decided on one of the systems? I have a similar issue in my garden and am considering whether to install this Drainbelt drainage system. It sounds perfectly logical and reasonable to me, but I am surprised there is hardly any experience shared about it online. Perhaps you have gathered some experience.
Best regards
may I ask if you have decided on one of the systems? I have a similar issue in my garden and am considering whether to install this Drainbelt drainage system. It sounds perfectly logical and reasonable to me, but I am surprised there is hardly any experience shared about it online. Perhaps you have gathered some experience.
Best regards
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