The Five Most Popular Types of Yard Drains

Drainage is one of the most important aspects of any yard or landscape design. It is essential to redirect water away from your home’s foundation to avoid flooding and water damage. Luckily, there are a number of different types of yard drains available to suit any need.

In this article, we will explore the most popular types of yard drains and their uses. French drains, swale drains, surface drains, slope drains, and perimeter drains are all efficient ways to redirect water away from your home. Keep reading to learn more about each type of drain and find the perfect one for your needs!

French Drain

If you have problems with a soggy yard or a wet basement, a French drain could be your answer. The purpose of a French drain is to collect and transport water away from your foundation. 

The basic concept around a French drain is that water runs downhill and by the easiest route possible. With a French drain the water runs into a gravel-filled trench, then into a perforated pipe near the bottom of the trench.

French drains may clog with mud and debris and will result in it water build-up that may flow into your home. This water can get into your foundation causing the weakening of the concrete creating pressure on the basement walls causing the foundation to buckle and crack over time. It’s important to check your French drain on a regular basis to make sure it is working properly.

Swale Drain

Swale drains are shallow ditches that blend in with the landscape design. They divert water and encourage natural irrigation. The water commonly flows into the ground or into a body of water. 

Swales are typically made by digging a trench in the ground and filling it with gravel, sand, or other material that can hold water. The trench will then be layered with grass sod so that it will retain its shape and allow water to flow through it. 

Surface Drain

A surface drain is the removal of water from the surface of the ground by creating shallow ditches, also called open drains. 

A surface drain system is used to collect water at ground level and channel it away from the home. If there is not enough slope to allow gravity to drain water away, it may be necessary to install a pump system.

Slope Drain

A slope drain is a drainage system used to collect and move storm runoff down the face of a slope. This usually consists of a berm at the top of the slope and a flexible pipe that extends from the top to the bottom of the slope. 

The purpose of a slope drain is to eliminate erosion caused by water runoff along the sides of a slope. The drain conveys concentrated runoff from the top to the bottom of a slope without causing erosion in transit.

Perimeter Drain

A perimeter drain is designed to prevent water from seeping into your basement. It is a plastic or PVC perforated pipe that is installed around the perimeter of your house to collect and drain away water from the foundation of your home. 

Over time perimeter drains can become clogged with dirt and roots and are unable to carry water away from your house. If the perimeter drain is clogged water may seep into your basement since concrete is not impermeable. It’s important to periodically have your perimeter drained checked to make sure that it is working as it should.

There are many different types of yard drains available on the market today. Choosing the right one for your home or business can be a daunting task. However, our experienced professionals at Impact Landscapes, LLC can help you select the best type of drain for your needs. Call us today for a free estimate!