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How to improve backyard drainage?

Skimmo24
Growing in Experience

How to improve backyard drainage?

Hello experts!

Seeking some advice in relation to sorting out drainage issues in my enclosed courtyard area.

 

I was thinking of doing a french drain as per the photos attached (red line with yellow marks would be slotted pipe). This would connect to a storm drain located just outside of the enclosed area.

IMG_2345.jpeg

IMG_2346.jpeg

I would be looking at digging a 100mm deep trench, filling it with geotextile and drainage rocks before laying the slotted pipe. 

In relation to connecting this pipe to the stormwater drain, will be using a plumber to make sure this part is done correctly.

 

An alternative option I thought of was drilling weep holes through the enclosing walls to allow water to drain outwards. The enclosed area is slightly higher than the grass outside.

 

IMG_2344.jpeg

 

The entire courtyard will eventually be covered in synthetic turf.

 

Would this idea work? What other solution options do I have?

 

Thank you!

EricL
Bunnings Team Member
Bunnings Team Member

Re: DIY backyard drainage

Hi @Skimmo24 

 

Please keep us updated with your progress, we look forward to seeing your drainage project complete and ready for use.

 

Eric

 

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Skimmo24
Growing in Experience

Re: DIY backyard drainage

Hey guys,

 

Just finished building my french drains with socked agi pipe and non woven geotextile fabric. This is what it looks like now. 

IMG_2454.jpeg

 

IMG_2451.jpeg

I used recycled 20mm drainage rock to save $20 (not worth it) and it was an absolute struggle… i spent more time washing the dirt off the recycled rock than actually laying the rocks into the trench.


We had some rainfall last night and can confirm that the drain works (water was flowing into the stormwater pipe).

 

The photo attached below is what it used to look like with one days of rain.

IMG_1876.jpeg

Learning points

* check weather before digging your own trenches 

* spend the extra $20 per tonne and get clean 20mm blue metal rock, not recycled 20mm drainage rock

 

With the drainage now done, time to move onto synthetic turf!

EricL
Bunnings Team Member
Bunnings Team Member

Re: DIY backyard drainage

Hello @Skimmo24 

 

Thank you so much for posting that update. Your French drain looks great, I'm looking forward to seeing the area covered with artificial turf. 

 

Eric

 

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