Proper Water Drainage

Gutters

• Gutters collect rainwater from the roof of the house and downspouts direct it away from the house's foundation. Putting extensions on the downspouts helps direct the water in a direction that allows it to follow the natural slope of the land away from the house. Burying the downspout drain lines that take the water away from the house removes excess water from the topsoil. To further protect this system, the drain lines should rest over a shallow bed of gravel to help prevent water from eroding the soil under them.

Grading

• As contractors complete the building of a house, they grade the soil surrounding the house so it slopes away from the structure. Ideally, the lawn should slope 1 to 2 feet for every 100 feet away from the house. If there is a problem with landscape slope, you can redirect water runoff. A skid-steer loader can remove the topsoil and reconfigure the slope as necessary. When the project is complete, the topsoil goes back on the ground and the grass replanted.

Berms or Curbs

• Water directed away from the house via gutters and slope grading needs a natural outlet to the into a storm drain or drainage ditch. Typically, professional landscapers use heavy equipment to create the tightly-compacted earthen barriers, or berms, approximately 12 to 18 inches tall that direct the water's flow. Grass sown on the berms make them appear part of the landscape. The base of the berms may have a rock lining to help prevent erosion if a lot of water flows through it. Another alternative is to pour concrete to create curbs to direct the water into a storm drain.

Maintenance

• Over time, water can damage any water drainage system. When you see damage to the gutters, repair them. Keep debris from collecting in them, which can plug them and cause water to overflow the sides. Sediment from water runoff may eventually reduce the effectiveness of berms. It may be necessary to remove the sediment buildup with special heavy equipment. After cleaning is complete, it's necessary to add more rock to the low portion of the berm or to reseed it.