Drainage Solutions for a Garage Entrance

Unclog Drains

• If your driveway and garage are not new constructions and the drainage issues have developed only recently, check all drains and gutters around the home. Leaves, sticks and other organic matter should be cleaned regularly so water runoff can easily flow away from the home. Check the driveway and lawn over any underground drain pipes. If the ground feels soft or shows signs of erosion, dig down to the drain pipes and insert a drain snake down both ends of the pipe to pull out the debris.

Drain Channel

• Driveways are typically built on a slope toward the street, but the topography of some yards results in a driveway that slopes toward the home. Even a slight slope will cause water to flow directly toward the garage. The best way to direct this water away from the garage is to install a drain channel across the driveway just ahead of the garage entrance. A drain channel is a fabricated unit made from plastic, metal and other durable materials. The U-shaped unit lies horizontally, with the open side facing the sky. A grating unit is attached over the top with PVC cement. The grating is left exposed and level with the driveway so that water can flow from the pavement into the channel. Attach the end of the channel farthest from the home to an underground drainpipe running toward the street or a safe outlet.

Exterior Side Door

• If the water accumulation spreads to the exterior garage door, cut back the walkway. Installing underground drain pipes is a simple way to direct water away from the door to a dry area in the yard or the street. The trench should be a foot deep and 10 inches wide. Lay perforated drain pipes over a bed of gravel, and cover them with more gravel as a barrier against debris. Plant flood-resistant grass over the gravel and near the garage door to help absorb excess water.

French Drain

• Installing a French drain system along both sides of the driveway will capture water runoff and direct it away from the entrance. The trench should be 6 inches deeper than the driveway foundation, or about 18 inches deep, and 12 inches wide in order to capture and distribute water quickly. Lay 4-inch perforated drain tiles over 6 inches of clean gravel, and fill the rest of the trench with more gravel. Use decorative pebbles over the top to add beauty, while keeping the drainpipes accessible in case they get clogged.