Water run-off problem
#1
10-29-17, 05:42 PM
Water run-off problem
Hi all, There is some water running off my neighbor's property causing a mess on mine. I've included a few pictures. My yard is on a steep slope but comes to a level area at the bottom. The run-off from the neighbor's yard creates a muddy spot in the grass at the front corner of my fence and also the entire grassy area behind the fence is just a mess. The grass isnt growing well and it's wet all the time, plus the water pools at the bottom of the hill towards the back of the fence where it is semi-flat. I would eventually like to landscape the grassy area behind the fence and also the flat area at the bottom, by the back of the fence. My neighbor uses a lot of herbicides and pesticides that I dont want running off into my yard. Behind my fence is all forest and I can run the water all the way behind my fence but I'm not sure what is the best way to do it. I hope that made sense. I'd appreciate any suggests. Thanks.
#3
10-30-17, 06:21 AM
Group Moderator
#4
10-30-17, 01:14 PM
Member
If you want to put in some elbow grease:
Dig up the grass in a line that runs down your backyard to a good drop off point, dig an 8-10 inch trench, place landscape fabric down (3-4 feet wide should be OK), put down 1 inch of gravel, put perforated pipe down the length of the problem area, put regular pipe down the rest of the it, cover the pipe with gravel, cover it with the remaining landscaping fabric (like it's a gravel-drain burrito), put the dirt and grass back over it. Done.
You'll have yourself a hidden french drain system. As a plus, grass is more likely to grow as the excess water drains once it gets saturated.
The picture is what you're doing. Ensure you use fabric or the drain will clog.
Dig up the grass in a line that runs down your backyard to a good drop off point, dig an 8-10 inch trench, place landscape fabric down (3-4 feet wide should be OK), put down 1 inch of gravel, put perforated pipe down the length of the problem area, put regular pipe down the rest of the it, cover the pipe with gravel, cover it with the remaining landscaping fabric (like it's a gravel-drain burrito), put the dirt and grass back over it. Done.
You'll have yourself a hidden french drain system. As a plus, grass is more likely to grow as the excess water drains once it gets saturated.
The picture is what you're doing. Ensure you use fabric or the drain will clog.
Last edited by Sunburn; 10-30-17 at 01:18 PM. Reason: Picture
#6
10-30-17, 01:49 PM
Maybe although it's illegal in most locales to intentionally change your grade in a manner that sends water to a neighbor's property. Ideally the swale would be on your neighbor's side but that takes his cooperation.
#7
10-30-17, 02:58 PM
Member
Building a hill would require the neighbors OK, and may introduce more problems as you're directing the water closer to your house. Plus, it'd mess up how the fence looks.
Going with the french drain would be the best option, IMO, with your future intentions in mind. It doesn't look like you have to fight tree roots and the natural slope in your backyard is perfect to drain the rainwater out. I'd drive it all the way out to the forest area to ensure you never have to deal with any other puddles.
Note: The gravel part of the french drain is only for the perforated drain pipe, this would be right under the puddle areas so it collects your run off too. You can run the closed pipe all the way without any fabric or gravel. Looks like you'd need no more than two perforated pipe, I think they come in 10 foot increments at stores. The regular drain pipe comes in 25-100 ft lengths, and you need one/two inline connectors and one end piece connector.
Going with the french drain would be the best option, IMO, with your future intentions in mind. It doesn't look like you have to fight tree roots and the natural slope in your backyard is perfect to drain the rainwater out. I'd drive it all the way out to the forest area to ensure you never have to deal with any other puddles.
Note: The gravel part of the french drain is only for the perforated drain pipe, this would be right under the puddle areas so it collects your run off too. You can run the closed pipe all the way without any fabric or gravel. Looks like you'd need no more than two perforated pipe, I think they come in 10 foot increments at stores. The regular drain pipe comes in 25-100 ft lengths, and you need one/two inline connectors and one end piece connector.
#8
10-30-17, 04:58 PM
i didnt consider that a hill would change the grade or direct water towards my house, so i appreciate you guys pointing that out, and also that it's probably illegal. Looks like i'll go with your options. thanks!
Last edited by ltseng; 10-30-17 at 05:14 PM.
