How to Install Drainage Pipes in Your Landscape: A Step-by-Step Guide
Introduction
If you have problems with standing water in your yard after a heavy rainfall, you may need to install drainage pipes to solve the issue. Installing drainage pipes in your yard can be a daunting task, but with the right information and equipment, it can be done effectively. In this guide, we will take you through the steps to install drainage pipes in your landscape.
Step 1: Identify the Problem Areas in Your Yard
The first step in installing drainage pipes is to identify the areas in your yard that have standing water after a heavy rainfall. The easiest way to locate these areas is to observe your yard during a heavy rainfall, or the aftermath of one. You can also use a long stick or garden tool to probe the soil, which will help you locate the areas where the soil is soggy.
Step 2: Plan Your Drainage System
Once you have identified the problem areas in your yard, you need to plan your drainage system. This involves deciding the type of drainage system you want to install, the size of the pipes you need, and the location of the drainage outlets. If you have a small yard, you can install a simple drainage system with a single pipe leading to the street. For larger yards, you may need to install a more complex system with multiple pipes and outlets.
Types of Drainage Systems
There are two main types of drainage systems that you can install in your yard:
- Surface Drainage System: This type of system is used to move water from the surface of the ground to a lower area, such as a storm drain or a dry well. Surface drainage systems usually consist of a shallow trench filled with gravel and a perforated pipe. The water enters the pipe through the perforations and is carried away from the surface of the ground.
- Subsurface Drainage System: This type of system is used to remove water that has seeped beneath the surface of the soil. Subsurface drainage systems usually consist of a network of pipes buried beneath the ground. The pipes are perforated and have a slope that allows the water to flow towards a drainage outlet.
Size of the Pipes
The size of the pipes you need for your drainage system depends on the amount of water you need to remove from your yard. If you have a small yard with mild drainage issues, you can use a 4-inch diameter pipe. For larger yards or more severe drainage issues, you may need to use a 6-inch diameter pipe.
Location of the Drainage Outlets
The location of the drainage outlets is critical to the effectiveness of your drainage system. The drainage outlets should be located in an area where the water can flow freely, such as a storm drain, a dry well, or a natural drainage channel.
Step 3: Dig Trenches for the Pipes
The next step is to dig trenches for the pipes. The depth and width of the trenches will depend on the type and size of the pipes you are using. For a 4-inch pipe, the trench should be about 12 inches deep and 8 inches wide. For a 6-inch pipe, the trench should be about 18 inches deep and 12 inches wide.
Step 4: Install the Pipes
Once the trenches are dug, the pipes can be installed. If you are using a surface drainage system, place a layer of gravel at the bottom of the trench, then lay the perforated pipe on top of the gravel. Cover the pipe with another layer of gravel and then fill the trench with soil.
If you are using a subsurface drainage system, lay the perforated pipes in the trench with a slope of at least 1/8 inch per foot. Connect the pipes with couplings and elbows, then cover the pipes with gravel. Finally, cover the gravel with soil.
Step 5: Test Your Drainage System
Once the pipes are installed, it is important to test your drainage system. This can be done by pouring water into the trench or using a hose to soak the soil around the pipes. Check the drainage outlets to make sure that the water is flowing freely away from your yard.
Step 6: Cover the Trenches
After you have tested your drainage system, you can cover the trenches with soil. Make sure to compact the soil to prevent settling.
Conclusion
Installing drainage pipes in your yard can be a challenging task, but it is necessary to prevent standing water and improve the health of your landscape. By following these six steps, you can install a drainage system that will effectively remove excess water from your yard. Remember to always plan your drainage system carefully, use the right size pipes, and test your system before covering the trenches.