How do I know if I have a drainage problem?
If you take a walk around the outside your property and notice areas where water has begun to accumulate in puddles, this is usually one of your first indicators to suggest there could be a drainage problem. However, in saying this, it is important to understand that water does not immediately disperse once in contact with soil. This is because the roots of your lawn act as a protective “barrier”. Sometimes these roots may become too protective which can cause your soil to become less permeable.
In this case, your lawn may require aeration to loosen up the soil which will allow for water and air to penetrate into the ground. This promotes a healthier environment for root growth which in turn can help reduce lawns effected by waterlogging.
Other signs of drainage problems may include:
Basement stains, flaky walls & foundation cracks – These are the most severe symptoms of a potential drainage problem. Some foundational cracks are normal depending on how old the property may be; however, larger cracks usually tend to be a cause for concern.
Abnormally coloured soil – Healthy looking soil has a vibrant colour indicating that it drains well throughout whereas compacted soil will have a dull, sometimes greyish tint to it.
Inhibitive spots (dead zones) – Do plants or grass struggle to survive in a particular area of your property? If so, this may indicate a drainage issue. This may not always be the case though and if your landscape suffers from this problem, we recommend having it inspected to rule out other possible causes. It is always better to be safe than sorry.
Gutter overflow – when water pours over your gutters and creates a tiny waterfall, this could indicator that your gutters are blocked and unable to drain excess water away
Pooling water – As mentioned above, pooling water is the most identifiable indicator of a drainage problem. If you notice that your lawn is waterlogging after a rainfall, it is evident that a drainage problem is the cause. You may find it is worse where your gutters and downspouts are located.
Odour – You know that smell when something is damp and has remained damp for awhile? Your lawn can produce a similar odour, and unless it is taken care of quickly, this smell will gradually worsen with time.
Common Causes of Poor Drainage
Poor landscape drainage is more common than you may think. With the amount of rainfall the lower mainland receives annually, it is inevitable that drainage issues can and will continue to occur if they are not resolved. There are a variety of reasons that could be causing the waterlogging on your property.
For example:
Clogged Gutters – Leaves and other foliage may be clogging up your gutters which can contribute to an excess amount of water on your property.
Soil Compaction – Having a high clay content in your soil can play a significant role in drainage problems. It can cause an inhibitable environment for plants to grow as it constricts root growth.
High Water Table – A high water table refers to a situation when soil and gravel are drenched with water underneath your property. This is a common issue that areas such as Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam face.
Landscape Slope – Water may be pooling on your property because of a slope created by your soil. This flat plane cannot divert all the necessary water away from your property and will instead create puddles for water to collect
What is the difference between a French drain and a dry creek bed?
From a visual point of view, French drains and dry creek beds often look quite similar but there are a few noticeable differences between the two that will determine which one should be installed on your property.
Each drainage solution requires a unique installation process. From a technical perspective, due to the intricate design of French drains, they tend to be more complicated to install and are usually the more expensive option. Dry creek beds, on the other hand, offer a cost-efficient option with simpler build which displays a river-like rock design.
Both drainage solutions are highly effective, so it all comes down to the area that needs to be resolved. Our team of experts will help you determine the best choice of drainage for your property.
