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theo827 · May 31, 2007, 06:51 AM

I have a drainage issue in my backyard. My property slopes towards my house, so when it rains all the water runs down and pools up. I installed a few catch boxes in the troubled areas and ran the pipe out to my drive way. It has helped, but my drive way is elevated higher than the pipe. So, the only time these drains actually work is when they over flow. I would like to run a drain down to the street but I don't have the money to do so right now. I would have to rip apart a good chuck of my drive way and the street is about 20 yards away.

I just read an article about installing a drywell in your backyard. Would this be a valid option for me instead of sticking the pipe out into the drive way? If so, how large of a drywell should I install? Or would this just be a waste of time?

Many Thanks!

ballengerb1 · May 31, 2007, 08:51 AM

It would be a waste of time. The dry well will only hold so much water before it too overflows. You need to trench down or build a dry well with a sump pump.

theo827 · May 31, 2007, 10:26 AM

They make outside sump pumps? Is there any particular sump pump I should buy? Also, the drywell is supposed to have holes in it and filled up with rocks, correct?

Thanks

ballengerb1 · May 31, 2007, 02:06 PM

If you go with the pump idea get a rigid tank and don't add rock, they will interfer with the float. I've done a few and just bought a high quality submersible cast iron pump. Some home centers sell a rigid plastic drywell that has a green lid for easy access. I'd go that way.

theo827 · Jun 1, 2007, 04:30 AM

Do you think this is the best route to take other than running a pipe down to the street?

Many Thanks!

ballengerb1 · Jun 1, 2007, 06:45 AM

Its really up to you and how much work you want to put into it. Your current system pools before it can drain down the drive so you need to be deeper. That means a drywell but by themselves they fill up and overflow too. The pump is the best way because it will pull water from 2' feet below you yard suface. The hose can be on the surface but for a better loook it can be buried until the termination. Lots of work but a one time cure.