Ask Joe: Drainage Issue
I just moved into a house around new years. Anytime it would rain, my backyard would flood from this pipe that’s draining into my neighbors yard. I made the town aware of the issues and sent them videos of previous rain storms but nothing happened to fix the problem.
Town says they have to figure out how to fix this long term. In the meantime they put stones by the pipe to slow it down. Thankfully it hasn’t been raining as much anymore so I can’t figure out if it’s working or not. Looking for advice on how this can be fixed so I can see if they are actually going to fix the issue or just putting a bandaid on it so I stop complaining.
It sounds like you’re dealing with a common drainage issue where water is likely pooling because it can’t flow away from your yard properly. Here are some possible solutions that can be discussed with the town, ensuring they’re addressing the root of the problem rather than a temporary fix:
Proper Drainage Design: The town should consider grading the area or installing a swale—a shallow channel designed to redirect water flow—so rainwater flows away from both your and your neighbor’s property and toward a suitable drainage area. Swales are a long-term solution that can prevent the buildup of water in your backyard.
French Drain Installation: A French drain, which is essentially a gravel-filled trench with a perforated pipe at the bottom, can help redirect water. It would allow water to enter the pipe and flow toward a designated drainage area. If the town installed this near your property line, it would redirect water away without affecting your neighbor’s yard.
Rain Garden or Retention Basin: A rain garden or a small retention basin could be installed to absorb or temporarily hold excess water until it can be absorbed into the ground naturally. This can be helpful if the area tends to flood even with regular rain.
Upgrading the Outflow Pipe: The town should ensure the pipe draining water from your yard is properly sized and positioned to direct water away without impacting neighboring properties. If the pipe’s capacity is insufficient, it might need to be replaced with a larger pipe to handle high volumes during storms.
Increasing Soil Absorption: Improving the soil’s drainage by adding organic matter or by aerating compacted areas can sometimes reduce pooling. While this is more of a complementary fix, it can help prevent some of the water from reaching the pipe.
In your next communication with the town, emphasize the importance of a sustainable, long-term solution to protect your property. Ask if they plan to install any of these measures and request a timeline for completion. This way, you’ll be able to gauge whether they’re implementing a lasting fix rather than a temporary stopgap.
