Drainage Problem...

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voorheisb Winchendon, MA Apr 17, 2009

I, like many other people I've seen in these forums, am having a problem with drainage. I live on a hill so my yard when looking at my house from the street slopes from left to right. In fact, the hill is steep enough that it allows me to have a walk-in basement door. The problem is that the water comes down the hill through the woods and turns my backyard into a muddy stream. I've traced the source and it appears to just come out of the ground just before it reaches my property. I'm wondering if I can channel it toward the street and away from my house since there is a drainage grate there already. If anyone can help me I'd greatly appreciate it. My house is only 5 years old and my foundation already has a crack and began leaking I'm sure due to the hydrostatic pressure. I'd be happy to include some pictures. Just let me know.

Thanks,
Brian

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gk1153 Paris, IL(Zone 6a) Apr 17, 2009

From what is written it sounds like a full time problem opposed to an only when it rains problem. There is a spring up on the hill flowing water into your yard. I imagine when it rains the situation gets worse.

Is there anything to prevent you from installing a drainage channel along the perimeter of your property from where water from the hill enters your yard to the street drain? Whomever developed the property didn't consider the water excessive enough to cause any harm. Or more likely, didn't want to cut into the profits doing the job correctly. You may be required to get a permit from the town council. It may be necessary to shape it by hand if equipment can't be used.

Start at the street digging the channel. Starting at the other end means you'll be working in mud all the time. Install 6 mil black plastic as a base. Add some decorative rock. Shovel in dirt to hold the rock in place and plant some ground cover that doesn't need mowed. Upon completion it should stop the water flowing into your yard from the hill. Wait a few years for the ground cover to get well established and it will look like it has been like that for as long as anyone can remember.

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