Garden drainage is one of those things – if it’s well-designed, you won’t even notice that it’s there.

If, on the other hand, the design of your backyard water drainage system is not fit for purpose, there will be signs. Small problems such as puddles that take too long to dry up might be indicators of much more severe and potentially costly damage taking place.

Good landscaping drainage

A documented drainage plan for your property is the best way to ensure that all aspects of your site’s drainage have been considered and assessed, and that appropriate control options are recommended.

What is an outdoor drainage plan?

A drainage plan lays out how water flows on your property, recommending an improved system of drainage that protects your property and makes the most of precious water resources.

Through the careful planning of drains, gutters, slopes, and hard and soft landscaping features, water can either be encouraged to move more quickly or linger longer. This is helpful because it means you can prevent water pooling in areas where it can cause damage, such as around the foundations of your house, while retaining it for longer in places that need it, like a garden bed that dries too quickly.

Why is landscape drainage important?

Poorly planned outdoor drainage can lead to the following:

  • Cracking foundations or walls
  • Damaged or shifting driveways and paths
  • Damp or water stains on walls
  • Warped wooden floors or deck areas
  • Mould growth under floors, in roof cavities and areas with poor air circulation

These structural issues can be severe and costly to fix, while mould growth poses serious health issues for those living in the property. In addition, signs of such property damage will likely have a negative impact on the value of your property – not ideal when you want to sell or refinance the mortgage.

You may also notice:

  • Overflowing gutters, particularly during light rain
  • Areas of standing water
  • Eroded areas in the form of small channels or soil loss on steep areas (making sloped yard drainage especially important to plan for)
  • Areas of spongy soil
  • Algae or moss growing on surfaces

Creating a custom outdoor drainage plan for your property

Salmon Plumbing are experts in southeast Queensland’s stormwater drainage management, with over 30 years of experience creating drainage plans for Brisbane properties.

What we consider in a site assessment

Your outdoor drainage plan starts with a full site assessment. This includes considering:

  • the overall characteristics of your block, including the slope of the site and the topography of your neighbourhood.
  • where water comes from to get to your place (including rainwater, run-off and subsurface flows from neighbouring properties or green spaces).
  • how water moves once it reaches your property – where it rushes by and where it lingers.
  • where water leaves your property and whether too much or too little stays.
  • your existing drainage system and whether it is well maintained and fit for purpose.
  • existing and planned landscaping including the soil.

Soil type and backyard water drainage

Soil type can impact how water behaves on your property.

Clay, for example, will retain a lot of water, holding onto it tightly. Once it dries out, however, it can form hard pans that are difficult for rainwater to penetrate and which are prone to cracking. These cracks can cause movements in your foundations, walls, fences and pathways.

On the other hand, water moves through sandy soils very quickly, reducing the risk of pooling water. However, it can be difficult to grow a garden in sandy soils because they are so prone to drying out. In this instance, it may be beneficial to install landscaping features that redirect and store water for longer periods.

Drainage plan recommendations

Your drainage plan will include recommendations that help protect your property from damage and help you achieve your landscaping goals. Recommendations may include:

  • French drains
  • rubble pits
  • bioswales
  • rain gardens
  • permeable paving
Garden drainage plan including swaling, permeable paving and paths, french drains

Why choose Salmon Plumbing for your garden drainage planning needs?

There is a science to creating an effective drainage plan, so it’s best to work with experienced professionals who know what to look for before making big changes to your property. Salmon Plumbing is Brisbane’s award-winning plumber with 30 years of experience and a reputation for excellence.

Our friendly team of highly trained Drainage Specialists have the necessary skills and local expertise to design outdoor drainage systems that can handle Brisbane’s wild and wet weather. We undertake ongoing professional development, mentoring and training to ensure our customers receive the most up-to-date knowledge and solutions.

When it comes to outdoor and lawn drainage, we’ll listen to your concerns and aspirations and then work with you to move water away from the places where you don’t want it and towards the areas where you do.

Get in touch to arrange a visit from one of our expert Drainage Specialists today!