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The Primitive Drainage Solutions
By Katherine Eion
Failing to properly drain rain water can create lasting, significant problems to a home, such as, damage to the property or the creation of a breeding ground for pests, like mosquitoes. The solution to rain water drainage is simple. One primitive rain water drainage solution is called the “French Drain”, in which porous pipe (weeping tile) and gravel or sand are used to create a simple drainage system.
Warning: Before digging, identify underground lines with the utility and cable companies!
Dig a trench six inches wide and ten inches deep. Begin at an area where the source or cause of the unwanted water is. Avoid roots and dirt corrupting the drain, by placing landscaping fabric along the length and width of the trench. Fill the trench, at a depth of about six inches, with coarse gravel. Cover gravel with the landscaping fabric, top with a layer of sand, then soil and replace the grass sod. The drainage system should lead down at the proper slop to the place, where excess water is disposed into a dry well, storm drain, underground pipe or pond.
An alternative to french drains is a method called ‘harvesting’, which is catching, saving, and re-using rain water. Recycled rain water can be used to maintain a lawn or landscaping. Harvesting rainwater reduces flow to storm water drains, preventing problems related to erosion. Peak demand for water usage is reduced, when rain water is recycled and reused. Reusing rainwater can help reduce a home owner's water bill, especially during times of high demand. Any device used to recycle rainwater should be covered, to prevent pests.
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