Q&A for How to Drain Water Away from Your Home

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Question

Why are the holes in the pipe facing down? Wouldn't you want them facing up to catch the water?

Community Answer

The holes must face downward so that underground water can enter the discharge pipe. Remember, the bulk of the water above ground will enter through the downspout. If the holes are facing upward, water carrying sediment and other debris will eventually clog the perforated holes and the drain will not function correctly.

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Question

Can putting a rain gutter along the porch edge stop water from collecting on the porch?

Community Answer

Possibly. If the gutter has a drain that leads off the porch or away from the porch, it should not be an issue. However, gutters are meant to catch water coming off your roof. Rain could still end up on your porch depending on how hard it is raining or the direction of the wind.

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Question

Why wouldn't I lay the french drain right up against the foundation? Why 4 - 6 ft away?

Community Answer

You don't want any water going back against the house, since this drains through most of the pipe. IT would add more water to the sump pump and seep into the basement or crawlspace.

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Question

My neighbor recently knocked down all the grass and small bushes in his yard, and now water is draining into my yard from his. I have seen something that looks like large straw logs being used to stop runoff. Where can I purchase something like that?

Community Answer

They are called waddles, and your local hardware store should carry them in the fall and winter.

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