How to add drainage to a concrete patio?

Author: Mr. Jettie Maggio PhD  |  Last update: Wednesday, March 5, 2025

Dig out the trench about 6 inches deep along the line, using a slope gauge to slope it 1/4 inch per foot. Dig a dry well about two to four feet wide and three feet deep at the low end of the trench. Line the trench with landscape fabric and gravel. Then lay in 4-inch perforated drainpipe with the holes facing down.

Can you add a drain to existing concrete?

Yes, you can add a trench drain to existing concrete.

What is the best drainage for a concrete patio?

A concrete patio drainage channel like Slot Drain is the ideal way to protect your outdoor recreation area from the damaging effects of water. The most efficient option available, Slot Drain is a sleek, easy-to-install option that will easily handle any water runoff from your patio area.

What if my patio has no drainage?

If the existing concrete patio lacks a drainage system, it is a practical move to install one. In areas where the rainwater collects, cut a sloping channel. A well-cut channel directs the water away from the patio. Fill the channel with decorative stones or gravel so it meets aesthetic ideals.

How to drain water from a concrete patio?

If you want to get water out of the sunken area, you want to add a drain and pipe it to a storm drainage system, or depending on ground drainage conditions, pipe it to a dry well.

Installing A Channel Drain System For A Concrete Patio

How to add drainage to an existing patio?

Installing a patio drainage system to an existing patio
  1. Assess Your Patio Area. ...
  2. Choose the Right Drainage Channels. ...
  3. Prepare the Installation Area. ...
  4. Get digging! ...
  5. Install the Drainage Channels. ...
  6. Secure the Channels. ...
  7. Test the Drainage System. ...
  8. Backfill and Finish.

How to install a drain in a concrete patio?

Dig out the trench about 6 inches deep along the line, using a slope gauge to slope it 1/4 inch per foot. Dig a dry well about two to four feet wide and three feet deep at the low end of the trench. Line the trench with landscape fabric and gravel. Then lay in 4-inch perforated drainpipe with the holes facing down.

What are the options for patio drainage?

There are a number of options for patio drainage including channel drains, french drains. It is better to plan for the drainage prior to installation, however there are options such a stack drain available that can resolve issues after installation.

How to get rid of standing water on concrete?

How to Get Rid of Standing Water on Concrete
  1. Lay the Puddle Sponge over the puddle.
  2. Press down to absorb water.
  3. Lift sponge and squeeze out puddle water into a bucket or grass.
  4. Hang the sponge on a hook/fence to dry using the fast-drying hanger loop.

What is a soakaway?

A soakaway consists of a hole dug in the ground and filled with rubble or plastic crates. It provides a solution to excess surface water by letting it slowly drain and soak into the ground instead of build up.

How to divert water from a concrete slab?

Another option is to install a French drain, which will redirect the excess water away from your concrete surface. Alternatively, you can add a sloped overlay to your concrete surface, enabling water to flow off the surface and preventing any ponding from occurring.

How do you improve drainage in concrete?

Where the water tends to collect, cut out a sloping channel in the concrete to direct the water away, filling it with decorative stone or gravel. Instead of gravel, you can also have a trench or channel drain made of metal installed.

How much does it cost to install a channel drain?

In general, larger projects cost more than smaller ones. High-quality materials also cost more. You can generally expect to pay between USD $30 and $1,000 per linear foot of channel drain. However, more complex situations may cost up to $150 per linear foot.

How do I add plumbing to an existing slab?

The traditional way of installing plumbing would be to cut through your concrete slab so you can lay the plumbing and connect it to your existing sewer point. This will give you the most seamless result, and the end result will be similar to if you had laid it in the slab from the beginning.

Can you drill holes in concrete slab for drainage?

Drilling holes in concrete to create water drains is a practical solution for managing excess water and preventing damage. By following this comprehensive step-by-step guide, you can successfully execute the drilling process and implement proper sealing techniques.

What to do if you add too much water to concrete?

If the batch is freshly mixed, you can simply add a small amount of dry concrete mix to even out the ratio. Stir the combined mixture around until it has reached the right consistency.

How to fix a low spot in a concrete slab patio?

Patch: You can use a concrete patching compound to repair the spalled area. Clean the area thoroughly, remove any loose material, and then apply the patching compound following the manufacturer's instructions.

How to install drainage in a patio?

How to build a French drain for a patio:
  1. Dig a channel 500mm deep. ...
  2. Add a 50mm layer of bedding aggregate to the bottom of the channel.
  3. Cover the aggregate layer with landscaping fabric. ...
  4. With your channel prepped, you can add your drainage pipe, ensuring the fall remains the same and the perforated side is facing down.

What is the best landscape material for drainage?

Pea gravel is one of the best materials for landscape drainage because its small size allows for outstanding drainage. These rocks are only about ¾ inches in size. Pea gravel is available in a variety of shades, including brown, grey, blue, and red, making it a good choice for a number of different landscapes.

How to make sure patio drains?

A good rule of thumb is to create a slope of about 2% away from the home or any nearby structures. This means for every 100 inches, the patio surface should drop 2 inches. Doing so ensures that water naturally flows off the surface and away into the yard or a designated drain.

What is a dry well drainage system?

A dry well is an exterior drainage solution. These waterproofing solutions require digging a large hole, placing waterproof materials and large basins, and then establishing a system to direct water to a better location. The dry well is designed to help reduce runoff and prevent flooding.

What is a cut-off drain?

Term: Cut-off drain. Definition: A drainage system for draining seepy hillsides. Tiles are placed along the hillside to intercept the seep water and prevent it from reaching the bottom land, or an open channel is dug along the hillside to achieve the same effect.

How do you slope a concrete patio for drainage?

A good rule is to use a minimum slope of 2%, which is equivalent to a 1/4-inch drop for every foot of length.

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