How to get rid of standing water on a patio?

Author: Alessandra Blanda  |  Last update: Tuesday, April 15, 2025

Install a Drainage System 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. An alternative to gravel is installing a metal channel drain.

How to remove standing water from a patio?

The best way to handle standing water in a yard is to install a drainage system. This will allow the water to drain away from the yard and into a nearby storm sewer or other body of water. If you cannot install a drainage system, you can try to remove the water with a pump.

How to stop water pooling on a patio?

Haul in dirt to slope ground away from patio pad and foundation (if they are tall enough.) Gutters may help - if you have slope or drains away from patio/foundation. Find a lower part of the yard or nearby ditch. Dig a trench and lay in drainage pipe to move the water from your foundation /patio area to the lower area.

What is the best drainage option for a patio?

In most cases, we would recommend that you install a soakaway crate, in order to let the water seep away naturally into the ground.

How to fix a porch that holds water?

You may need to regrade/resurface that porch and/or add a drain, whatever is cheaper or most effective. Make sure all gutters are working and find out how the water gets there. There may be an easy solution like wind block shades that also stop water from flying in.

Vertical Drainage - NEW Way to Remove Water - DIY under $10.00

How to remove standing water from 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.

How to divert water away from a patio?

  1. Dig a Swale. A swale, a shallow trench, redirects water to a safe release area like a dry well, arid forest or pond. ...
  2. Construct a Dry Stream. Dry streams redirect water and prevent runoff damage. ...
  3. Grow a Rain Garden. ...
  4. Build a Berm. ...
  5. Direct Water into a Dry Well. ...
  6. Lay Permeable Paving.

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.

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.

Are pavers or concrete better for drainage?

Permeable pavers have a few unique features that make them even better for water drainage: smaller stones, larger joints, and an open-graded rock base. Consider using pavers, if not permeable pavers, if you're concerned about water drainage for your project.

How to raise a drain for a 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.

Why is the water pooling in the middle of my patio?

Improperly directed downspouts can send significant amounts of rainwater onto the patio, leading to pooling. This is especially the case when the rainwater flows directly onto the patio from the downspout or roof overhang. Redirecting the downspouts away from the patio is an easy fix.

How do you make a patio waterproof?

These challenges can be easily overcome by transforming your patio into a waterproof concrete porch or patio using quality polyurethane patio paint. Applying a waterproof polyurethane coating to your patio is as easy as painting and delivers the best possible protection for your outdoor area.

What soaks up water outside?

Organic mulches like wood chips, bark, and straw absorb water. Inorganic mulches like rocks, gravel, pebbles, and rubber don't absorb water but may allow water to drain through the gaps between pieces.

How to drain a concrete patio?

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 do you clear standing water outside?

7 Ways to Deal with Pooling Water in Your Yard
  1. Aerate Your Lawn. ...
  2. Switch to Permeable Pavers. ...
  3. Fill in the Low Spots. ...
  4. Regrade Your Yard. ...
  5. Install a French Drain. ...
  6. Build a Rain Garden. ...
  7. Replace Your Lawn with Wet-Tolerant Plants.

Is grass or gravel better for drainage?

Gravel is your best friend when combating excess water on your lawn.

Does landscape fabric allow water to drain?

It is typically impermeable, and water drainage through the material is minimal.

Will gravel around the house help drainage?

When it comes to landscaping to divert water from the house, gravel is an excellent option. It is vital to note the benefit of rocks around the house for drainage. Ensure the gravel bed does not slope towards the foundation.

How to fix standing water on a patio?

Here are three ways to tackle the standing water and help take care of it for good.
  1. #1: Remove standing water with channel drains or pipe grates. ...
  2. #2: Remove standing water in smaller areas with pipe grates. ...
  3. #3: Prevent runoff from flooding adjacent landscapes with the catch basin or dry well.

How do I drain water away from my patio?

If you've spotted water building up at the edge of your patio and taking a long time to drain away, you can install an underground drainage pipe system to cure the problem. Other wet areas of the garden can be drained the same way. However, there must be somewhere for the water to go.

How do you unclog an outdoor patio drain?

Boiling Water

Boiling water is another simple and effective drain-cleaning hack. Boil at least a quart of water and slowly pour it down the drain in smooth spurts. You need to give the water time to work its way through clogs and destroy blockages, so don't pour it all at once.

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 create a drainage trench?

7 Steps for Digging a Drainage Trench
  1. Step 1: Determine the Location and Size of the Trench. ...
  2. Step 2: Prepare the Trench. ...
  3. Step 3: Excavate the Trench. ...
  4. Step 4: Line the Trench With Landscape Fabric. ...
  5. Step 5: Create a Gravel Bed. ...
  6. Step 6: Install the Drain Pipe. ...
  7. Step 7: Cover the Trench.

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.

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