Drainage - Do i need it?

[Geeza2302]

I am in process of redoing my very tatty, uneven patio. Being reasonably able to carry out most tasks, I though this would be a doddle!

Having lifted the slabs, it became apparent that the lack of sub base and the use use of what looks like builders sand contributed to the reason it looked so bad..

So on to the Internet, found this excellent website with all the info I need...

So to cut to the chase, I didn't really have any issues with drainage before , but we are on clay, and I am assuming the drainage was helped by the fact the patio was constructed vey poorly.

I am going to use 100mm sub base and then a full bed of mortar, I am assuming that the water, will not have any where to go, as the patio will have a retaining wall( as before )

The patio is made up of various pieces, the biggest single area is 14m2 and I was going to have a fall, not way from the house as it would pool at the wall, but to the side into a border which clay.
Will this be ok, or should I put drainage in?

Thanks in advance for any answers

[seanandruby]

If you have the means to run a linear drain in then it would be advisable to do that. Have you dug a trial hole to see how the ground drains?

[Geeza2302]

The linear drain will have to be down the middle of the patio, which I think will effect the look. I will dig a trial whole and see how it drains, how deep should I go?

[seanandruby]

300/400 then fill with water and monitor levels.

[Geeza2302]

thanks Sean will do

[Geeza2302]

OK, so i dug a hole 300m deep and filled it with water, the water disappeared in 30minutes, is this too slow?

[seanandruby]

30 mins is good. If you have somewhere to drain into then it might be a good idea to do that.

[Geeza2302]

Another quick question for you guys, if I decide to put a linear drain in, can I remove the black sleeve from the down pipe shown in pic below, drop my linear drain output into the clay pipe, and then put the drain pipe into the linear drain, it not, is there a way of connecting my linear drain to this drain and still incorporate the drain pipe?

thanks in advance

[seanandruby]

Yes you can remove it place aco over it but doesn't seem much height there. Hopefully the rest bend is a lot lower and you can lower the pipe.

[seanandruby]

In anticipation of your next question...read this :;):

[Geeza2302]

OK

So I am going to go for a linear drain, but wifey prefers the ACO slot drains.

Have you had experience of these,

1. Does any one know if its acceptable to put the drain pipe in to the corner /end unit?

2. Are the slot drain and the standard channels interchangeable? ie could I use a corner unit to switch between the two?

[seanandruby]

Needs to be rodable for cleaning purposes.

[seanandruby]

Needs to be rodable for cleaning purposes.