The Brew Cabin

We hope you are the help we've been looking for!

For the past 3 years we have been experiencing (usually during / after some wet weather)water emanating from the bottom of our driveway and flows across the pavement and down the road. The house (1930s build) is on a slight incline, and the stone wall which borders the driveway has small 'slits / gaps' to allow water to flow. Unfortunately - possibly due to new houses being built higher up the hill, it would appear that a stream may have been blocked / diverted. This has caused an increase in the flow of water - which freezes in winter, causing problems (one neighbour is currently suing us as a result of an accident on the ice). We have contacted the local water authority and local council (who have now served us notice to 'sort it out') who both claim that this matter is nothing to do with them. The Environment Agency state that this is just 'an act of God' and that there is nothing that can be done - water runs downhill!

This leads to my question - Obviously this water is causing further damage to an already crumbling driveway and it is my intention to lay a bloc paviour drive. Do you think it is a) possible to 'divert' this water without taking the wall down and digging up the front garden and b)how can this water be diverted under the driveway and off my property.

Clearly, in the absence of any support from the relevant bodies, we are wary of spending money, which will not cure the problem. Can you advise where we should seek further assistance.

Thank you

Mairi MacKay

This is exactly the problem being experienced by a certain DIY retailer in Warrington. What is happening is that groundwater is 'flowing' beneath your driveway and is escapiong at the foot of the driveway. This may be because the drive intersects the water table, or it could be because of a naturally occuring spring line - whatever the reason, that's what is happening, and it's not all that difficult to cure, you'll be glad to learn.

You need to intercept the groundwater before it reaches the foot of the driveway. This can be done by use of an interceptor or fin drain (see land drainage section of this site), or via a drainage composite. These must then discharge into the existing drainage system - you cannot rely on a soakaway, given the existing ground problems.

Once the drainage is sorted out, you'll have no problem installing and maintaining a block paved driveway, and you should have no further problems with your neighbours. :)

Have you spoken to any local contractors about your plans? The site needs to be investigated before the most appropriate remedy can be designed and implemented.