The Brew Cabin

Posted: **Wed Jul 03, 2013 7:48 pm**

Hi, Novice in need of help!

I am currently tidying up my drive, I have removed all the flags and am putting down some decorative gravel instead, the drive slightly slopes towards the house and when the heavens open a 2 inch puddle forms in front of the house when the flags were down.

Now I am switching to decorative stone I'd like to fit some drainage to stop any possible damage to the house in the future. There is a down pipe right next to the house and will be be easy to tap into that to take away any surface water, but the only thing I'm struggling with is what type of drainage to fit. Will a linear drain suit as I am putting down stone or shall I fit a french drain? I'm thinking that I will still get a puddle forming in the stone if I fit a linear drain as the stone will not be able to direct the water to the drain but if I fit a french drain I'm concerned about sending silt into the main waste pipe and clogging it up over time?

I have actually already purchased the linear clark drainage but am wondering if I've made a mistake?

I would rather fit the linear drain but will it still work?

Any advice would be much appreciated

Regards

Gavin36

Posted: **Wed Jul 03, 2013 11:26 pm**

I have a decorative (chipping size) gravel on my drive, then on a non-woven geotextile, that is then on a 150mm of Type 3. Under that, its all clay ground but it has always drained and never ponded even in the worst storm. You may find the situation improves considerably compared to impermeable flags.
A linear drain may look a bit of a mess and fill up with stones. If it were me I would go for a decent storage/base under your decorative gravel and then see how it goes.

If you find its a problem put a shallow French drain in. Rap the French drain in the same geotextile and the silts won't get in. You need to be careful but about adding flow and possibly causing flooding else ware. You best to do some more checking first!

Posted: **Thu Jul 04, 2013 9:08 am**

Thanks for the reply, whatever drainage goes in it will be tapped into the existing rainwater downpipe so ponding elsewhere won't be a problem.
I'm keen on fitting some drainage at this stage before the stone goes down, maybe go with a french drain which is concealed.

The Brew Cabin

Drainage on a stoned drive? - Linear channel or french drain?