Context
The user is preparing to have a cement driveway installed in front of a 3-car garage. Their yard space is limited and they are concerned about water draining toward the house foundation. They are considering installing a gravel trench along the driveway edge.
Key Points
- User is planning a cement driveway with limited space for drainage.
- Primary concern is preventing water from running toward the house foundation.
- Several drainage options were discussed:
- Gravel trench with decorative rock (user’s idea)
- French drain (gravel trench with perforated pipe)
- Linear channel drain across the driveway
- Permeable pavers
- Dry well or rain garden as drainage endpoint
- Recommendation: Combine a gravel trench with a perforated pipe (French drain), sloped to drain away from the house, and discharge into a dry well or rain garden.
Actions
- Discuss drainage plan with the concrete contractor before pouring the driveway.
- Determine soil type and drainage characteristics for proper dry well or rain garden sizing.
- Consider installing a clean-out port in the French drain for future maintenance.