Learn how to improve clay soil drainage around your foundation. As a homeowner, you know clay can be particularly challenging for foundation drainage. Why is that? Clay soil has a low permeability, so it tends to retain water. What do you see? When it rains, water accumulates. What is hard to see is the clay soil expanding, putting pressure on the foundation. Then, when it dries, it contracts and gets smaller. What happens after that? It can lead to the foundation settling and cracking. Given these characteristics, find out what the most effective drainage solutions for clay soil typically include.
1. Footing Drains (Perimeter Drains) with Sump Pump
Why: Footing drains are essential for managing water at the foundation level, especially with clay soil, which tends to retain moisture. Because gravity drainage can be less effective with clay soil, a sump pump can actively remove excess water from the footing drain system.
Installation Tips: Put Geotextile fabric down before surrounding the drain pipe with gravel. Gravel keeps the water moving, and fabric helps stop fine clay particles from clogging the system.
2. French Drains in Clay Soil – Using Gravel and Fabric
Why: French drains direct groundwater away from the foundation. However, since clay soil can be prone to clogging, a deeper gravel layer and a high-quality geotextile fabric are essential to keep sediment out and ensure that water can flow freely.
Installation Tips: French drains in clay soil should have extra gravel to provide better drainage capacity, as clay drains slowly. Ensure the system has enough slope so water flows away from the foundation.
3. Surface Water Drainage in Clay Soil with Proper Grading
Why: Clay soil surface drainage is a must to prevent standing water. What happens to puddles of standing water? It seeps into the ground, causing the clay to expand. Grading the land around the foundation to slope away from the home ensures rainwater flows away before it can soak in.
Installation Tips: The grading should slope drop at least 6 inches over the first 10 feet from the foundation. Consider using swales or shallow channels to direct water further away.
4. Gutter and Downspout Extensions
Why: To avoid water saturation and prevent roof runoff from reaching the clay soil near the foundation. Gutter systems help manage this by quickly channeling roof water away from the home.
Installation Tips: Extend downspouts at least 5 to 10 feet away from the foundation. Consider splash blocks or flexible extensions to prevent water pooling near the house.
5. Dry Wells for Drainage of Excess Water
Why: A dry well can help absorb water slowly without accumulating near the foundation. It is a good solution when you have limited areas to drain excess water, as it provides a designated area for collecting excess water and gradually letting it drain into the ground.
Installation Tips: Place dry wells at a considerable distance from the foundation. Use a large gravel bed around the well. The larger area helps water drain based on the clay soil absorption rate.
Best Practices for Clay Soil:
Multi-Layered Approach: Combine several drainage systems for the best results. For instance, use footing drains with a sump pump and French drains. Combining systems gives you the best solution. Get good surface drainage and groundwater management.
Regular Maintenance: Fine clay particles clog drainage systems. Prevent this with regular maintenance. Keep drains and sump pumps functioning.
Avoid Heavy Landscaping Near the Foundation: Clay soil can trap water around plants and shrubs, so avoid heavy landscaping close to the foundation. Instead, plant deep roots further away to reduce moisture around the foundation.
How to Improve Clay Soil Drainage
Use our five solutions to reduce the risk of pressure buildup and potential damage to your home’s structure. Direct water away from your foundation to protect your home from water damage. While working on your drainage solutions, watch for foundation damage.
Schedule a foundation inspection if you see any foundation damage. Contact us today.
See All In Series:
- Six Foundation Drainage Systems Options
- Best Types of Foundation Systems, Mix & Match
- Foundation Drainage Maintenance
- Foundation Water Damage Problems & Solutions
- How to Improve Clay Soil Drainage
- Foundation Drainage Material – DIY Water Control
- Foundation Drainage Installation Costs
- Foundation Drainage Material, Why and How they Work
- Best Drainage Rock to Safeguard Your House Foundation
