Where Do Patio Drains Go?

You may have seen these little grates in your yard and wondered what happened to the water when it rained. It's not a mystery—the water from the patio moves to prevent any leaking and flooding. Luckily, we reserached patio drains and how to create one for your home

A patio drain is a type of drainage system that is commonly used to collect and remove water from patios, decks, and other outdoor areas. The system typically consists of a grate that is installed over a drain pipe. The grate collects water as it runs off the patio surface and directs it into the pipe. From there, the water is carried away to a storm sewer or another suitable location.

To make your patio drain an effective way in keeping your outdoor space dry and free of standing water, keep reading this post. It is also relatively easy to install and maintain. In this blog post, we'll tell you more about where these drains go and how they work.

Placing gray and red brick pavers near the patio drain, Where Do Patio Drains Go?

Where Does the Water Go Once It Leaves the Patio? 

Most people don't give much thought to their patio drains. They see them as nothing more than a necessary evil, a necessary part of the patio that serves no other purpose than to keep rainwater from puddling on the surface of the patio.

Patio drains are actually part of a larger drainage system that helps to keep water away from your home's foundation. The drains are connected to underground drainage channels, which carry the water away from your home and into a storm sewer or other body of water.

Rusty patio drain and stone pavers

Once the rainwater hits your patio, it begins to flow toward the nearest drainage system. This could be a storm drain, a natural waterway such as a river or stream, or even your municipal sewage system.

In urban areas, storm drains are designed to collect and move rainwater as quickly as possible to prevent flooding.

But then, this can also cause problems downstream, as the waterways can become overwhelmed with runoff. As a result, it's important to be aware of where your rainwater is going once it leaves your patio - and to make sure that it isn't causing any harm along the way.

Are Patio Drains Connected to the Sewer System? 

Most patios are equipped with drains that help to ensure that water does not pool on the surface. These drains are typically connected to the home's sewer system, which allows the water to be safely disposed of. But, there are some exceptions.

In some cases, the drain could be connected to a city sewer system or a septic tank. In other cases, the patio might be designed to capture rainwater, which can then be used for irrigation or other purposes.

Regardless of the specific configuration, patio drains play an important role in keeping the patio clean and dry.

How to Connect Patio Drain to Drainage?

Flowers at the garden and a patio drain

Most patios are located at the back of the house, and as such, they tend to collect a lot of water runoff from the roof. To prevent your patio from becoming a swimming pool during rainy weather, it's important to connect the patio drain to a drainage system.

Here are some types of drainage systems for patios:

1. French Drain

The most common type of drainage system is a French drain, which consists of a perforated pipe that directs water away from the patio and into a nearby drainage ditch.

If you don't have a French drain, you can still direct water away from the patio by connecting the patio drain to an underground PVC pipe that carries the water to a storm sewer or other outlet. Either way, it's important to ensure that your patio drain is connected to a drainage system to prevent flooding.

2. Catch Basin

A catch basin is a type of drainage system that is typically used in patios and other outdoor areas. The catch basin collects water from drains and gutters and directs it away from the home, preventing flooding and water damage. In order to install a catch basin, you will need to connect it to a drainage pipe.

  1. The first step is to dig a trench from the drain to the location of the catch basin.
  2. Next, lay a perforated pipe in the trench and surround it with gravel.
  3. Finally, connect the pipe to the catch basin and cover everything with dirt.

By following these steps, you can easily install a catch basin and protect your home from water damage.

3. Dry Well

A dry well is a simple and effective way to manage runoff from your patio. By connecting your patio drain to a dry well, you can help prevent flooding and soil erosion.

Dry wells work by allowing water to flow into them and then slowly releasing the water back into the ground. This helps to reduce the amount of water that flows over impermeable surfaces like concrete, asphalt, and stone.

As a result, dry wells can help prevent flooding, soil erosion, and property damage. In addition, they are easy to install and require little maintenance. If you are looking for an effective way to manage runoff from your patio, a dry well is an excellent option.

4. Channel Drain

A channel drain, also known as a trench drain, is a type of drain that is installed within a trench that has been dug into the ground. The drainpipe is then placed within the trench and covered with a gravel or stone fill.

Channel drains are commonly used to collect and carry away stormwater runoff from patios, driveways, and other paved surfaces. They are also often used in landscaping to direct water flow away from foundation walls and planting beds.

A channel drain can be an effective way to redirect stormwater runoff and protect your property from flooding and soil erosion.

How to Secure a Patio Drain?

Landscaper placing gray and red paver bricks for the patio drain

A patio drain is a great way to keep your patio clean and dry. Yet, if it's not installed properly, it can become a hazard. A loose drain cover can be a trip hazard, and a clogged drain can cause water to pool on the surface of your patio.

To avoid these problems, it's important to secure your patio drain. The easiest way to do this is to use silicone caulk.

Simply apply a generous amount of caulk around the perimeter of the drain cover and press it firmly into place. The caulk will create a water-tight seal that will hold the cover in place and prevent debris from clogging the drain.

For an added measure of security, you can also screw the cover into place using small screws. With a little effort, you can easily keep your patio drain in good working order.

How to Build a Patio Drain?

A patio drain is a great way to keep your patio dry and free of any water damage. But how do you go about building one? Here are the steps you'll need to take:

  1. First, mark out the area where you want your drain to be. This can be done with a piece of string or by using a hosepipe.
  2. Once the area is marked out, excavate the trench for your drain. The depth of the trench will depend on the size of your patio and the amount of rainfall you get in your area.
  3. Install a perforated pipe in the trench. This pipe will allow water to drain away while keeping soil and other debris out.
  4. Finally, backfill the trench with gravel or other drainage material. This will help to ensure that water flows away quickly and doesn't pool on your patio.

Building a patio drain is a simple process that can save you a lot of time and hassle in the long run. By taking these few precautionary steps, you can keep your patio looking great for years to come.

What Problems You Can Encounter on Your Patio Drain?

Most people don't give much thought to their patio drains until they encounter a problem. But your patio drain plays an important role in preventing water damage to your home. patio drains can become clogged with leaves, dirt, and debris, causing water to back up and flood your patio.

In addition, blockages can cause foul odors as bacteria and mold build up in the drain. If left untreated, these problems can lead to serious structural damage to your home.

To avoid these problems, it's important to have your patio drain cleaned regularly by a professional. By keeping your drain clear, you can help prevent water damage and ensure that your patio is a safe and enjoyable place to relax.

How to Maintain Patio Drain?

Having a patio drain is essential to keeping your patio clean and dry. Well-maintained drains will also prevent flooding in case of a heavy rainstorm. There are a few simple steps you can take to ensure that your patio drain stays in good condition.

  1. First, regularly remove any debris that has accumulated in the drain. This includes leaves, twigs, and dirt.
  2. Second, use a hose to flush out the drain periodically to prevent clogs from forming.
  3. Additionally, you should also use a stiff brush to scrub the inside of the drain on a monthly basis. This will help to remove any dirt or debris that has accumulated over time.
  4. Finally, consider adding a cover to the drain to keep out larger pieces of debris.

By following these simple tips, you can help to ensure that your patio drain stays clear and unobstructed.

Final Words

Placing gray and red brick pavers near the patio drain

Patio drains come in all shapes and sizes, but they all have one goal in mind: getting water off of your patio. How well a particular drain does its job depends on the type of drainage system it’s installed into, as well as the landscaping around it. If you’re curious about where your patio drains go or are considering having a new drain installed, give experts a call. 

For more details, read our upcoming posts.