18+ Clever Drainage Ideas for Side of Your House

Looking to manage water flow more effectively around your home? Here are some creative drainage ideas that are both functional and beautiful.

Create a Rock Bed

A thoughtfully designed rock bed that adds visual interest while effectively managing drainage.
A thoughtfully designed rock bed that adds visual interest while effectively managing drainage.

A rock bed is a simple and stylish way to guide water away from your home. I’ve seen clients transform their side yards by using large stones to form a natural-looking channel.

A few suggestions:

  • Decorative River Rocks: Enhance drainage and aesthetics by using river rocks to guide water seamlessly from home.
  • Weed Barrier Landscape Fabric: Prevent weeds in your rock bed and maintain a clean look with durable landscape fabric.
  • Garden Edging Stones: Define your rock bed area with stylish edging stones for an organized appearance.

Install a Sump Pump

A dependable sump pump ensuring the basement stays dry.
A dependable sump pump ensuring the basement stays dry.

A sump pump is crucial if your property deals with frequent water buildup. It’s a reliable way to keep basements dry, especially after heavy rainfall.

Check these products out:

  • Sump Pump System: Install this sump pump to effectively manage water buildup and keep your basement dry.
  • Battery Backup for Sump Pump: Ensure continuous operation with a reliable battery backup for your sump pump during power outages.
  • Sump Pump Basin: Use this durable sump pump basin to securely install and house your sump pump system.

Install a French Drain

A close-up view of a French drain, discreetly managing water flow beneath the surface.
A close-up view of a French drain, discreetly managing water flow beneath the surface.

A French drain is a classic solution for water management, involving a gravel-filled trench with a pipe. It’s a project I’ve often recommended for its reliability in preventing water accumulation.

Check if these fit your needs:

  • Perforated Drain Pipe: Enhance drainage efficiency by installing this durable perforated drain pipe in your trench.
  • Drainage Gravel: Boost water filtration with quality drainage gravel designed for effective ground water management.
  • Geotextile Landscape Fabric: Prevent clogging by using geotextile fabric to protect your French drain from sediment buildup.

Install a Channel Drain

A modern channel drain ensuring the driveway stays puddle-free.
A modern channel drain ensuring the driveway stays puddle-free.

A channel drain can handle heavy rain by guiding water quickly away. It’s an ideal solution for properties with driveways or patios nearby, ensuring those areas remain dry.

A few choices to try:

  • Channel Drain Kit with Grate: Enhance water management efficiency with this durable channel drain kit. Perfect for driveways and patios.
  • Heavy-Duty Linear Trench Drain: Ensure quick water drainage with this robust linear trench drain, ideal for heavy rainfall areas.
  • Plastic Channel Drain System: Install easily and manage rainwater effectively with this lightweight plastic channel drain system.

Include a Water Feature

A serene water feature that manages water flow beautifully.
A serene water feature that manages water flow beautifully.

Incorporate a water feature to channel water creatively and add a soothing element to your garden. I’ve seen this approach delight guests and homeowners alike.

Possibly helpful picks:

  • Garden Waterfall Kit: Transform your garden with a serene waterfall, creating a soothing outdoor retreat instantly.
  • Solar Pond Pump: Enhance your water feature with an eco-friendly pump, harnessing solar energy for continuous flow.
  • LED Water Feature Lights: Illuminate your water feature with LED lights, adding enchanting ambiance to your garden space.

Build a Dry Well

An unobtrusive dry well installation that keeps the landscape looking pristine.
An unobtrusive dry well installation that keeps the landscape looking pristine.

A dry well stores runoff water underground, preventing surface pooling. For clients with space constraints, this solution has been a game-changer.

A few relevant products:

  • Underground Water Storage Tank: Securely store runoff water underground with this durable tank, preventing surface pooling effectively.
  • Drainage Gravel: Enhance water infiltration with high-quality drainage gravel, perfect for building a reliable dry well.
  • Perforated Drain Pipe: Install this perforated drain pipe to direct groundwater efficiently into your dry well system.

Try Permeable Paving

Permeable paving that combines function with modern aesthetics.
Permeable paving that combines function with modern aesthetics.

Permeable paving allows water to seep through surfaces rather than pool. It’s a stylish option for driveways or patios that I’ve seen transform outdoor areas.

These products might be useful:

  • Permeable Paver Kits: Upgrade your driveway with permeable paver kits ensuring efficient water drainage and elegant design.
  • Gravel Stabilizer Grids: Ensure a stable surface with gravel stabilizer grids, perfect for sustainable and stylish outdoor spaces.
  • Permeable Concrete Blocks: Install permeable concrete blocks to enhance drainage capabilities without sacrificing aesthetic appeal.

Add Drainage Channels

A sleek drainage channel that efficiently directs water away.
A sleek drainage channel that efficiently directs water away.

Install drainage channels along the side of your house to guide water safely. They can be subtle yet efficient, preventing unwanted pooling.

A few things you might like:

  • Outdoor Drainage Channel System: Guide rainwater efficiently away from your house with this durable drainage channel system.
  • Drain Channel Grates: Enhance your drainage setup with these functional and stylish drain channel grates.
  • Underground Downspout Extension: Prevent erosion and pooling by redirecting water further from your foundation.

Use Gravel Paths

A charming gravel path that enhances drainage and adds rustic appeal.
A charming gravel path that enhances drainage and adds rustic appeal.

Gravel paths can effectively redirect water while adding texture to your landscape. I’ve found them invaluable in keeping areas walkable even after heavy rain.

A few helpful options:

  • Landscape Fabric: Prevent weed growth and ensure gravel stability by installing durable landscape fabric beneath your path.
  • Garden Edge Border: Define your gravel path beautifully using an easy-to-install garden edge border for an organized look.
  • Pea Gravel: Enhance your landscape with versatile pea gravel; ideal for creating sleek and functional paths.
Text: Joyce Peterson