Being a homeowner is one of the most rewarding commitments you can make. Creating stability, the sense of accomplishment, and the freedom to make something your own. Being a homeowner can be a dream come true. While all of these life-changes are wonderful, there are also unknown challenges and new experiences that need to be navigated. Often resulting in an increased need to be a DIYer. Learning about the backyard drainage systems your property relies on will ensure your life as a homeowner is as enjoyable as possible.
Below you’ll find some of the most important home drainage supplies such as pumps, subdrain, and geotextile, along with their uses. Plus DIY advice, and when to consult a professional.
Understanding Common Pumps Used on Residential Properties
If you’re not sure which type of pump is best for your project, start by covering the basics types of pumps and their uses. Including sump pumps, effluent pumps, sewage pumps, and jet pumps. If you’re a rural homeowner, your home likely relies on a combination of pumps to help move water and waste.
Sump Pumps
Sump pumps are most commonly used in basements and crawl spaces. They’re designed to move water from the lowest point in your home through a discharge line away from your property. The sump pump sits inside a sump basin (sump pit), which is a hole carved below the surface level. When the water level inside the sump basin increases, the sensors on the sump pump are activated, emptying the sump basin.
Having a sump pump is crucial to minimize the risk of flooding, water damage, and mould development. This is beneficial during heavy storms where flood risk increases, and in finished basements where water can damage flooring, carpets, drywall, or furniture.
Effluent Pumps
Effluent pumps are used when grey water needs to be moved against gravity in order to reach your septic system or leach field. A common example would be a home with a washing machine or laundry tub in the basement. An effluent pump would be required because the grey water needs to move vertically against gravity to reach the homes drainage. If all of your home’s grey water sits above your leach field, you may not require an effluent pump in your home.
Sewage Pumps
Sewage pumps offer a similar function to effluent pumps. However, they are designed to handle solids and sewage materials up to 2” in diameter. Effluent pumps are intended to process a minimal amount of solids, and no more than ½” in diameter. A sewage pump is most commonly installed to process wastewater coming from basement bathrooms. Like effluent pumps, they’re installed when gravity cannot do the job.
Sewage pumps can also have built-in grinders, which help reduce the size of solids passing through your sewage system.
Jet Pumps
Jet pumps, also referred to as well pumps, use suction to draw potable water from your well or cistern. They’re designed to create enough water pressure for houses, cottages, or irrigation systems.
There are two basic types of jet pumps, shallow well jet pumps and deep well jet pumps. The depth of your well will determine which pump is right for you. Shallow well jet pumps are designed to work up to 25 feet, while deep well jet pumps can function up to a depth of 200 feet.
Other important factors for selecting your jet pump would be the static level of your well and the recovery rate. Recovery rate is usually measured in gallons per minute. Most wells will have a rating plate installed documenting this information for you.
What to Know About Subdrain For Your Backyard Drainag
Subdrain is a perforated pipe that redirects groundwater away from buildings and other vulnerable areas. It’s also known as weeping tile, big-o, or drainage tile. Proper drainage helps prevent flooding and water damage, and can protect the structural integrity of buildings.
Drainage tile can be installed during construction of a new home, or in an existing home. However, installation is a major construction project that should be handled by professionals.
Regular maintenance is important to ensure the system remains efficient. Subdrain inspection includes searching for clogs, leaks, or damages. If you live in an area with high levels of groundwater like we experience in Niagara, you may need additional pumps or other equipment to assist with the flow of your drainage system.
Subdrain (Weeping Tile) and Groundwater Control
A French drain is a shallow trench that contains subdrain, geotextile and stone. French drains allow water to pass through easily, preventing it from pooling in low points and trouble areas. Water passes through the stone and into the perforated pipe, where it’s directed with little resistance down a slope to your preferred drainage area.
If your drainage issue directly impacts your foundation, we recommend hiring a drainage professional or foundation expert. If the problem is not directly impacting your foundation, French drains can be installed by the homeowner.
The Importance of French Drains
French drains are important because they are an affordable, easy, and effective solution for drainage issues in your yard, around your home, or to help prevent excess moisture in your basement.
Standing water along the foundation of your home can cause the moisture to slowly leak through and into your basement. It can also cause long-term foundation issues if left untreated. Pooling water throughout your yard can damage or kill your grass and plants, increase the population of insects such as mosquitos, and facilitate the growth of bacteria or mould.
With a French drain, excess water can be rerouted and deposited elsewhere. Common options include as a rain reservoir, water collection tank, or runoff area of your property.
Why Non-Woven Geotextile Matters in Clay Soil
Non-woven geotextile is a needle-punched fabric with a range of construction and landscaping applications. Making it the most popular geosynthetic we work with. They’re designed to let water through while keeping soil particles out. This is especially important in heavy clay areas such as southern Ontario, because the clay particles migrate easily and clog drainage pipes.
Non-woven geotextiles are a great choice for filtration, separation, erosion control, and subgrade stabilization. They have higher flow rates and permeability than woven geotextiles. Making them perfect for French drain systems where water is moved away from troublesome areas as quickly as possible.
Properly protecting your backyard drainage system with geotextile is a great way to maximize the lifespan of your subdrain, while keeping your water flow rate at its best.
Field Insight from Niagara Drainage Installations
Many of the drainage patterns described above are confirmed through real-world inspections and remediation work carried out across the Niagara Region. Contractors such as McDowell Drain & Waterproofing routinely assess sump pump performance, subdrain layout, filtration effectiveness, and water discharge patterns in clay-heavy soil environments.
That field experience consistently shows that long-term drainage success is rarely about adding more components. Instead, it depends on correct system design, compatible materials, and proper integration between surface and subsurface drainage.
Conclusion
Backyard drainage is an important part of taking care of your home and protecting your investment long-term. Local soil conditions and groundwater behavior increase the need for effective drainage. By understanding how pumps, subdrain, French drains, and filtration components work together, homeowners can make educated decisions for their property, and determine when to consult a drainage professional.
