Concrete Driveway Drainage - Water Drains Into Garage

by Jennifer

I have a concrete driveway drainage problem. On one side of my garage the concrete goes back about 15 feet on the side of the garage. The water from my neighbor's sprinkler lands on the concrete and it flows right into my garage. I want to build a small lip or wall but it would be on top of concrete? Can you help me??

ANSWER

Hi Jennifer,

Building a small wall or curb on top of the concrete driveway will not hold up, since it was not built along with the concrete. A wall needs to be built partially beneath the ground level. I don’t believe just mortaring a lip on top of existing concrete will last either. The driveway should have been pitched away from the garage, not towards it. But that’s after the fact!

However, here is a suggestion. If you can afford (space-wise) to remove 6 to 12 inches of the concrete against the garage, you can install a perforated pipe along the garage. This is similar to a French drain. Sloping it along its length will take the water away. Where it goes and how it ends depends on your property.

Take a look at my page on Driveway Drainage.
Driveway Drainage

The pipe has holes or slits on the top and is wrapped in filter fabric to prevent soil from getting into it. It can then be covered with decorative stone.

A pipe such as this is sized according to the amount of water that will go into it. You should consult with a professional regarding this drainage plan…either a very qualified landscaper or an engineer. If done by a professional, it is not that complicated.