Does your garden turn into a mini pond every time it rains?
Many homeowners struggle with garden flooding, especially during wet months. While it’s easy to blame the weather, your drainage system might be the real culprit.
If you live in an older property or have had recent landscaping, you may already face issues with drainage in Manchester and the surrounding areas. Let’s explore the most common causes and how you can fix them before your garden floods again.
Soil Type and Water Absorption Problems
Soil plays a major role in how well your garden drains. Some soils hold water much longer than others, leading to frequent surface flooding. Here’s how to identify poorly draining soil in your garden:
- Water stays on the surface for hours after rain
- Lawn feels squelchy or soft underfoot
- Moss, algae, or mould appear regularly
- Plants struggle to thrive despite watering
Clay soil causes the most trouble. It compacts easily and stops water from moving through the ground. A professional assessment helps you decide whether to improve the soil or install drainage systems.
Blocked or Damaged Drainage Pipes
Underground drainage often goes unnoticed until something goes wrong. Blocked, collapsed, or cracked pipes push water back up into your garden, creating soggy patches or even minor flooding. Signs you’ve got underground drainage issues:
- Foul smells or stagnant water near the rain covers
- Persistent wet patches that don’t dry
- Soft ground or sinkholes forming in certain areas
Incorrect Garden Layout and Slope
Garden design affects how water flows during rain. If your garden slopes towards your home or has flat, sunken areas, water collects instead of draining. Poor layout choices that affect drainage include:
- Patios or decks that block water flow
- Raised beds positioned in drainage paths
- Inward slopes or dips in lawn levels
You can fix many of these issues by grading your garden or adding drainage channels.
Lack of Proper Land Drainage Systems
Some gardens lack any formal drainage at all. Others have outdated systems that are no longer fit for purpose. With today’s heavier rainfall, proper solutions matter more than ever. If your garden keeps flooding, you might need:
- French drains beneath lawn areas
- Soakaways or dry wells for heavy rain
- Surface channels along hardscapes
- A full inspection of existing pipework
Professionals specialising in drainage help you choose the best system for your soil, garden size, and rainfall levels.
Heavier Rainfall and Climate Impact
Weather patterns in the UK have shifted over the years. Downpours have become more intense, and many gardens can’t cope with the sudden water load. Even gardens that never flooded before now struggle due to poor drainage and climate change. Regular checks and proactive improvements make a big difference during the rainy season.
You don’t have to put up with a flooded garden forever. Once you understand the root cause, you can take action that lasts. For reliable and expert-led drainage in Manchester, always start with a full garden inspection. If you’re ready to tackle your drainage problems, Glyn Walley Groundworks Ltd offers dependable advice and tailored solutions across Manchester. Contact us now.