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Question

How do I get ponding rain water to be "guided" towards my sump pump drain? Landscaping changes included a metal edging around the current drains. And I can move the metal edging to allow the drain to be exposure to the walkway. But the rain yesterday did not flow into the sump pump drain. Can you help me?

The walkways are currently dirt. Black star gravel will be placed on Tuesday in the walkways that were created by the metal edging.

Submitted: 100 days and 4 hours ago.

Category: Home Improvement

Value: $15

Status: CLOSED

Posted by Stephen Cutler 100 days and 4 hours ago.

Answer

Hi Darsey and thanks for using JustAnswer.com
The answer lies in a simple observation/fact many people overlook- water takes the path of least resistance and seeks the lowest level. For your ponding water to want to flow to you sump pump, you must present the sump pump at a elevation BELOW the ponding water and with an unobstructed path to it.
From your description, it sounds like your sump pump is at the same elevation as the ponding water,AND there is a path to lower elevation with LESS RESTRICTION. I recommend lowering your sump pump and providing a continuous path from the ponding water location DIRECTLY to the sump pump.
I hope that this information was helpful to you. If it was please remember to click "ACCEPT" on your screen to make sure that I am paid for my efforts. By clicking ACCEPT you are not giving up your ability to ask more questions pertaining to this subject, and I will be happy to respond to these as well. Please take a moment and leave feedback, it is very important!

100 days and 4 hours ago.

Reply

Hello Mr. Cutler, I agree...lower elevation than the drain and path of least resistance. And that was all in place and working great until the metal edging was added. Maybe if the rain was heavier the ponding would eventually move down towards the drain. But this was a medium rain and the new metal edging "blocked" the old usual flow.

Is there a "diverter gadget resevior" with a tubing of some sort that I can place on top of the dirt walkway (before I lay the gravel on top) that will help guide this new ponding over to the existing drain??? Sorry for any confusion.

Accepted Answer

Your pretty metal edging is a water dam! = max resistance. You could connect 2 - 90 degree elbows togeather- out of 5" drainpipe. This would creat a nice big hollow macroni shape that you could tunnel under the metal edging. Might take more than one, and sand will settle in it, requiring periodic removal. Put landscaping cloth over the open ends to keep out as much sand and dirt as possible. Over that crushed stone. DO NOT restrict the flow of water into and out of the pipe with sand or dirt covering.

Accepts:
Expert:	Stephen Cutler
Pos. Feedback:	99.3 %
Answered:	8/14/2009

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