DIY Doctor UK DIY Forums

I've got problem with rainwater building up at the side of my house and I'd like to build a soakaway/french drain to draw it away from the brickwork.

I can't link up a channel to the existing drain without ripping out a conservatory at the back of the house.

The only place I can put the soakaway under a side lawn a metre or so from the side wall. I've been told it has to be at least 5 metres away from the house but I just don't have the room.

Can I still do this? Do I need special permission? Any other solutions to consider?

Hi garby

Is the rainwater off the roof or from the garden?

If from the garden you must be able to run it away by means of drainage pipes (like the farmers use, coils of pipe with small holes/slits in it) run out into the lowest part of the garden or to a sewer.

If from the roof you should be able to reroute the guttering down pipes to take it around the building to feed into another ‘surface water sewer/drain’.

Or a combination of both?

Regards

Skids