Fixing Waterlogged Gardens in Haywards Heath with Land Drainage
2 min readHaywards HeathBy AA Drainage
Heavy clay soils in Mid Sussex mean many Haywards Heath gardens stay soggy for months after rain. Land drainage gives the water somewhere to go.
Why water sits on the surface
Clay is made of very fine particles that hold water and let it through slowly. Compacted ground from building work makes it worse, and slopes can send water from neighbouring land onto yours.
How land drainage works
A typical system includes:
- Trenches dug across the wet area at a gentle fall
- Perforated pipe laid in clean stone
- A geotextile membrane to stop soil clogging the stone
- An outlet to a soakaway, ditch or suitable drain
French drains near buildings
Where water collects against walls or patios, a French drain can intercept it before it causes damp. We set out the route so water is carried safely away from the house.
Frequently asked questions
Can land drainage connect to my foul drain?
No. Groundwater must not go into the foul sewer.
Will my lawn be ruined?
There is some disruption, but trenches are backfilled and reinstated so the lawn recovers.