Question

Backyard landscape dra   We recently hired someone to do major redesign of our small yard.(About 22' Deep from the house-100' Long). We are worried that the drains were put in improperly. He has not yet poured concrete, so changes could be made, if necessary.
He installed four inch drains about every 6 feet (running the depth of the yard) with one perpendicular drain along the length to collect and move drained water to street. However he put in 4" drains with HOLES UP, on TOP, and claims he put a small pad of pebbles under the drains (though we didn't observe this step). When asked how that would work. He explained that the concrete pads would go just about to the top of each drain, so the water would be lead into the top holes, and then the stripes, where the drains are, would be covered with decorative pebbles. He then covered the drains with a sleeve ("to keep the dirt out"). However, he did not cover the drains with pebbles, but he temporarily buried the drains in dirt while he works with the facade of the house and other areas, before finishing the drains.
We worry. 1) Should the holes on the drains be on top or bottom?
2) Even though there are sleeves on the drains, by covering these with dirt rather than pebbles, will they potentially get clogged with dirt or can the dirt be removed sufficiently and latter be cover with pebbles, as they plan to do? 3) We are unsure of where drains are on lower third of yard, to the right and worry that it will become a pool of water. should we be worried?

THANK YOU!
Drain Worries

Answer
Hi Farryl.

Sorry for the delay getting back to you over the weekend.

So looking at this picture and not knowing what features you are installing, makes it difficult for me to give advice in this situation.

I wouldn't worry about the dirt clogging the pipe if he has it wrapped already.

To answer anything else, I need a bit more information from you please.

When I design drainage it is based on,

The size of the house, the roof area, the downspouts, the grade of the land, the climate (Heavy rain?, or snow and ice?), how the water will react with the features being installed, the water table, the physical qualities of the topsoil and subsoil in relation to retention and permeability, and what is the end result of my measures of control with the water          

What features did you install?

How much water are you potentially dealing with here?

What climate do you live in?

What is the current surface grade of your yard?

A picture of the yard would be very helpful if you can.

Thanks so much.

Kevin

I wait for your response.