Question
Russel,
    I posted the following question to Sean Murphy @ AllExperts last week and he responded that the question wasn't clear.  I guess in relation to the question below, should private drainage easement be constructed in and around a house with a backyard as described below to channel water away from the dwelling?

Your question was

Sean,
   I recently rented a house in VA and the back yard sloped downward from the garage and two adjacent houses and to a point where it caused the back yard two remain wet and soggy in several places.  The residence had a basement with adjacent landscaping and unbeknownst to me, the mulch emplaced around the house caused water retention which eventually seeped into the basement bedroom via a weak spot in the wall and basement floor.  



Can you provide some insight?  Thanks!


Ron

I'm sorry, but I don't understand the question.

Expert: Sean J Murphy, LA

Answer
Hey, Ron.

I don't think the mulch was the cause of the problem. The weak spot in the wall and basement floor, and the fact that the back yard has probably been wet and soggy over the years, all finally came together and the allowed water to seep into the basement. The mulch was just a coincidence. If anything, I would think the mulch would have been a good thing because it would have soaked up the water and allowing it to slowly evaporate rather than soaking down into the ground.

The problem with wet soil is that it can't support things as well as dry soil does. Think of the wet soil as jello. Put a slab of fresh jello on a plate and then a book on top of the jello. You'll find that the jello won't hold it. Let the jellow dry out for a few days and then put the book on top of it. It will support the book.

If you have a wet bak yard because of drainage from your house and two others, I would suggest installing a French drain to get that water out of there.

Hope that helps.

Russel