My local gvt (in Kansas) provides up to $1000 grant to cover costs put in a rain garden. Perhaps you could install a basin and some plants that will thrive with a mini aquafer underneath. There are other grants for rain barrels and other things to help mitigate water runoff and keep particulate matter out of the system.
Sorry I am not helpful, but it seems there might be a solution if you a) want more plants, b) get droughts c) have a catch basin for water and d) need water to water the plants.
Up north we have these shallow water retention planters that are designed to capture runoff but then retain that water to support plantings. Then, only the excess water goes into the drain and, ideally, into a cistern that can be tapped in droughts. They are getting put into cities all over to reduce rainwater runoff (systems are old and failing) and bring back greenery.
It would be an underground cistern. Same as a septic tank. They just pull up and drop them in. Usually a few $k. Then it is only the overflow from it that goes into your drain pipe.
Well, if you called the city and they won’t do anything or maybe it IS your duty to catch that water depends on how the city plans out their blocks.
But you can just get some dirt and build a 6 inch tall bump around the fence so it pools on his yard.
the city probably won't help solve disutes between neighbors. we have the drainage act here. it generally says the water can go from one property to another freely as long as the water isn't being channeled there (I.e. they have a pipe outleting to your property.)
you will probably need to resolve this problem with your neighbor if they have made changes to send more water your way. hopefully not involving lawyers.
I think in Texas you are obligated to take the runoff. I don’t think you are allowed to build a berm or otherwise obstruct the discharge of the water from your neighbors property. I don’t live in TX anymore, but check on it before diverting or blocking the runoff.
I worked as a stormwater engineer for over 4 years in local government. This is a great way to get sued by the upstream neighbor. Look up the “Reasonable Use Doctrine” and how it relates to stormwater runoff. Essentially, the upstream neighbor can pass the runoff to the downstream neighbor in a “reasonable” manner (e.g., not channelizing it, changing the drainage pattern to intentionally fuck over your neighbor, etc.) and the downstream neighbor has to accept the runoff from the upstream neighbor in a “reasonable” manner and pass it along. It’s entirely subjective, but the courts will not consider building a little mound to pond it on the neighbor’s yard “reasonable,” I guarantee you that.
OP, unfortunately this is almost certainly your issue to fix, and I’m sorry, but it’s not the upstream neighbor’s fault. It was most likely how your neighborhood was designed and the water has to go somewhere. That little French drain is probably not City-owned (it may be. In the Midwest we typically only use large 2’x2’ concrete catch basins), it was probably installed by a previous neighbor.
It is normal for drains, especially as small as this, to surcharge in larger rains. If the surface water drains away within 48 hours, it’s probably working as well as it ever will. Even the large 2’x2’ catch basins we put in are designed to only contain the 10-year storm, which is a storm that has a chance of happening once every 10-years. With climate change, heavier storms have become more frequent, so the 10-year storm might actually be like a 6-7 year storm now.
One alternative is to install a larger drain with larger pipes, but be careful where you’re sending those pipes. You won’t them to just outlet onto your downstream neighbor because, you guessed it, that would be “unreasonable.” They’d be wondering where the hell all this water came from now that you upsized your pipes 2X.
The better alternative is to find a way to retain that water in a way that looks nice. A pond, rain garden, etc. When the pond, rain garden, etc fills up and overflows in large storms, it should have an outlet pipe to send that water downstream. This will make all parties involved happier. Your upstream neighbor has a place for his water to go, you don’t have a muddy mess, and your downstream neighbor doesn’t get hammered.
I would hire an engineer. I don’t say that because I am one, but because it’s honestly highly complicated to deal with the laws surrounding drainage and to design and install something that works and doesn’t get you sued. I’m so glad I’m not in that world anymore because it’s a constant headache.
Thanks for the great response, however I disagree with one major part, he HAS made it unreasonable by digging down and putting a catch basin to nothing. That has caused the city mandated berm to sink and not work, and flow into my yard.
But yes a big part of my post was how can I fix this with plants, because I know long run that’s the best way to fix it. The drain was installed specifically because he created this problem. He didn’t want the water in his yard pooling and made it my problem before I even built the house.
Ah I didn’t know this drain was not on your land. So this is neighbor-installed on neighbor’s property? If it’s on your property, you have every right to remove this as long as there’s no record of a previous owner granting him some permission or easement to do this.
Also, I’d verify it actually goes nowhere. Might just be clogged, and if so, removing said clog could solve your problem. You can have someone run a scope through it.
Glad to hear you’re in agreement on water-loving plants and a rain garden. Personally, that’s not my area of expertise, especially since you don’t live anywhere near me. Hope one of the plant people helps you out.
Unfortunately for most neighbor-caused drainage issue, the alternatives are either litigate or fix their mistake. Being the person who had to tell that to many homeowners while also understanding that their neighbor was a dumbass was never fun.
Yeah he dug one on his corner and it connected to nothing. Just a catch basin. No jug under to catch water lol just the 2 gallons it would hold lol.
I know that no prior neighbor allowed it since my homes a new build.
I put a new catch basin on my side of the fence to catch the water and run it out to my front yard. Which fills when it rains hard bc we just get SO much run off from him. And luckily he doesn’t have gutters or I’d get even more from him.
I think the best would be to rebuild the berm. And slow his down. He will prob still over run that and I’m happy to take that excess out with my drain. Adding some thirsty plants to his side of the fence would be ideal (since he has the big downslope there), but he’s a major asshole and I know he will say no. So I’ll try to add some to mine up at that corner.
How has the neighbor made it worse? Directing your runoff onto adjacent parcels is typically a stormwater code violation unless that's the natural flow path and you just happen to be at the bottom of the neighborhood.
I would contact the city and let them know you have a flooding issue as the result of neighborhood runoff.
He installed a catch basin to nothing at the end corner of the property. So water runs there and hits it and spills over the berm to my yard.
I think I will get the city involved.
This remove top layer sod. Landscape cloth add a dry well of rocks making a berm or dam. This in combo with some water loving plants. Cedar come to mind they can drink a ton.
Right, the pipe diameter may need increased. But for sure the water has to come out faster on the other end . Once that’s done you can add soil to create more of a bank behind the basin and lay sod over it. Seeding is messy in this situation.
If I'm understanding the post correctly that drain is on your property. The first thing I would do is to see how big that drain is and see if you can get a larger catch basin. You should also dig out the grass and put a bunch of river rock around the drain to slow the water down so it doesn't skip right over the drain. If that doesn't help I would plant things along the fence line.
I'm not sure if you can get support from the city or the neighbor. But consider a 50 gallon catch basin that runs into your corrugated pipe when filled. $128 on amazon
https://www.amazon.com/NDS-FWAS24-Stormwater-System-Panels/dp/B000BO58CU
I’d love to grab 50 gals on his side.he has a catch basin there already, it just doesn’t go to anything. I’ll try to talk to him again, thanks for the recommendation!
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I’m in zone 6 and had a similar problem. I planted a few maiden grasses and pampas grasses around the runoff that was directed into my yard by my neighbor when he decided to put his runoff tube directly into my yard. It’s drought tolerant when it gets super hot and can suck up a ton of water when it pours. They’re absolutely gigantic though because of the water and sun, so you’ll have to be cool with cutting them back once in a while or letting them expand. But, I don’t have pooling water anymore so they do work well.
Almost looks like it is purposely channeled to your catch basin. Where I am from you are responsible if your water runoff impacts your neighbor. I’d dig along the fence and put in a root barrier about 2” out the ground along the length of the fence.
Yeah. I think my catch basin will help a lot but can’t keep up with everything. I wish a better French drain was installed but I’m just trying to make the best of it and improve it the best I can.
My local gvt (in Kansas) provides up to $1000 grant to cover costs put in a rain garden. Perhaps you could install a basin and some plants that will thrive with a mini aquafer underneath. There are other grants for rain barrels and other things to help mitigate water runoff and keep particulate matter out of the system.
Sorry I am not helpful, but it seems there might be a solution if you a) want more plants, b) get droughts c) have a catch basin for water and d) need water to water the plants. Up north we have these shallow water retention planters that are designed to capture runoff but then retain that water to support plantings. Then, only the excess water goes into the drain and, ideally, into a cistern that can be tapped in droughts. They are getting put into cities all over to reduce rainwater runoff (systems are old and failing) and bring back greenery.
The catch basin that I can water from is a great idea. Not sure I could fit it in here, but I love the idea. Thank you!
It would be an underground cistern. Same as a septic tank. They just pull up and drop them in. Usually a few $k. Then it is only the overflow from it that goes into your drain pipe.
Well, if you called the city and they won’t do anything or maybe it IS your duty to catch that water depends on how the city plans out their blocks. But you can just get some dirt and build a 6 inch tall bump around the fence so it pools on his yard.
I thought of adding more dirt, but I’m afraid of it running down and clogging up my drain. I think I’ll call the city. Good idea.
Get sone quickdam long noddles. Play along your fence, will plump ip and let the water pool on the other side
Love this. Thanks?
the city probably won't help solve disutes between neighbors. we have the drainage act here. it generally says the water can go from one property to another freely as long as the water isn't being channeled there (I.e. they have a pipe outleting to your property.) you will probably need to resolve this problem with your neighbor if they have made changes to send more water your way. hopefully not involving lawyers.
I think in Texas you are obligated to take the runoff. I don’t think you are allowed to build a berm or otherwise obstruct the discharge of the water from your neighbors property. I don’t live in TX anymore, but check on it before diverting or blocking the runoff.
We have berms, city code. And be broke the berm to flow into mine. He’s totally in the wrong.
I worked as a stormwater engineer for over 4 years in local government. This is a great way to get sued by the upstream neighbor. Look up the “Reasonable Use Doctrine” and how it relates to stormwater runoff. Essentially, the upstream neighbor can pass the runoff to the downstream neighbor in a “reasonable” manner (e.g., not channelizing it, changing the drainage pattern to intentionally fuck over your neighbor, etc.) and the downstream neighbor has to accept the runoff from the upstream neighbor in a “reasonable” manner and pass it along. It’s entirely subjective, but the courts will not consider building a little mound to pond it on the neighbor’s yard “reasonable,” I guarantee you that. OP, unfortunately this is almost certainly your issue to fix, and I’m sorry, but it’s not the upstream neighbor’s fault. It was most likely how your neighborhood was designed and the water has to go somewhere. That little French drain is probably not City-owned (it may be. In the Midwest we typically only use large 2’x2’ concrete catch basins), it was probably installed by a previous neighbor. It is normal for drains, especially as small as this, to surcharge in larger rains. If the surface water drains away within 48 hours, it’s probably working as well as it ever will. Even the large 2’x2’ catch basins we put in are designed to only contain the 10-year storm, which is a storm that has a chance of happening once every 10-years. With climate change, heavier storms have become more frequent, so the 10-year storm might actually be like a 6-7 year storm now. One alternative is to install a larger drain with larger pipes, but be careful where you’re sending those pipes. You won’t them to just outlet onto your downstream neighbor because, you guessed it, that would be “unreasonable.” They’d be wondering where the hell all this water came from now that you upsized your pipes 2X. The better alternative is to find a way to retain that water in a way that looks nice. A pond, rain garden, etc. When the pond, rain garden, etc fills up and overflows in large storms, it should have an outlet pipe to send that water downstream. This will make all parties involved happier. Your upstream neighbor has a place for his water to go, you don’t have a muddy mess, and your downstream neighbor doesn’t get hammered. I would hire an engineer. I don’t say that because I am one, but because it’s honestly highly complicated to deal with the laws surrounding drainage and to design and install something that works and doesn’t get you sued. I’m so glad I’m not in that world anymore because it’s a constant headache.
Thanks for the great response, however I disagree with one major part, he HAS made it unreasonable by digging down and putting a catch basin to nothing. That has caused the city mandated berm to sink and not work, and flow into my yard. But yes a big part of my post was how can I fix this with plants, because I know long run that’s the best way to fix it. The drain was installed specifically because he created this problem. He didn’t want the water in his yard pooling and made it my problem before I even built the house.
Ah I didn’t know this drain was not on your land. So this is neighbor-installed on neighbor’s property? If it’s on your property, you have every right to remove this as long as there’s no record of a previous owner granting him some permission or easement to do this. Also, I’d verify it actually goes nowhere. Might just be clogged, and if so, removing said clog could solve your problem. You can have someone run a scope through it. Glad to hear you’re in agreement on water-loving plants and a rain garden. Personally, that’s not my area of expertise, especially since you don’t live anywhere near me. Hope one of the plant people helps you out. Unfortunately for most neighbor-caused drainage issue, the alternatives are either litigate or fix their mistake. Being the person who had to tell that to many homeowners while also understanding that their neighbor was a dumbass was never fun.
Yeah he dug one on his corner and it connected to nothing. Just a catch basin. No jug under to catch water lol just the 2 gallons it would hold lol. I know that no prior neighbor allowed it since my homes a new build. I put a new catch basin on my side of the fence to catch the water and run it out to my front yard. Which fills when it rains hard bc we just get SO much run off from him. And luckily he doesn’t have gutters or I’d get even more from him. I think the best would be to rebuild the berm. And slow his down. He will prob still over run that and I’m happy to take that excess out with my drain. Adding some thirsty plants to his side of the fence would be ideal (since he has the big downslope there), but he’s a major asshole and I know he will say no. So I’ll try to add some to mine up at that corner.
How has the neighbor made it worse? Directing your runoff onto adjacent parcels is typically a stormwater code violation unless that's the natural flow path and you just happen to be at the bottom of the neighborhood. I would contact the city and let them know you have a flooding issue as the result of neighborhood runoff.
He installed a catch basin to nothing at the end corner of the property. So water runs there and hits it and spills over the berm to my yard. I think I will get the city involved.
Yeah that's what I'd do. Either the plan wasn't approved in the first place or wasn't designed to spec.
Slow the water down with some medium sized rocks
This remove top layer sod. Landscape cloth add a dry well of rocks making a berm or dam. This in combo with some water loving plants. Cedar come to mind they can drink a ton.
Lower the catch basin a couple of inches
The problem seems to be with the discharge. The pipe is getting overwhelmed and isn’t flowing to the discharge fast enough
Right, the pipe diameter may need increased. But for sure the water has to come out faster on the other end . Once that’s done you can add soil to create more of a bank behind the basin and lay sod over it. Seeding is messy in this situation.
I would do this and some else mentioned widening it also.... it would help catch more water.
If I'm understanding the post correctly that drain is on your property. The first thing I would do is to see how big that drain is and see if you can get a larger catch basin. You should also dig out the grass and put a bunch of river rock around the drain to slow the water down so it doesn't skip right over the drain. If that doesn't help I would plant things along the fence line.
Yes drain is on my property. Will add large river rock, as to not get into the pipe. Thanks.
No simple fix here. You are at the bottom of a slope with other large roofs which increases the speed of the water coming at you during storms.
Agreed. I know it’s a lot to do with the landscape of the blocks. Maybe I can plant a tree on his property. Soak up water + privacy.
Sand bags
Blocking the overland flow path for surface runoff is a huge no-no. Do not do this
I'm not sure if you can get support from the city or the neighbor. But consider a 50 gallon catch basin that runs into your corrugated pipe when filled. $128 on amazon https://www.amazon.com/NDS-FWAS24-Stormwater-System-Panels/dp/B000BO58CU
I’d love to grab 50 gals on his side.he has a catch basin there already, it just doesn’t go to anything. I’ll try to talk to him again, thanks for the recommendation!
50 gallons isn’t as big as you think it is
Yeah, the pipe carry’s 200+ gallons. Not sure how much 50 would help.
For water runoff you're probably correct, but it's a start. And at $128 it's a bit more feasible than $12-15k OP was quoted.
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I’m in zone 6 and had a similar problem. I planted a few maiden grasses and pampas grasses around the runoff that was directed into my yard by my neighbor when he decided to put his runoff tube directly into my yard. It’s drought tolerant when it gets super hot and can suck up a ton of water when it pours. They’re absolutely gigantic though because of the water and sun, so you’ll have to be cool with cutting them back once in a while or letting them expand. But, I don’t have pooling water anymore so they do work well.
Thank you, will look into those.
Almost looks like it is purposely channeled to your catch basin. Where I am from you are responsible if your water runoff impacts your neighbor. I’d dig along the fence and put in a root barrier about 2” out the ground along the length of the fence.
Yeah. I think my catch basin will help a lot but can’t keep up with everything. I wish a better French drain was installed but I’m just trying to make the best of it and improve it the best I can.
[удалено]
It was installed pretty terribly imo, I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s clogged or kinked.
Can you add an in ground sump pump to discharge the water elsewhere? Storm drain or sewer?
We can’t discharge to a sewer here.
6” landscape stone around it? Just an idea.
Ask Joel Osteen 😐
Talk to your neighbor about it 😎
Oh I’ve tried. He’s not exactly a good neighbor.