We're buying a new property and the back yard is half level, half slope. The level area holds onto water after rain.
Shown from the rear of the yard, my notion is – put a drain in the area that gathers water and run an underground pipe to an expandable set of rain barrels or some other kind of cistern. This captured ground water will be used for gardening, etc.
My questions:
1) Is a catch basin like this appropriate for the intended use? If not, what is?
2) What do I need to do to prevent clogs?
3) (more general) is this idea sound?
Best Answer
I would create a French drain at least 1/2 the width of the "swamp" and channel this to your catch basins. I did a similar thing several homes back it was great for water storage but I ended up with close to 1500 gallons before figuring out that the tanks filled with ground water and I needed to extend my drain to a lower area below the tanks. Now the tanks fill then the overflow drains down the slope no standing water or mosquitos. I would use a French drain and cover the top foot with mesh then back fill for your lawn. Note at the lowest point in the drain use rock at the surface or the water running out will erode the dirt at the surface as it runs out but the rock holds the dirt in place and allows the water to flow. If using large tanks make sure you have access holes so any sediment can be removed after about 5 years my first tank had quite a bit after 5 years but the second tank was clean.