Paver Drainage Types Guide to Effective Drainage Systems

Proper drainage is key to keeping your paved areas safe, stable, and looking great. At All Needs Plumbing, many homes and businesses struggle with water pooling or damage caused by poor drainage under or around pavers. That's why knowing about the different paver drainage types can help you later on. Whether dealing with a driveway, patio, or commercial paved area, learning about drainage systems helps protect your investment and avoid costly repairs.

Why You Need the Right Drainage System for Your Pavers

Water doesn’t just disappear when it rains. If it sits under or around your pavers, it can cause the ground to shift, the pavers to crack or sink, and even create slippery mossy patches. Proper drainage keeps water away from your paved surfaces, which stops damage before it starts. From my experience running All Needs Plumbing, I’ve seen how a simple fix like installing the proper drainage system can transform a soggy, unstable patio into a dry, safe space you can enjoy all year round.

Surface Drainage Systems

Sloped Installation

One of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to manage water on your paved surface is by installing it with a slight slope. We usually recommend a slope of about 1 to 2 per cent, which means the surface drops roughly 10 to 20 millimetres every metre. This gentle incline encourages rainwater to flow naturally away from your paved area and prevents it from pooling. 

The approach works well for patios, walkways, and driveways where water can safely drain to garden beds, lawns, or stormwater drains. Without this slope, water tends to sit on the surface, increasing the risk of damage and slippery conditions.

Channel Drains

Channel drains are narrow, grated channels installed along the edges or low points of your paved area. These drains act like gutters for your patio or driveway, catching water before it pools and directing it into your drainage system. They’re instrumental in areas where water accumulates, such as near garage entrances or driveways' sides. 

Channel drain grates also prevent debris from getting stuck in the system, allowing water to flow freely. Installing channel drains requires professional expertise to ensure they connect properly to your existing drainage pipes and that the slope directs water efficiently.

French Drains

French drains are a great way to improve the drainage on properties with heavy clay soils or poor natural drainage. They have a trench filled with gravel and a pipe with holes that collects water and sends it away from your paved area. Water seeps through the gravel into the pipe and is carried off to a safer location, such as a stormwater drain or a soakaway pit. 

French drains help prevent water from pooling under your pavers, which can cause shifting and damage. They’re helpful in wet climates or low-lying areas where water tends to collect.

Catch Basins

Catch basins provide a more robust drainage solution for larger paved areas or commercial properties. These underground pits collect large volumes of water from the surface or channel drains. The water is then pumped or drained away through underground pipes. 

Catch basins are ideal for areas prone to flooding or where heavy rainfall is common. To keep them clean and working properly, they need to be installed professionally and maintained regularly.

Subsurface Drainage Systems

Permeable Base System

Instead of compacting soil directly under your pavers, we use a permeable base made up of layers of gravel and open-graded stone. This base allows water to filter through the layers rather than pooling on the surface or under the pavers. The base made of gravel soaks up extra water like a sponge and slowly lets it out into the soil around it. This system prevents water from weakening the base and causing pavers to shift or sink over time. A properly installed permeable base also improves the overall stability of your paved surface.

Drainage Pipes

Drainage pipes are installed beneath the gravel base to carry excess groundwater away from your paved area. These pipes are typically perforated to collect water from the surrounding gravel and channel it to a safe discharge point. 

We wrap these pipes in geotextile fabric to prevent clogging. This fabric filters out soil and debris while allowing water to pass through. Drainage pipes are essential in areas with high water tables or poor soil drainage, ensuring water doesn’t build up under your pavers and cause damage.

Geotextile Fabric

Geotextile fabric is a permeable material between the soil and the gravel base. Water can flow freely because it is a barrier to keep soil from washing into the gravel and clogging the drainage system.

Using geotextile fabric helps maintain the integrity of your drainage base and prolongs the lifespan of your paved area. It’s a simple but crucial component of any effective subsurface drainage system.

Permeable Paver Systems

Permeable pavers are designed with gaps or porous materials that allow water to pass through the surface and into the ground below. Unlike traditional pavers with tight joints, permeable ones have wider joints filled with fine gravel or sand that let water soak in. 

This reduces stormwater runoff, which helps prevent flooding and erosion in your yard. Permeable pavers are also environmentally friendly because they help recharge groundwater and comply with many local stormwater regulations.

Pro-Tip: If you’re considering permeable pavers, it’s vital to ensure the base is installed correctly with the right materials and proper slope. Poor installation can cause the pavers to move or the drainage system to fail, leading to costly repairs.

Edge Restraints and Their Role in Drainage

Edge restraints are often overlooked but play a significant role in drainage and paver stability. They keep your pavers from spreading out or shifting while also helping to manage water flow. We design edge restraints with small gaps or raised borders that guide water toward drainage channels instead of letting it pool around the edges. This keeps water moving and prevents damage caused by standing water.

Pro-Tip: Ensure they don’t completely seal off the edges when installing edge restraints. Allowing some water flow helps prevent pressure buildup and damage to the paver base.

Choosing the Right Drainage System for Your Property

Every property is different, so the best drainage system depends on your soil type, climate, and how you use your paved area. Here’s a quick guide to help you understand what might work best for you:

Clay Soil

Clay holds water and drains poorly. French drains, a permeable base, and geotextile fabric work well to move water away and stabilise your pavers.

Sandy Soil

Sandy soil drains naturally but can shift easily. A good surface slope and channel drains help direct water without causing erosion.

High Rainfall Areas

If your area gets a lot of rain, catch basins and permeable pavers are excellent choices to handle heavy water flow and reduce flooding risk.

Heavy Traffic Areas

Driveways or commercial spaces with heavy traffic benefit from channel drains and strong edge restraints to keep everything stable and dry.

We always examine your property and recommend the best solution based on your needs and budget.

Pro-Tip: Clean the joints of permeable paver drainage types often so that dirt and other things don't get stuck in the drainage pathways. This simple maintenance step keeps your system working efficiently for years.

Common Problems from Poor Drainage

Ignoring drainage can lead to serious problems such as soil erosion, pavers shifting or cracking, freeze-thaw damage in colder months, and slippery moss growth. These issues ruin the look of your paved area and create safety hazards and expensive repairs. Proper drainage saves you money and stress in the long run by preventing these common problems.

FAQs About Paver Drainage Types

Do pavers allow for drainage?

Yes, pavers allow drainage because they’re installed with gaps or over permeable bases that let water flow through or underneath. This helps prevent pooling and water damage.

What happens if you don't put gravel under pavers?

Without gravel, water can collect under the pavers, causing the soil to erode and the pavers to sink or shift. This leads to uneven surfaces and costly repairs.

Do pavers drain better than concrete?

Generally, yes. Pavers have joints that let water seep through, while concrete is usually impermeable, causing water to run off and pool in unwanted areas.

What happens if water gets under pavers?

Water trapped under pavers can weaken the base, cause shifting or cracking, and encourage moss or mildew growth, making the surface slippery and unsafe.

What is a swale drainage?

A swale is a shallow, grassy channel that directs surface water away from paved areas. It’s a natural way to manage runoff and reduce flooding risks.

What if I Want to Know More About Paver Drainage Types?

We're here if you want to know more about paver drainage types or need expert help choosing and installing the right system for your property. We know that drainage problems can't wait, so we don't charge a fee to come out and fix them at All Needs Plumbing. 

In addition, seniors can save even more by 15% and $150 off hot water systems. Give us a call or book online today, and let’s keep your paved areas dry, safe, and looking their best.

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