I have a home built in the Chicago area and the soil, after the initial 4-5", is all clay. In addition, my home is on a corner lot. We then dug the foundation and put a porous soil back in against the foundation, which I believe is acting like a strainer. I have a properly installed and functioning drain tile, but due to pump failure and backup pump failure, I have had water twice. I was thinking about the challenges and thought about digging up the landscape and putting clay soil back in for about 2-4 feet to help restrict the porous nature of the soil we added.
Your advice and experience is appreciated.
2007-08-07 18:21:27 · 4 answers · asked by jscuras 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Garden & Landscape
I recommend a similar approach on some of my projects. First, it is important to have drainage away from and around your foundation. That goes for the surface and subsurface. If you are in an area of clay, I suggest that you have a uniform thickness of porous (top) soil over a clay subgrade, the surface of which also slopes away from and around your foundation.
It is also very important to have your sump pump system working correctly. I typically recommend having an additional 12 volt back up bildge pump in your sump pit on a trickle charge marine battery for when the power goes out.
It is a lot of work, but it should of have been done that way in the first place. It doesn't make sense to let all your surface water perc through the porous top soil and then flow into your perimeter drainage and then have to transport it out through your sump pump system.
I think you have the right concept. Good luck with it.
2007-08-08 05:57:58 · answer #1 · answered by jake 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
my, that sounds like alot of work, although the theory is sound, i think; the clay would act as more of a barrier than more porous soil would. it might be easier at this point, tho, to just work on improving your mechanical drain mechanisms, perhaps install a french drain.
2007-08-07 19:26:05 · answer #2 · answered by ellarosa 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not a good idea. The water will be there anyway and the clay will allow more pressure to build in 'bad spots`.
Better to keep the pumps in good repair.
2007-08-07 20:17:33 · answer #3 · answered by Irv S 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
sure,go for it.
2007-08-11 12:23:01 · answer #4 · answered by Jae 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋