How to Fix Common Patio Drainage Problems

Your patio is the perfect place to relax in warm weather. But drainage issues can quickly turn your outdoor escape into a thorn in your side. This guide explains how to fix patio drainage problems so you can go back to enjoying your space.

1. Determine the Cause

Before doing anything else, you must determine the cause of your patio drainage problems. Often, patios have drainage problems because they are sloped incorrectly. However, the cause could also be your gutters or downspouts. 

Check whether the water pools in a certain area of the patio. If so, the cause is likely poor sloping or inadequate drainage. If the water pools near the house’s foundation, it can cause structural issues. In this case, calling in a foundation repair pro might be the best solution.

2. Clean the Gutters 

Clogged gutters might be the cause of your patio drainage issues. If it’s been a while since you last cleaned your gutters, there’s no time like the present to do so. This can be a DIY job if you have a tall enough ladder and the proper safety equipment. However, in most cases, hiring a local gutter cleaning company is best to ensure the job is completed safely and correctly.

3. Add a Downspout Extension

If your gutter downspouts empty near your patio, it can cause drainage problems. However, this is easy enough to fix by adding downspout extensions to direct rainwater away from your patio and home.

4. Aerate the Lawn

A poorly draining yard can cause water to pool on your patio rather than draining away from your home. When your lawn has a thick layer of thatch over the top, it can prevent rainwater from soaking into the soil. Aerating the lawn can fix this. You can do this yourself with a spike or core aerator, which you can purchase or rent. Follow aeration with overseeding and fertilization to encourage healthy grass growth that will help water drain away from your patio.

5. Upgrade Your Drainage System

Drainage problems on your patio or in your yard could signal a problem with your current drainage system (if you have one). You might need to repair or replace an existing system or add a new one to prevent drainage problems and potential structural damage to your home. Installing or replacing a drainage system is a labor-intensive job that’s best left to a professional. They might recommend a French drain, channel drain, or floor drain on the patio’s surface.

6. Correct the Patio Pitch

For severe drainage issues, you might need to correct the pitch of the patio with a cement-based overlay. Alternatively, you can remove the existing patio and correct the yard slope underneath before installing new concrete on top. This is a long-term, though costly, solution, as patio repair costs an average of $1,600.

7. Drill Drainage Holes

Finally, consider drilling some drainage holes in your patio to allow water to drain away rather than pooling on the surface. The holes should be about 3 centimeters in diameter and can be filled with gravel to make them less noticeable.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

The choice between correcting your patio drainage issues yourself and hiring a pro depends on the cause. Most homeowners can install downspout extenders, aerate the lawn, or drill a few drainage holes in the patio to save on labor costs. However, if you need to clean your gutters, install a drainage system, or remove and replace the patio, it’s best to leave the job to a pro. Look for patio or deck repair pros near you and request quotes from multiple companies before deciding which one to choose.