002: A Wet Welcome: Our adventures with property drainage drama

This is moving up on our priority list.

Picture this: March 2023, and we've just taken the leap and purchased our dream property. Excitement fills the air as we envision all the possibilities of our new home.

Little did we know, however, that our journey would take an unexpected turn as April showers rolled in, bringing with them a deluge of rain and a crash course in property drainage. As the rain poured down, we found ourselves facing a watery challenge we hadn't anticipated. With 2 to 3 inches of rain in several storms and one particularly hefty downpour dumping nearly 4 inches, it quickly became apparent that our property had some serious drainage issues.

Cue the panic as we watched in dismay, realizing that our beloved property was in danger of washing away into the nearby river. But fear not, dear readers, for where there's a problem, there's also an opportunity for adventure and innovation! With our sleeves rolled up and determination in our hearts, we set out to tackle the drainage dilemma head-on. Armed with shovels, rain boots, and a healthy dose of optimism, we dove into the task of uncovering where the water was hiding and how we could redirect its flow.

Through trial and error, laughter and maybe a few F-bombs we embarked on a journey of discovery, learning the ins and outs of our property's hidden waterways. With each passing day, we gained a deeper understanding of the land we now called home, forging a connection with its rhythms and quirks that we never could have anticipated. And though the road was rocky at times, with setbacks and challenges aplenty, we emerged victorious, armed with newfound knowledge and a system of drainage solutions that would make even the most seasoned homeowner proud.

Step 1: Plan, Measure and Sketch out

Drainage Project

In the picture above we marked off 140 feet of 20-inch pipe. Each section is lovingly referred to as a “stick.” Ready to join forces, these sticks were laid out in a strategic arrangement diverting half our drainage water to our pond.

Step 2: Hire a friend with a excavator

6” upgraded to 20”

With the roar of the excavator as our soundtrack, my friend, Chris, skillfully maneuvered the machine while I, shovel in hand, waded into the depths of the ditch. Our mission? To sculpt the earth, ensuring a proper slope and solid foundation to channel water effectively and end our property drainage issues forever.

As the dirt flew and the machinery hummed, we toiled tirelessly, layering inch-and-a-half gravel and topping it off with crushed stone to fortify our road. It was gritty, it was grueling, but with each scoop of gravel, we inched closer to our goal.

And when the dust settled and our task was complete, we stood back to admire our handiwork. Despite the sweat and sore muscles, there was a sense of accomplishment.

Full drainage project recap video