new cement (maybe drainage solution) for backyard/driveway

We have a two-house lot (one front, one back, cement in between) in the south slope and our cracked cement backyard and driveway haven’t prevented water from flowing into our basement during big rains and thaws. We installed a sump pump to handle the major issue, but now it’s time to re-cement the backyard. We need someone who can also consult on drainage. Any recommendations? We have some other masonry work to throw in to bulk up the job. Appreciate advice on how to find someone well-qualified. Zoe

zoes

in Driveways, Patios, Sidewalks and Steps 9 years and 9 months ago

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marie-helene | 9 years and 9 months ago

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This is a bit far from my main area of expertise, but I have to give lots of thoughts about how water flows, and you didn’t get any better answer (yet!), so here goes: 1- water always flows downhill 2- paved surfaces are great at collecting water What this means is that having a cemented backyard and driveway doesn’t prevent water from flooding your basement, quite the contrary. Assuming an average Brooklyn backyard and driveway (about 1,200sf), you are looking at 650 gallons of water per inch of rainfall. All of this water will be looking for the lowest point; normally, it’s a drain to the main sewer system, but if your drain is blocked, or too small to accommodate the flow… we’re back to your basement. Even if your drain works, New York City has a combined sewer system, meaning used water and rainwater all go to the same pipes and water treatment centers. Whenever it rains, the system is over capacity and sends millions of gallons or raw, untreated sewage directly to Gowanus, Newton Creek, the NYC harbor or Jamaica Bay, depending where you live. Ideally, you would allow rainwater to drain through an unpaved, permeable surface like a garden, but gravel installed over landscape fabric will work as well. You can keep 60 to 70% paved, making sure the concrete is pitched towards planting areas or a gravel yard (and away from your house.)