Driveway Placement & Slope
The two most effective weapons in combating driveway drainage problems are placement and slope. When installing a new driveway it should be placed in an area of your property that has excellent drainage. If possible, avoid placing your driveway in a low-lying area, or a spot where water typically flows during storms. It is best for a driveway to gently slope away from your home so that when it rains the water will wash out into the street, or to on-site stormwater management. Depending on your property, grading may be necessary to achieve the right slope. If your property has a steep slope you'll find these hillside landscaping essentials helpful.
Driveway Drains
For some properties, especially those that sit below street level, it's difficult to solve the drainage problem with correct placement and slope alone. In this situation driveway drains will need to be installed. A trench drain, sometimes called a French drain, can be installed where the driveway meets the garage. This type of drain is long and narrow and should run the entire width of the driveway. A trench drain must be covered by a metal grate to keep it free of debris that could clog the pipe. If you live in a very rainy climate, consider installing multiple trench drains at different points along your driveway. Decorative grates are available for trench drains that can be used as a unique design element. Strip and pit drains can also be used in specific areas of the driveway where water is likely to collects.
