A retaining wall without drainage will fail. It's a matter of how many years it takes for the hydrostatic pressure to push the wall outward.
What Proper Drainage Looks Like
Behind every wall: a minimum 12" layer of clean crushed stone running the full length and depth of the wall. At the base: a perforated pipe running along the bottom of the stone layer, directing water to a daylight outlet. Geotextile fabric between the stone and native soil to prevent migration.
How to Verify
Ask your contractor to show you the drainage plan before they start. If they look at you blankly or say 'we always put some gravel in there,' that's not a plan. Ask for the drainage layer specification in writing.
What We Include in Every Wall
Crushed stone drainage layer, perforated pipe at the base, and a daylight outlet or connection to existing drainage. We document this in every wall quote and show the homeowner where it is before we backfill.
Have more questions about this?
Call Doug at (919) 478-1678 or request a free on-site estimate.
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