Retaining Wall Service
Retaining Wall Drainage in Fort Collins, Colorado
Retaining wall drainage is the single most important detail behind a wall's lifespan. When water has no path away from the soil behind a wall, pressure builds until the wall leans, cracks, or collapses. Proper drainage — gravel backfill and a perforated drain pipe at the base — gives that water a way out and is built into every wall from the start.
Retaining Wall Drainage
A drainage system behind a retaining wall starts with drainage aggregate placed against the back of the wall, a perforated drain pipe at the base wrapped in filter fabric, and a daylighted outlet or connection to a storm path. The pipe is pitched so water flows out, and the grade above the wall is shaped to direct surface water away. On existing walls, drainage can be retrofitted as part of a repair.
Common Applications
- New walls, planned and built with drainage from day one
- Existing walls showing water pooling or early failure
- Walls on slopes where runoff concentrates behind the wall
- Repair and replacement projects correcting failed drainage
Property Considerations
- Path for water to a daylight outlet or storm system
- Filter fabric to keep drainage aggregate from clogging
- Drain pipe pitch so water actually flows out
- Surface drainage directed away from the wall top
Benefits & Considerations
- Prevents the most common cause of wall failure
- Protects the wall's structural integrity long-term
- Manages runoff on sloped residential properties
- Can be added to existing walls during repair
Frequently Asked Questions
Retaining Wall Drainage — Questions
Common questions about retaining wall drainage for Fort Collins properties.
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