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How to stop water accumulating outside my front door?

Hi, after the Melbourne rains yeterday (7/10/22), I noticed that water had accumulated in an area outside my front door. I don't recall this happening before. Although yesterday's rain was strong, we've had longer and stronger rains before.

The photos were taken 12noon, but even after 6pm the waters were still there (maybe reduced by 10%)

I was wondering what type of tradie I should ask to look at this? Would these photos be enough for them to diagnose the cause?

I notice the areas where the water had accumulated seem lower than the surrounding but now worried that it's because they are somehow settling down? (I mean, this water pooling haven't been happening before). Thanks for any advice

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Comments

CSParnell

Hey @PhoenixClose1

Having a look at your photos it seems the papered area has been built with a back lip and an open side to the left to allow run off and I am assuming it slopes to the left. From what I can see there is a build up of dirt and debris in the corner is this stopping the water from getting away?

MitchellMc

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @PhoenixClose1. It's great to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about accumulated water.

Being in Sydney, I've become accustomed to pooling water like this after the last year. If there is no sitting water somewhere, I start getting concerned.

It looks like your soil is saturated to the point that it can't absorb any more, and you are getting standing water on the surface. This water then travels onto the paving because it is at the same height. Water-logged soil isn't uncommon after a decent downpour, but if you haven't seen it before and it doesn't seem to dissipate, it could be worth investigating. Before you call anyone, it might be worth going for a drive around the neighbourhood or sticking your head over the neighbour's fence to see if everyone else is also water-logged.

Do you know if there is drainage in this area? If so, you could call a plumber specialising in drainage to see if it needs clearing. If there isn't drainage in this area, it could be worth installing some if this becomes a regular occurrence. Have a look at this helpful guide on How to fix a muddy lawn.

If you have any questions about installing drainage, please let us know, as I'm sure our helpful members will be keen to assist.

Mitchell

PhoenixClose1

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/23001#Comment_23001

Thank you CSParnell. I was completely clueless about how water is supposed to drain. Your comment helped me understand! I will clean up that spot and make sure there's nothing preventing the water from draining that way. There is still the puddle in the soil, which does suggest the soil is saturated. Not clear from my photos but the ground outside the lip border, around the shrub is very muddy. Thanks!

PhoenixClose1

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/23003#Comment_23003

Thanks for the advice MitchellMC. I'll keep an eye out for what you said next time it pours. How does one find out if there is drainage "in this area"? (Does "in this area" mean the front of my property? or the street?) Sorry, such newbie questions).

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/74181#Comment_74181

Drainage in that immediate area next to the paving @PhoenixClose1. If you haven't had any installed, it would be pretty hard to tell unless you dug down in that area or looked for signs like drainage pits. Since drainage would be relatively easy to install, I'd suggest that if this issue continues, your best bet is likely just to install some.

Mitchell

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