--- title: 5 Patio Drainage Problems and How to Avoid Them description: One thing that every patio needs is proper drainage. Without it, you can find yourself with a big problem that can result in your hard work being destroyed. image: https://blog.slotdrainsystems.com/hubfs/slotdrain-2-4.jpg --- - TF [855.497.750](tel:8554977508) - Email [info@slotdrainsystems.com](mailto:info@slotdrainsystems.com) [![SlotDrainSystems_withdivision](https://blog.slotdrainsystems.com/hs-fs/hubfs/SlotDrainSystems_withdivision.png?width=503&height=136&name=SlotDrainSystems_withdivision.png)](http://www.slotdrainsystems.com/) - [PRODUCTS](https://www.slotdrainsystems.com/products) - [2000 SERIES Sleek Elevator Multi-Slot Drain](https://www.slotdrainsystems.com/products/2000-series-multislot/) - [2000 SERIES Sleek Elevator Threshold Drain](https://www.slotdrainsystems.com/products/2000-series/) - [4000 SERIES Drains for Tight Spaces and Against Walls](https://www.slotdrainsystems.com/products/4000-series-slot-drain/) - [6000 SERIES Drains For Shallow Depth Requirements](https://www.slotdrainsystems.com/products/6000-series/) - [7000 SERIES The Best Drain For Landscaping](https://www.slotdrainsystems.com/products/7000-series/) - [8000 SERIES Simple and Durable](https://www.slotdrainsystems.com/products/8000-series/) - [10,000 SERIES Sanitary and Strong](https://www.slotdrainsystems.com/products/10000-series-slot-drain/) - [Accessories](https://www.slotdrainsystems.com/product-category/accessories/) - [All Products](https://www.slotdrainsystems.com/products/) - [APPLICATIONS](https://www.slotdrainsystems.com/applications/) - [AGRICULTURE + ANIMAL](https://www.slotdrainsystems.com/application/agriculture-drainage/) - [AUTOMOTIVE](https://www.slotdrainsystems.com/application/automotive-drainage/) - [BREWERIES](https://www.slotdrainsystems.com/application/breweries/) - [FOOD + BEVERAGE PROCESSING](https://www.slotdrainsystems.com/application/food-and-beverage-industry/) - [INDUSTRIAL + MANUFACTURING](https://www.slotdrainsystems.com/application/industrial-drainage/) - [LANDSCAPE + URBAN DESIGN](https://www.slotdrainsystems.com/application/civic-drainage/) - [POOL + PATIO](https://www.slotdrainsystems.com/application/landscape-drainage/) - [RESIDENTIAL](https://www.slotdrainsystems.com/application/residential-drainage/) - [WINERIES](https://www.slotdrainsystems.com/application/winery-drains/) - [RESOURCES](https://www.slotdrainsystems.com/knowledge-centre/) - [CASE STUDIES](https://www.slotdrainsystems.com/case-studies/) - [FAQ](https://www.slotdrainsystems.com/faq) - [SPECIFICATIONS](https://www.slotdrainsystems.com/specifications/) - [SPECIFICATIONS](https://www.slotdrainsystems.com/specifications/) - [INSTALLATION](https://info.slotdrainsystems.com/installresources) - [ABOUT](https://www.slotdrainsystems.com/about) - [BLOG](https://blog.slotdrainsystems.com) - [CONTACT US](https://www.slotdrainsystems.com/contact-us) - [OUR COMPANY](https://www.slotdrainsystems.com/our-company) - [TESTIMONIALS](https://info.slotdrainsystems.com/slot-drain-customer-testimonials-installations) [REQUEST A QUOTE](https://www.slotdrainsystems.com/request-a-quote/) ### Posts by Topic - [Slot Drain (13)](https://blog.slotdrainsystems.com/topic/slot-drain) - [Trench Drain (13)](https://blog.slotdrainsystems.com/topic/trench-drain) - [commercial (10)](https://blog.slotdrainsystems.com/topic/commercial-drains) - [Drain Design (6)](https://blog.slotdrainsystems.com/topic/drain-design) - [Residential (6)](https://blog.slotdrainsystems.com/topic/residential-drains) ![](https://blog.slotdrainsystems.com/hubfs/slotdrain-2-4.jpg) # 5 Patio Drainage Problems and How to Avoid Them ![slotdrain-2-4](https://blog.slotdrainsystems.com/hs-fs/hubfs/slotdrain-2-4.jpg?width=957&name=slotdrain-2-4.jpg) Patios are a wonderful opportunity to create a beautiful, peaceful outdoor space on your property. They can be simple or intricate in their design and feature all sorts of design elements, like a pool or garden area. However, one thing that every patio needs is proper drainage. Without it, you can find yourself with a big problem that can result in your hard work being destroyed. ## Patio Drainage Problems Here are some of the significant drainage problems you can encounter with your patio if you aren't careful: ### 1. There is an Improper Pitch When preparing the ground for your patio layout, you may think you need to have everything completely flat and level. That can lead to a pretty significant problem. When the ground is completely flat, there is nowhere for water runoff to go, so it is left sitting, where it can erode the ground and any patio pavers. Instead, the ground must have a slight, gradual slope that allows for water runoff to flow in the direction of the patio drain, and away from the patio surface. ### 2. Your Drain System is Clogged ![](https://blog.slotdrainsystems.com/hubfs/5%20Patio%20Drainage%20Problems%20and%20How%20to%20Avoid%20Them-2.png)   One of the other significant patio drainage problems you may encounter is a clogged drain. It is extremely common, particularly when it comes to patios. Since patios are outdoors, there is always the possibility of larger debris finding its way into the drainage system. Leaves, in particular, tend to get trapped in drain channels, making it difficult for water runoff to easily flow through. While grate coverings on drain systems are meant to prevent this type of problem, debris can still get through, (especially after heavy rains) and lead to these clogs.   ### 3. Poorly Situated Roof Overhangs and Downspouts ![](https://blog.slotdrainsystems.com/hubfs/5%20Patio%20Drainage%20Problems%20and%20How%20to%20Avoid%20Them-5.png)   Your patio is in your backyard, which means it’s not too far from your roof and downspouts. While it may not seem like such a big deal, your roof overhang and the accompanying downspouts can lead to another significant patio drainage problem: pooling water. Your roof overhang is what guides water runoff from your roof to the gutter and downspout system. If the downspouts are not installed the right way, it can release the water directly onto your patio with nowhere else to go, and will be left to sit in a puddle that can eventually erode any concrete or pavers. Fortunately, solving this issue is incredibly easy: you want to pay attention to the installation of your downspouts, so you can ensure they are pointing downhill towards the drains. Furthermore, you want to make sure your gutters remain clear of leaves and other debris so that they can work properly in order to catch water runoff and direct it to the downspouts. ![](https://blog.slotdrainsystems.com/hubfs/5%20Patio%20Drainage%20Problems%20and%20How%20to%20Avoid%20Them-4.png)   ### 4. Sinking Pavers So, you designed your perfect backyard patio, and it looked beautiful. After a while, you noticed your pavers seemed to be sinking, but couldn't understand why. While it may just be because they weren't installed correctly, it could also be pointing to a much bigger drainage problem. That means that when the ground was prepared for the pavers, the ground may not have been excavated deep enough to get past the first layers of soil, and a base of gravel or crushed stone was possibly overlooked, which helps control drainage. ### 5. Improper Placement of Drains ![](https://blog.slotdrainsystems.com/hubfs/5%20Patio%20Drainage%20Problems%20and%20How%20to%20Avoid%20Them.png)   Nothing is more problematic when it comes to patio drainage problems than improperly placed drains. Drain placement may not seem like a big deal, but if you have a large patio area, it can make a significant difference. When drains are not placed in the correct areas, they can end up completely nonfunctional, which would leave water runoff with nowhere to go. It could damage your patio, your plants, and possibly even the foundation of your home. Because of that, it is critical to take the time to consider where drains would be most efficient, and how many you may need. If you have a pool, for example, you would want it to be close to that area to collect water quickly. If you have large garden areas, you would want drains surrounding them so they can collect runoff from watering.   ## The Solution to All Your Patio Drainage Problems ![](https://blog.slotdrainsystems.com/hubfs/5%20Patio%20Drainage%20Problems%20and%20How%20to%20Avoid%20Them-3.png)   While many of these issues have somewhat easy fixes, the best thing to do is to prevent them from ever happening in the first place. Avoiding the issue would mean two things: carefully planning your patio with drainage in mind, and choosing the right drainage system for the job.   [Slot Drain](https://www.slotdrainsystems.com/) is a pre-sloped, pre-assembled trench drain system that is perfect for landscape and patio applications. The system is extremely easy to install, and the slim channel opening means that there is no risk of foreign objects falling into the channel and clogging the system. It comes in various finishes, including galvanized and stainless steel, which makes it impact-, bacteria-, and corrosion-resistant. Furthermore, the system has a sleek, modern design that does not require a grate so that it can blend seamlessly with any patio design. What also helps Slot Drain's system stand out is the fact that it is so easy to maintain compared to other systems. There is the option to have a self-cleaning system in place or to simply use a brush and paddle to easily clean the channel within a few minutes. ## Stop Patio Drainage Problems Before They Start ![](https://blog.slotdrainsystems.com/hubfs/5%20Patio%20Drainage%20Problems%20and%20How%20to%20Avoid%20Them-1.png) You put a lot of time, money, and possibly even sweat into your patio, so it makes sense that you want it to last as long as possible. For that to happen, you need to avoid patio drainage problems like the ones mentioned above. They can be costly and detrimental to the appearance of your patio, and possibly the foundation of your home. Before you even start making your patio beautiful, make sure you've got a [Slot Drain system](https://www.slotdrainsystems.com/) in place to help take care of all your [patio drainage](https://www.slotdrainsystems.com/landscape-drainage) needs, and keep it looking beautiful for years to come. - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![SlotDrain-Product-Guide-232x300-2023-1](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2119739/interactive-140128665707.png)](https://blog.slotdrainsystems.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLKuRSX%2F%2B1A8gc5VcGQRjEGPOQvqOV1jaPkxKduAqV6Tkp6jVEpJfpWWE2yP%2BS4R9i0TkcDO5kdNzkTt3CgPVIKYqNRO8TY6ATO6YfV%2BqVMuSBIylFMtM2q7CXgd82Z6Bj5JO7GoxXQVWSZzimcpgrlh50zI%2BNx2vRPEEYD5wpY29gNwG9e6fN0K6geZBry0%2BOVXpqNyXIWao0Y2V0c2VwRDe%2BkxQ8fq&webInteractiveContentId=140128665707&portalId=2119739) - ##### [![](https://blog.slotdrainsystems.com/hubfs/SlotDrain-Nov2016/Images/selector-icon.png) drain selector](http://www.slotdrainsystems.com/compare/) - ##### [![](https://blog.slotdrainsystems.com/hubfs/SlotDrain-Nov2016/Images/buy-icon.png) How to buy](http://www.slotdrainsystems.com/how-to-buy/) - ##### [![](https://blog.slotdrainsystems.com/hubfs/SlotDrain-Nov2016/Images/chat-icon.png) TALK TO A SLOT DRAIN EXPERT](http://www.slotdrainsystems.com/contact-us/) ### [Compare slot drain](http://www.slotdrainsystems.com/compare/) Slot Drain is specifically designed to suit numerous market applications. From tough jobs that rely on strength and durability to aesthetically appealing landscaping applications. ### [drainage designs](https://info.slotdrainsystems.com/specifications) Drainage that's built to look good and stand strong. Slot Drain is available in stainless steel and galvanized steel. Slot Drain is customizable with elbows and transitions pits. ### [drainage accessories](http://www.slotdrainsystems.com/accessories) Each Slot Drain® system includes a specially designed cleaning kit specific to its application. To clean the drain channel, cleaning kit options include an easy cleaning paddle, Flush FloTM System for frequent cleaning facilities. ### [start your project](http://www.slotdrainsystems.com/contact-us/) Not sure where to start? Don't worry! That's why we have a dedicated team of drainage consultants to help find you drainage solutions. Schedule a call or informational session with a consultant today. ### [learning resources](https://blog.slotdrainsystems.com/) Learn more about the most sophisticated drainage system available. Find out how Slot Drain has helped to provide drainage solutions for multiple applications. ### [our company](http://www.slotdrainsystems.com/our-company/) Slot Drain® Systems solved the issue of expensive installations, future workers health and maintenance wear and tear. Slot Drain® Systems was the world’s first slotted trench drain solution that excluded traditional grates. - - - - - copyright @ 2026 slot drain systems ltd. slot drain is a registered trademark of slot drain systems ltd. ![](https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=906339316186602&ev=PageView&noscript=1) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "GDT Blogs", "url" : "https://blog.slotdrainsystems.com/author/gdt-blogs" }, "dateModified" : "2024-10-21T21:26:36.936Z", "datePublished" : "2019-12-12T23:24:00.000Z", "headline" : "5 Patio Drainage Problems and How to Avoid Them", "image" : [ "https://blog.slotdrainsystems.com/hubfs/slotdrain-2-4.jpg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.slotdrainsystems.com/patio-drainage-problems", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blog.slotdrainsystems.com/hubfs/Logo-GDT.jpg" }, "name" : "Global Drain Technologies" } } ```