I bought a new house 7yrs ago, out the back there is a small paved area which runs the wideth of the garden which is at one end full of water that has run down from the garden the paved bit is at the wrong angle to the drain so it has nowhere to go and the builder has built up the drain, so i can't even brush it away.

So what can I do.

please help

Kirsten, September 2008

Good answer.

Anon, September 2008

If the puddle is against the house it could give you issues with damp walls but from what you say this problem has existed for at least 7 years since you moved in.

You must either stop the puddle forming by raising the patio (but not above the damp course of course) or by building a barrier between the garden and the patio (but rain will still fall and make puddles) - or - change things so that the water may drain away - a builder might find the low point in the patio and install a small drain connecting to the house drains - this may contravene the building regs though. You may wish to drill your own drain away holes in the patio at least 12mm and through to the substrate - fill with pea grit. Could drill a hole through the built up part of the drain but this too may be against regulations.

The elegant way is to excavate a soakaway at the lowest point 600mm square and about the same deep - fill with rubble and gravel and put a drain in the middle - make good around the drain hole.

I would start with drilling a few holes at the lowest point - much easier and it may be a solution. Then dig a small trench at the edge of the patio and fill with gravel to act as a gutter.

Alternatively - lay a new patio that slopes towards the garden - at the junction, plant water-loving plants.

Richard Buxton, September 2008