My paver patio drainage fix took 6 weekends instead of 2

Started regrading my sloped backyard in Arlington and hit solid clay 6 inches down. Had to rent a jackhammer for 3 weekends just to bust through it and lay proper drainage pipe. Anyone else deal with surprise rock or clay layers when digging?

3 comments

3 Comments

mason.brian1mo ago

Wow, that sounds like a lot.

cameronf8812d ago

Your mileage may vary on this one, but in my experience a jackhammer can actually cause more issues in clay than it solves. It tends to vibrate and slick up the clay walls, making drainage worse. A mattock and some patience usually get the job done without turning your trench into a mud slip n slide.

the_mary1mo ago

I used to think you could just dig a hole, throw in some gravel, and call it a day. But after hitting a foot of solid clay in my own yard two years ago, I completely changed my mind. I spent a whole weekend with a rented demo hammer just to get a 3 foot trench for drainage pipe. That clay was like concrete, it wouldn't budge with a shovel. Now I tell everyone to rent a hammer first and check their soil before they even start digging.