Retaining wall installation should include proper water drainage. It is important to use proper material to ensure the effectiveness of your retaining wall installation. If your retaining wall installation was done by a professional, care should have been taken by the contractor to reduce the water flow by the wall area.
Retaining wall installation should include:
- Installing 1″ clean crushed limestone will allow water to flow through the rock and reduce back pressure on the wall. It is important to use clean crushed limestone because minus products contain everything from the size of the rock down to dust. Any small material will hold water and create water pressure to the back of the wall. Using river rock products will not work because they have smooth surfaces and will not pack and lock tight like rough limestone material will. It is important to use a product that will pack tight and at the same time allow water to flow. One of the only products to meet these requirements is clean crushed limestone.
- Drain tile should be used at the base of the wall to help move water around the wall. Perforated tile with a sock is the best way to accomplish this. Generally you want to use 3″ tile or larger depending on your project. If your tile is too small or not perforated, it will not work. It is important to use a tile sock to help keep dirt and other small particles from entering the tile. If any materials enter the tile, these materials will reduce the ability to move water through the tile or completely block the tile.
- If your retaining wall installation is by any down spouts or water run off areas, it is important to channel these sources of water away from the retaining wall. The best way to move these sources of water is to install drain tiles from the beginning of the area and run the tile around your wall. Sometimes tiles can be run out the front of the retaining wall for distribution, but the best way to handle water is to move it away from the wall as far as possible.