Yard drainage: more important than it looks

2026-09-03 · 4 min read · MARDECO

Absheron rain is rare but heavy — 10-15 min brings 20 mm. Without drainage a house gets foundation cracks in 3-5 years, puddles by the pool, spring damp. A simple-looking system that's critical.

1. Why drainage matters

Absheron soil is clay-based, poor absorption. Water accumulates and creates 3 problems: 1) eats foundation concrete; 2) damp enters house (mould); 3) pool tiles crack, slippery. Drainage prevents all this.

2. Drainage types

3 main: 1) Surface (linear channels + sewer) — for yard and terrace, 60-140 AZN/m; 2) Deep (around foundation) — takes water from under the house, 80-180 AZN/m; 3) Drainage well (reservoir for downpours) — 1,200-3,500 AZN.

3. Standard package — 220 m² villa

For 220 m² with pool: surface 30 m (2,000-4,500 AZN); deep 40 m (3,200-7,200); drainage well (1,500-2,500); install (1,200-2,800). Total 7,900-17,000 AZN. Cheaper at construction stage.

4. 4 pre-purchase checks

1) Look for spring/autumn rain marks — stains at wall base; 2) Yard drainage channels visible; 3) Inspection around foundation — cracks and damp; 4) Water diversion at pool — no puddles.

Drainage package — 220 m² villa

Drainage is an «invisible but critical» system. Directly affects house lifespan. Good drainage protects the foundation for 20+ years, no drainage — major repair in 7-10 years.

Drainage checklist

• View in spring under rain — you see water tracks.
• Yard drainage channels should exist.
• Deep drainage around foundation.
• Drainage well for storms.
• At project stage — cheaper.

See also: insulation, Mardakan climate, landscape.