How a drain retrofit works under installed turf
Adding drains after artificial turf installation is a precise repair, not a full tear out. A trained crew identifies the low spots, opens targeted seams, rolls back the turf, trenches the base, installs proper drainage, rebuilds the base, then reseams and resets infill. Done right, the surface looks clean and drains faster.
1) Assessment and plan
- Map ponding, soggy zones, and flow paths after rainfall or a hose test.
- Confirm base depth and composition, typically compacted crushed stone with fines.
- Check slope to a safe discharge point and verify utilities. Call 811 before digging.
2) Access the base without ruining the field
- Lift infill and vacuum or collect it for reuse where feasible.
- Open select seams or perimeter edges, then carefully roll back turf sections.
- Protect backing and fibers to preserve appearance and longevity.
3) Install the right drainage
- French drain: Narrow trench with perforated pipe, gravel, and fabric to intercept subsurface water.
- Channel drain: Linear surface drain set along patios, driveways, or thresholds to catch sheet flow before it hits the turf.
- Dry well or daylight: Direct outflow to a dry well or to daylight where allowed. Never into a sanitary line.
- Maintain consistent slope to prevent standing water inside the system.
4) Rebuild and restore the surface
- Backfill with drainage aggregate, rebuild the base, and compact to spec.
- Reinstall turf, align grain, glue with seam tape, and tuck edges.
- Top up infill, power brush, and recheck drainage with water.
When a retrofit is the right call
- Localized puddles after heavy rain or irrigation.
- New hardscape or grading changed how water enters the area.
- Pet areas need faster flush through and odor control.
- Base is sound, seams are intact, and the turf backing is still healthy.
When replacement may be smarter
- Backings are brittle, cracked, or delaminated across large areas.
- Seams have widespread failure or heat damage.
- Base is undersized or contaminated throughout the field, not just one zone.
- Severe wrinkles or low spots show broad subgrade movement.
Cost, time, and disruption
- Time: Many residential retrofits finish in 1 to 2 days. Larger or complex layouts can take several days.
- Scope drivers: Linear feet of drain, depth, disposal, access, and hardscape tie ins.
- Surface impact: Quality retrofits reuse your turf and infill when condition allows, then leave seams clean and discreet.
Key technical factors that decide performance
- Base depth and gradation: Use compacted, free draining stone. Avoid fines heavy soils that trap water.
- Slope: Target consistent slope to a legal outfall. Small adjustments can fix big problems.
- Discharge: Tie to an approved drain, dry well, or daylight. Follow local codes.
- Climate load: Size drains for local peak rainfall, not just average storms.
- Pets: Pair better drainage with antimicrobial infill and regular rinsing for odor control.
Avoid these common mistakes
- Punching random holes through the turf backing. This can weaken the product and can void warranties.
- Adding more infill to hide puddles. If the base is wrong, it will still hold water.
- Trenching without a slope plan. Flat or back pitched drains will fail.
- Connecting to sanitary sewer. Use storm approved solutions only.
- Skipping a utility locate. Always verify before digging.
Prep and aftercare
Before the retrofit
- Mark utilities and sprinkler lines.
- Confirm where water should go and get approvals if needed.
- Clear furniture, toys, and equipment from the work zone.
After the retrofit
- Rinse test the area and confirm flow through the drain outlet.
- Keep debris off the turf so drainage stays open.
- Brush fibers and maintain infill levels to protect seams and backing.
Why FusionTurf for drain retrofits
We fix problems without the drama. FusionTurf dealers diagnose the cause, design the right drain, and restore your surface with clean seams and confident flow. Ready for a site check and a straight answer on scope and timing? We are too.
