How artificial turf handles water
Artificial turf systems move water through a perforated backing into a free-draining stone base, then into the subsoil or a drain line. The turf itself is rarely the bottleneck. Site slope, soil infiltration, and any concentrated runoff determine if you need added drains.
- Perforated backing passes water quickly to the base.
- Open-graded, angular stone base stores and spreads flow.
- Proper surface pitch directs water to an outlet path.
- Soil or drain lines handle final discharge.
When drains are necessary
- Flat or reverse slopes under about 1 percent, where water stalls.
- Clay-heavy or compacted soils with slow percolation.
- Roof downspouts dumping onto the turf.
- High-volume zones like sport areas or long, wide surfaces.
- Installs over concrete, decks, liners, or bedrock where water cannot soak in.
- Chronic puddles seen after storms or irrigation.
Drain options and integration
French drain
A perforated pipe in a gravel trench wrapped with fabric relieves subsurface water and intercepts slow soils. It sits below the turf base and ties to daylight or a safe discharge.
- Excavate a trench with consistent fall toward the outlet.
- Line with geotextile, set perforated pipe holes down, and surround with clean aggregate.
- Wrap the assembly with fabric, backfill, then rebuild the aggregate base and turf.
Catch basins and solid pipe
Surface basins collect sheet flow and downspout discharge, then carry water away in solid pipe. The turf edges neatly to the basin grate for clean, fast capture.
Strip drains
Flat, channel-style drains under the base move water laterally to an outlet without deep trenches. They are efficient when trenching is limited.
Over concrete or rooftops
Use existing floor drains, channel drains, or scuppers. Maintain a slight plane to drains and ensure an underlayment or pedestal system provides flow paths so water exits freely.
Quick site check
- Watch the area after a steady rain. Note where water lingers.
- Hose test a 3 by 3 foot area. If water still stands after about 10 minutes, plan for drains or regrade.
- Map roof downspouts that hit the turf and plan piping to a safe outlet.
Recommended base and slope
- 3 to 4 inches of compacted, angular rock sized for drainage and stability.
- Geotextile separator over native soil in clay or mixed soils.
- Target 1 to 2 percent finished pitch to a defined outlet.
- Leave weep paths through curbs or edging so water can escape.
Cost, timeline, and scope
- French drains typically add 25 to 60 dollars per linear foot based on depth, access, and outlet distance.
- Catch basins and solid pipe vary with run length and connections.
- Most residential installs complete in one to two days, added drains may extend that.
Maintenance to keep flow fast
- Blow off leaves and organic debris that can mat the surface.
- Rinse grates and empty basin baskets seasonally.
- Top up infill where needed so water moves evenly across seams.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Zero slope across large areas.
- Downspouts dumping onto turf without piping to an outlet.
- Perforated pipe placed without fabric wrap, leading to clogging.
- Trapping water with continuous concrete or edging that has no weep gaps.
Regional and code notes
Local stormwater rules govern where you can discharge. Tie-ins to municipal systems often need permits. Always call 811 before digging.
Get it right
Want the fast, clean solution for your site conditions? Talk to a FusionTurf pro to size drains, set slope, and lock in a build that performs in every storm.
