Problem Diagnosis
Poor Surface Drainage
Poor surface drainage can result from a blocked outlet, a reversed fall, a damaged crossing or local depressions. Grading should follow the identified cause.
Plan the surface handover
BeforeTrace water from its entry point to the receiving outlet.
Work stageMeasure levels at suspected controls and correct the obstruction or profile identified by that investigation.
AfterInspect the drainage route during a suitable water event.
What to verify
Check that the complete route remains connected through boundaries and crossings.
Diagnosis should distinguish the visible symptom from its cause. Record whether the fault appeared after traffic, a water event, settlement or earlier earthworks. That history helps decide whether the response is a local surface correction, a drainage intervention or a more substantial investigation.
Scope and limits
Surface grading cannot remedy every subsurface drainage problem.
Continue the job brief
Include the location, existing condition, intended surface, material, available tractor and proposed dates.