Patio and Walkway Drainage Repair Planning

Observe the full wet plane

A puddle photo records location and timing but does not establish the underlying reason. Map the entire connected plane, not only the deepest visible spot.

Map thresholds, joints and drains

Define retained slabs, removal limits, base assumptions, finish and adjoining restoration. Mark collection points, the observed wet area, the intended outlet, surfaces to remain, and the route crews and materials can use. List testing, excavation, finish restoration and inaccessible piping separately. That makes it possible to compare whether proposals address the same water path rather than merely using the same drainage label.

• Show thresholds and steps
• Show drains and outlets
• Show cracks and earlier patches
• Identify the material access route

Check assumptions before demolition

Changes in elevation can affect doors, accessibility, drainage direction and neighboring surfaces. Excavation or controlled opening can reveal a different pipe route, unsuitable connection, damaged substrate or additional affected finish. The scope should identify who reviews that finding, what evidence is recorded and which work pauses. Utility, structural, environmental or permit questions remain with the responsible qualified party before the drainage boundary expands.

Coordinate concrete and drainage work

Keep measurements and reopening instructions with the approved hardscape scope. Drainage closeout should show the accessible route worked on, installed or retained components, surface restoration, approved changes and the intended discharge condition observed during the agreed review. It should also list untested buried sections and excluded upstream or downstream work. A completion photo alone cannot establish performance in every future storm.

Define finish and reopening records

Compare localized work and broader replacement by drainage intent, disruption and retained conditions. A useful option ties its method to the observed route and property constraints. It identifies who supplies drainage components, what paving or landscape is disturbed, how excavated material is handled, which finishes return, and when the area can reopen. Product requirements and verified elevations guide installation; the guide cannot select a system from a photograph.

Compare repair boundaries

Send dry-condition and wet-condition views from the same safe positions. Where the route, elevations, concealed connections or restoration limits remain unclear, AWC may recommend the $250 Site Evaluation + Written Bid Package. The fee is credited if the resulting project is approved within 30 days. Prepare safe water-path photos, known drain information and the approving owner or manager before the visit.

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