Retaining-wall drain repair · Part 4 + Blog

Drain Repair · Part 4 — First rain test — repair update

By Greg the Geeza · 14 October 2026

The garden’s had a proper soaking. After all the digging, gravel, fabric and mesh, it was time to see how the repaired outlet was looking.

Watch and comment on YouTube

The rain arrived

Standing rainwater in the garden beside the retaining wall — Plenty of water in the garden for the first check after the repair.

A quick reminder of the repair

The repair used clean gravel inside a geotextile pocket, with mesh supporting the fabric at the terracotta outlet. The aim was to let water pass while keeping soil out of the gravel and reducing washout.

Concept cutaway showing the gravel, geotextile, supporting mesh and terracotta drain — Concept illustration of the repair arrangement, rather than a photograph of the finished work.

What we can see so far

In the close-up of the outlet side, there’s no obvious fresh muddy streak or soil deposit beneath the drain. That’s encouraging, but it’s an early observation—not proof that every drainage issue is solved.

Close-up of the wall beneath the repaired drain, with no obvious fresh muddy washout visible — The wall beneath the outlet during this rain check.

I’ll check again after further heavy rain for muddy washout, soil loss or settlement. For now: early days, but looking promising.

Maria spotted the opportunity for an update. I was too busy worrying about the water—and no, I’m not going pike fishing in me own garden!

— Greg the Geeza

Retaining-wall drain repair

Part 1& Blog

Drain Repair · Part 4 — First rain test — repair update

The rain arrived

A quick reminder of the repair

What we can see so far

Retaining-wall drain repair

The soil washout

Preparing the repair

Repair completed

First rain test