I’d Like to Get Rid of This Brick Drain Surround, But How Do I Replace Its Function?

Many older homes feature brick-and-mortar surrounds for yard drains or downspout exits. While they may have a certain vintage charm, they are prone to cracking, trapping debris, and becoming an eyesore. However, that brick structure serves a critical purpose: it prevents soil erosion, directs water flow, and keeps the drain pipe from collapsing under its own weight. If you want to remove the bricks, you must replace those functions with modern alternatives.

The Three Main Functions of a Brick Surround

Before you take a sledgehammer to the bricks, understand what they are currently doing for your landscape:

Erosion Control: They prevent rushing water from washing away the soil around the pipe.
Structural Support: They protect the end of the drain pipe from being crushed by lawnmowers or foot traffic.
Debris Filtering: They act as a coarse filter to keep large mulch, leaves, and sticks out of your main drainage line.

Modern Alternatives to Brick Surrounds

1. Low-Profile Plastic Catch Basins

The most direct replacement for a brick surround is a pre-fabricated NDS Catch Basin. These are buried flush with the ground, making them nearly invisible and safe to mow over.

Installation: Dig a hole slightly larger than the basin, connect your existing drain pipe to the side inlet, and backfill with gravel.
Benefit: The removable grate makes it incredibly easy to clean out silt and leaves that would otherwise clog your pipes.

2. Decorative River Rock "Dry Stream"

If you prefer a natural look, you can replace the bricks with a river rock rip-rap. This involves lining the area around the drain with heavy 3-to-5-inch stones.

Why it works: The rocks break the velocity of the water, preventing erosion, while allowing the water to soak into the ground or enter the pipe naturally.
Pro Tip: Always lay down a piece of heavy-duty landscape fabric beneath the rocks to prevent them from sinking into the mud over time.

3. Pop-Up Emitters

If the brick surround is at the end of a downspout line in the middle of your yard, a pop-up emitter is the sleekest solution. The lid stays closed and flush with the grass until water pressure forces it up to disperse water across the lawn.

Advantage: It completely eliminates the need for an open "hole" or structure in your landscape, allowing for a seamless lawn.

Step-by-Step: How to Transition Your Drain

Step 1: Excavation and Inspection

Carefully remove the bricks. Use a cold chisel to break the mortar joints. Once the bricks are gone, inspect the end of the pipe. If it is old clay or thin-walled PVC, you may need to cut it back to a section of solid, undamaged pipe.

Step 2: Install a Support Sleeve

If you aren't using a catch basin, ensure the end of your pipe is protected. You can slide a larger diameter "sleeve" over the end of the pipe or use a flared end-section to help distribute water flow and prevent the pipe from shifting.

Step 3: Grade the Area

Ensure the soil around the new drain setup slopes toward the drain or away from the house. You want to avoid creating a "bowl" effect where water sits and stagnates around your new installation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Blocking the Flow: Don't replace bricks with soil alone. Without a structural surround or rock, the soil will eventually fill the pipe.
Ignoring the "Air Gap": If you are connecting a downspout to an underground line, ensure there is an overflow point so that if the underground pipe freezes or clogs, water doesn't back up into your gutters.

Conclusion

Getting rid of a clunky brick drain surround is a great way to modernize your curb appeal. Whether you choose a hidden catch basin for high performance or a river rock bed for a natural aesthetic, the key is ensuring the new system handles water velocity and soil stability just as well as the original masonry did.