The soil in my area has a very thick clay content (apparently left behind by glaciers, damn ice age). Because of this drainage in my yard is horrible. I've put in some underground drainage (french drain) that empties into a ditch. But unfortunately the french drain is below the drain pipe, which mean the french drain system when really flooded just sits there full of water instead of draining.
I really want to stay away from sump pumps, or anything powered. I looked at creating a bell siphon, but that doesn't seem like it could pump above itself.
Could I somehow use a holding tank above ground to provide the necessary "push"of the water. I was thinking something similar to how a toilet works, that I would just have to "flush" when I wanted it to drain.