How to Fix Yard Drainage Problems Before They Reach Your House
Standing water, soggy lawns and wet basements often start with yard drainage. Learn how to find the cause and the common fixes.
Water that collects in the yard or near your foundation can kill grass, create mud, attract mosquitoes and, in the worst cases, seep into the basement or damage the foundation. The good news is that many drainage problems have straightforward fixes.
Find the source
Start by watching how water moves after a heavy rain. Walk the property, ideally during or just after a storm, and note:
- Where water pools and how long it stays.
- Which direction the ground slopes. Ideally it slopes away from the house.
- Where downspouts discharge.
- Whether water runs toward the house from neighboring yards or hard surfaces.
Take photos and sketch a simple map. It will help you or a contractor choose the right fix.
Start with the simple fixes
Gutters and downspouts
Clogged gutters overflow and drop water right at the foundation. Clean them regularly. Extend downspouts several feet away from the house using extensions or buried drain lines, so water drains well away from the foundation.
Grading
The soil around your foundation should slope down and away from the house. Adding soil to low spots near the foundation and re-grading can redirect water. Avoid piling soil against siding or burying wood, since that can invite rot and pests.
Fill low spots
Small depressions can be filled with topsoil and reseeded. Compacted soil may need aeration to help water soak in.
Mid-level solutions
Swales
A swale is a shallow, gently sloped channel, usually planted with grass, that carries water around the house or to a safe discharge point. It can be an inexpensive way to redirect surface water.
Rain gardens
A rain garden is a planted depression that collects runoff and lets it soak in. It works best when placed away from the foundation and where the soil drains reasonably well.
Dry wells
A dry well is an underground chamber that collects runoff, often from a downspout, and lets it seep into the surrounding soil. Check local rules and soil conditions first.
Larger systems
French drains
A French drain is a trench filled with gravel and containing a perforated pipe that collects and moves groundwater or surface water away from a problem area. It must be installed with the right slope and a proper outlet, and the pipe must not become clogged with soil. This is a job many homeowners hire out.
Sump pumps and interior systems
If water enters the basement, it may need a sump pump or interior drain system. These are best designed by a qualified professional after the exterior problems have been addressed.
Don't forget the neighbors
Redirecting water onto a neighbor's property can cause legal trouble and ill will. Many areas have rules about drainage between properties. Check local regulations, and talk with neighbors if a shared problem is involved.
Call before you dig
Before any digging, contact your local utility-locating service so buried lines are marked. It is a free and important safety step in most areas.
When to hire a professional
Get help if water is entering the house, if you see foundation cracks, if the slope is severe or if the fix involves drains or retaining walls. A drainage specialist, a landscape contractor or a foundation expert can diagnose the problem. See our guide to hiring a landscaper for what to ask.
Fixing drainage early is almost always cheaper than repairing the damage it causes.