The Most Common Drainage Problems & 9 Yard Drainage Solutions

Give Your Lawn The Best Chance to Thrive With These Fixes

Yard drainage problems drive homeowners crazy. That’s because these kinds of issues can hurt your landscape and the overall health of your lawn. We’re here to help by sharing the most common reasons behind poorly draining properties and offering some practical solutions, too.

Want professional help with pooling water, flooding, and more? Andy’s Sprinkler, Drainage & Lighting offers a wide range of drainage systems to meet your individual needs. 

Why Does Yard Drainage Matter? 

The main two reasons homeowners crave quality drainage are because it protects their landscaping investment from further damage and saves them money in the long run. Here’s a better picture of what can happen.

 

• Poor drainage can lead to dead grass, rotting roots, lawn diseases, and more. 

• Standing water attracts pests like mosquitoes and termites that can impact the health of you, your pets, and your home.  

• Puddles that stick around can become an eyesore and create a foul smell, lessening your curb appeal and property value.

 

Clearly, each season is different, which creates a unique impact on your yard’s drainage month after month. Plus, there are extra issues with pests and fungus depending on the weather. For instance, summer thunderstorms create more opportunities for standing water and, as a result, mosquitoes. 

 

Leaves falling off trees in autumn may clog gutters, which worsens runoff since it has fewer places to go. And winter can invite frozen ground or heavy rains, depending on your location. 

 

Not addressing these drainage problems quickly can hurt your wallet, the aesthetic of your house, and the health of your family. 

Signs You Have a Yard Drainage Problem 

Standing Water or Puddles 

Poor drainage is pretty obvious. Have you noticed puddles of water that don’t go away after a rainstorm? Once the rain stops, these water pools should naturally disappear in a few hours.

 

Muddy Lawn

Is your grass soggy even though it hasn’t rained in a few days or more? If your grass is holding water, it probably doesn’t have anywhere for it to go. That’s a telltale sign of a yard drainage issue. 

 

Lawn Disease

Lots of moisture can often mean lots of fungal diseases. That’s because wet conditions are ideal for outbreaks of fungi, which can cause fast-growing issues like mold, mildew, and lawn diseases.

 

Plants Turning Yellow or Root Rot 

When plants or grass are overwatered or constantly soaked in water, they’re basically drowning. They can’t get the nutrients and oxygen that they need, causing them to turn green. Or several hours or days of rain can create root rot, which harms grass from the bottom up. That’s why it’s so important to make sure your yard is getting the correct amount of water…not too much and not too little. 

 

Erosion & Bare Spots 

Water that’s moving fast again and again can erode soil, taking important nutrients and topsoil with it that would otherwise help plants and grass grow. Bare spots, uneven terrain, exposed roots, and dangerous ditches can also result from this kind of erosion. 

 

Remember that exactly where you live matters in what you’ll be facing. 

 

For example, residents of the Midwest or South could deal with compaction issues more frequently because soils in those areas tend to be clay-heavy. Meanwhile, in low-lying areas such as Florida and the Gulf Coast, flooding and hurricanes inject lots of water at once. This may lead to more standing water and pest issues than in other regions.  

Common Causes of Drainage Issues 

Waterlogged yards don’t just happen. They’re usually the result of a larger problem. Before you can fix any yard drainage problem, you need to figure out what’s causing it. Some typical issues involve:

 

Site & Slope: Being on a low-lying property or having a poorly graded lawn that sends water toward your house.

 

Soil Type: Compacted soil or heavy clay compositions can make water absorption more difficult.

 

Gutter Problems:  Clogged, broken, or inadequate gutters and downspouts that push out water right next to your home.

 

Hardscapes: Impermeable surfaces may generate excessive runoff. These include sidewalks, patios, and driveways.

 

Natural/Mechanical Factors: A high water table, subterranean springs, excessive watering, or damaged irrigation lines.

 

Selecting the best drainage solution (and eventually having a healthy lawn) depends on knowing the underlying cause of your drainage issue.

 

9 DIY Yard Drainage Solutions 

Regrading 

In short, lawn grading is adding or removing soil. It’s done to create a slope that moves water away from structures and toward the best drainage areas. This method can be combined with other drainage solutions to get the best results possible.

 

First, look for the places where water pools by simply walking around your property. Then plan the slope (at a gradient of at least 2% or two feet down for every 100 feet across) and make any necessary grading adjustments based on these observations.

 

Remember, DIY yard grading is less expensive than hiring a professional team, but the results may not achieve your desired goal of getting water to go from point A to point B. 

Soil Improvement 

Ready to address compacted or clay-heavy soil and stop poor drainage from happening? First, create better water channels by aerating with a tiller or spade. Then add compost or pea gravel to significantly help the drainage and texture of your turf.

French Drain Installation 

A French drain makes a huge difference to your landscape drainage. It collects and redirects groundwater away from your home by way of a gravel-filled trench with a perforated pipe.

 

There are numerous benefits to French drain installation. For instance, it prevents damage to your grass and plants, reduces soil erosion, and works in various landscapes. Even better? It’s hidden out of sight underground. 

Catch Basins & Channel Drains 

Do you have a low-lying spot that holds water after any storm? That water can be gathered and redirected to a French drain or storm drain with a catch basin. 

 

Channel drains and catch basins are similar to safety nets for your lawn. They help prevent your drainage pipes from clogging since these kinds of drainage solutions have places to collect debris from filtering through.

Rain Barrels 

Make your downspouts even more effective by collecting the water coming through them in rain barrels. This water can be reused in your gardens! Just keep in mind that some local and state restrictions may apply.

Downspout Extensions & Splash Blocks 

Downspouts and splash blocks for your gutters are relatively cheap drainage fixes that reroute roof runoff a few feet away from your home. That’s really important if you have soil that won’t drain quickly. They may seem like small drainage updates, but they’ll make a big difference.

Dry Wells 

Basically, a dry well is a subterranean reservoir that holds extra water and allows it to slowly seep into the ground below. When surface runoff needs a place to go, this is a great fallback option. Consider it a secret spot for collecting and distributing extra water.

Rain Gardens 

Does your area get lots of rain? A good way to deal with extra water in your yard is a rain garden. Using plants that do well in wet environments, these yard solutions are made to collect and absorb all that excess rainfall. Bonus: they prevent soil erosion and help stabilize the surrounding area.

Examples of Professional Solutions 

Is your home located in a low-lying area that floods easily? If so, a sump pump is critical. This drainage solution automatically removes water that builds up in a sump basin.

 

The benefits of a sump pump installation? It stops flooding, prevents mold growth, and can even increase your property’s value.

 

For driveways, patios, and pool areas where water pools, channel drains (or trench drains) are the perfect fix. These slim drains collect runoff and take it away from your property. They also prevent slippery surfaces, reduce mosquito breeding grounds, and enhance curb appeal.

 

Other key yard drainage options that pros can utilize? French drains, trench drains, and slot drains. 

 

As for the grading of your yard, this helps water flow away from your house and lawn. Professionals can regrade your property, ensuring a smooth and consistent slope.

 

But when should you hire a drainage contractor? Honestly, we’re happy to help on any drainage job, big or small. But if the job seems too big for DIY or you want it done right the first time, definitely give us a call! 

FAQs on Yard Drainage 

What is the cheapest way to fix yard drainage? 

DIY fixes can save you money in the short term, but if they’re not done correctly, they can wind up making you pay even more. Our drainage professionals provide you with peace of mind, knowing that our experience will result in a better, longer-lasting solution. 

 

Do rocks or gravel help with drainage? 

No, rocks and gravel create pathways for water to travel faster, but they don’t solve the issue of where the water is directed.

 

How do I know if I need a French drain vs a sump pumps? 

It depends on your property’s drainage issues. French drains redirect water, while sump pumps remove problematic water by pumping it out as a basin fills. 

 

Can yard drainage problems kill trees and shrubs? 

Drainage issues can absolutely compromise the health of your yard’s plants.

 

How much does professional yard drainage cost? 

It varies based on the project and scope. Get in touch with Andy’s today to request a quote! 

The Easiest Drainage Solution? Call Andy’s!

Early detection is key to managing drainage effectively, so keep an eye out for persistent puddles, soggy soil, or moisture in general. You can try starting with easy DIY projects like gutter cleaning and downspout extension. 

 

However, if you still have issues, get in touch with Andy’s as soon as possible. By partnering with us, you’ll get exceptional care and yard drainage solutions that last!