Old House vs New House: Which Has More Yard Drainage Problems?
The Truth About Standing Water In Your Back, Front & Side Yard
Flooding in your backyard. Pooling in the front yard. A swamp in the side yard. If you’ve ever battled soggy conditions, you know that yard drainage problems are a real threat to your home.
But are older homes or new constructions more prone to flooded lawns? Let’s see by breaking down the most common drainage issues for old and new homes.
Drainage Debate: Old Homes vs New
New Homes: Built Fast, Flood Faster?
New subdivisions are popping up everywhere. They might look pristine, but many are built with speed (not drainage) in mind. Here’s why new homes often struggle with flooding in the front yard, backyard, or side yard:
Compacted soil. Heavy machinery during construction presses down on the soil, making it less absorbent. Without natural aeration, water pools instead of soaking in.
Poor grading. If the yard slopes toward the house (a surprisingly common oversight), rainwater rushes straight toward your home instead of away.
Zero-lot builds. New houses may be constructed extremely close together on tiny lots. The side yard between these homes often has no slope and gets little sunlight, meaning water doesn’t evaporate or have anywhere to go.
Missing or low-quality gutters. Builders sometimes skip proper gutter extensions, sending roof runoff to the wrong spots. This can lead to flooding in the side yard or other areas deemed “less important.”
Lack of mature trees. New neighborhoods usually strip away natural vegetation, removing nature’s best drainage aid: deep-rooted plants that drink up excess water.
The bottom line? New homes may look perfect, but rushed construction and poor landscaping often lead to standing water issues within the first few years.
Have a new home in Texas with yard drainage problems? Andy’s has locations in the following Texas cities:
Old Homes: Vintage Charm, Outdated Drainage
Older neighborhoods have stood the test of time, but their drainage systems might not be up to snuff. Here’s where historic homes may fall short:
Crumbling pipes & drains. Many older homes rely on original clay or corroded metal pipes that crack, clog, or collapse over time.
Overgrown tree roots. Mature trees help absorb water, but their roots can also invade and crush underground drainage lines.
Outdated (or nonexistent) drainage systems. Some older properties were built before modern standards, leaving them defenseless against heavier rains.
Settling soil. Decades of shifting ground can alter a yard’s slope, redirecting water toward the house instead of away.
The long and short of it? Older homes benefit from established landscapes. However, they can suffer from aging infrastructure that can’t handle modern rainfall levels.
Have an older house in Florida? Andy’s serves homeowners near Jacksonville and Tampa. Reach out for professional help with your flooded yard!
How to Fix Standing Water in Your Yard
Whether you’re in a 1920s bungalow in Charleston, SC, a historic house in Huntsville, AL, or a brand-new build in Oklahoma City, here’s how to combat flooding in the front yard, side yard, and backyard.
1. Inspect & Upgrade Drainage Systems
- Old homes: Replace broken pipes and add modern solutions like French drains.
- New and old homes: Ensure you have channel drains and sump pumps where you need them.
2. Install (or Repair) Gutters & Downspouts
- Extend downspouts to aim water further away from your home.
- Add splash blocks or buried drain pipes to prevent flooding in the side yard.
3. Regrade Your Yard
- Make sure the ground slopes away from your foundation.
- For frequent pooling, consider a French drain installation to redirect water.
4. Plant Water-Absorbing Landscaping
- Native plants and deep-rooted grasses help soak up excess moisture.
- Avoid planting water-hungry vegetation near your foundation.
The Best Solution? Call Andy’s!
Was your home built a year ago or a century ago? Does it have a pier-and-beam or concrete slab foundation? Either way, Andy’s Sprinkler, Drainage, and Lighting is the experienced yard drainage team you can trust. We specialize in diagnosing and fixing flooding in backyards, front yards, and side yards. You can find us in Texas, Florida, Oklahoma, Alabama, and South Carolina.
New homes and older homes both have their lawn drainage issues. So much depends on the rainfall and soil in your area, the current drainage systems in place, and more. Whether you have minor pooling or severe flooding, your best yard is just a call away!