FAQ General Yard Drainage

1. What is a yard-drainage system?

A yard-drainage system collects and redirects surface water, groundwater, and roof runoff. It may include catch basins, French drains, solid pipes, channel drains, grading, downspout connections, and sump pumps.

2. How do I know whether my yard has a drainage problem?

Warning signs include standing water, soggy soil, erosion, muddy side yards, dying grass, overflowing drains, and water collecting near the foundation.

3. Why are drainage problems common in Houston?

Houston has heavy rainfall, relatively flat properties, and large areas of slowly draining clay soil. These conditions make it difficult for water to drain naturally.

4. What causes standing water in a yard?

Causes include poor grading, compacted soil, low areas, blocked pipes, inadequate drainage inlets, roof runoff, neighboring runoff, and insufficient discharge capacity.

5. What drainage system is best for my property?

The correct system depends on the water source, elevations, soil, available slope, roof runoff, existing drainage, and available discharge location.

6. Can yard drainage help protect my foundation?

Proper drainage can reduce excessive or uneven soil moisture around a foundation. It cannot repair structural damage or guarantee that foundation movement will stop.

7. Can drainage be improved on a nearly flat property?

Yes. Flat properties may require strategically placed drains, precise grading, solid conveyance pipe, or a sump pump when gravity drainage is inadequate.

8. Where does collected drainage water go?

Water may discharge through a pop-up emitter, approved curb outlet, suitable lower area, or pumped system. It should not create a problem for neighboring property.

9. Can an existing drainage system be expanded?

Sometimes. Its pipe size, slope, condition, capacity, and outlet must be evaluated before additional drains or downspouts are connected.

10. How much does a yard-drainage system cost?

Cost depends on pipe length, excavation, soil, access, drainage components, pumps, disposal, restoration, and the discharge method. An onsite evaluation is required for an accurate quote.