Is Your Yard Flooding? Here's How to Fix It!

Yard flooding is a common problem for homeowners. If you're wondering what to do when your yard floods, we have the answers! Check out our handy guide on how to fix it and prevent future issues. You'll also learn about different available drainage options.

Why Do Yards Flood?

In the United States, it is not uncommon for yards to flood during heavy rainstorms. In fact, as many as 40% of all basements in the country are flooded due to yard drainage problems.

But why do some yards flood after heavy rains? There are several common reasons:

Poor surface drainage

When water cannot flow quickly off of your property, it will pool in low spots and eventually flood. This can be due to things like improper grading or landscaping choices that don't allow for proper water drainage.

Clogged gutters and downspouts

If your gutters are clogged with leaves, twigs, and other debris, the rainwater will not be able to flow freely off of your roof. The same goes for downspouts - if they're clogged, the water will overflow onto your yard instead of flowing away from it.

Improperly designed or installed drainage systems

If you have a drainage system installed on your property but it's not working properly, you'll likely experience flooding. This can be due to things like improper slope or drainage pipe size, or even incorrect placement/location. 

Saturation of the soil

When the ground is too wet, it cannot absorb any more water. This excess water will flow downhill and pool in low spots, which can lead to yard flooding. Poor grading causes most ground saturation around metro Atlanta. The region’s clay soil tends to hold water, especially in flat areas. Inadequate grading in conjunction with the local soil composition is a recipe for nuisance ground saturation.

What Can You Do To Prevent Yard Flooding?

There are a few things that you can do to help prevent your yard from flooding:

• Make sure your gutters and downspouts are clear of debris and functioning properly.
• Ensure that your drainage system is installed correctly and is sloping downwards away from your house.
• Install a rain barrel to collect runoff from your roof so that you don't overload your drainage system.
• Choose plants that are drought tolerant and will not hold water in their leaves or roots.
• Regularly grade your property so that water can flow away from your house quickly.
• Install a retaining wall. When properly designed, retaining walls effectively divide your landscape and allow for grade-type corrections. 

Drainage Options

If you opt to install a drainage system in your yard, there are several different options:

French Drains

French drains can be installed in one or more locations in your yard, in a trench. This is a good solution when you have pinpointed the location of the flooding problem. French drains consist of perforated PVC pipe, woven geotextile filter fabric, and real drainage rock.

Sump Pump

This device pumps water out of your yard and into storm drains, lakes, or streams when it fills up too high. It’s extremely effective and can be installed easily in a specially dug pit. 

Curtain Drains 

These are long, flat sheets of plastic that have been installed on the ground. Such drains help to move water from low-lying areas and take it away through a perforated drain pipe surrounded by stones and covered with a filter cloth. The water is then carried downhill away from the yard. The gravel helps make the drain accessible in the event of any repairs or blocks that may have to be cleared.

Landscape Overflow Ditch

If you're not looking to invest in expensive landscaping elements like berms or rain gardens, then consider installing an overflow ditch instead. These will help direct excess rainwater around problem areas where it can pool and cause damage.

What If My Yard Is Already Flooding?

If you've already noticed flooding in your yard, don't panic! There are a few things that you can do to help fix the issue:

First, pinpoint the floor source so you can stop the flow of water.  Is it from a gutter? A downspout? Your sump pump?

If you're unable to find the source, try placing sandbags around your property. This will divert water away from your foundation and give you time to figure out where exactly the water is coming from. In most cases, this problem can be fixed by cleaning debris out of gutters or repairing a faulty sump pump.

Now you'll need to clean up your yard. Start by contacting an experienced flood cleanup company. Then, call in a professional to grade or regrade your yard properly. Often companies who do flood restoration also specialize in flood prevention.

If your yard has flooded before, you’ll likely need an experienced professional to address the issue. Additionally, they'll take extra care not to damage any pipes, vents, or drains buried on your property when they do their work.

Last, adding landscaping elements like berms and rain gardens can help direct rainwater away from low spots where it can pool and cause problems.

Takeaways

If you have a flooding problem at your house or business and want to know what can be done about it, look no further. Because when you use a TrustDALE certified professional, you're always protected by Dale's trademark

 $10,000 Make-It-Right Guarantee

. So start looking for a trusted yard drainage professional in your area today!