Water pooling in your yard or around the foundation of your home is an indicator of a drainage or grading issue that needs attention.
Grading is a technique used to adjust the slope of an area prior to building construction. Before a new structure is erected, evening out the surface through grading can provide a stronger, more even foundation.
Water buildup in your yard can attract bugs and rodents, ruin the health of flowers, plants, and trees, and cause shifting under your home. Standing water around your home is the most worrisome because it can cause cracks in the foundation, water leaks, flooding, and mold. If you see any water buildup, it should be dealt with before it becomes a bigger problem, especially before rainy season.
Read below for ways to identify a drainage or grading issue and how you can try to fix it before hiring an excavation contractor.
To ensure proper water drainage, there are 5 things to keep in mind:
- Land should be slightly higher at the foundation of your home and then slope downwards towards alleys and streets to encourage natural water drainage.
- If the foundation is not level or has settled more on one side, water cannot drain away from the home as it was meant to.
- Gutters that are clogged, too small, or in need of repair will cause water can runoff in the wrong areas.
- Trees, plants, or flower beds placed in certain spots can impede the flow of water across the yard.
- Underground structures like swimming pools or septic tanks can lead to certain areas retaining moisture, especially if they were not installed with the help of a professional excavation contractor.
You will need to enlist the help of a professional if the issue requires a larger fix. In the meantime, there may be something you can do:
- Avoid watering areas in your yards where water has a tendency to pool and conduct fewer waterings if the problem persists.
- Clean out your gutters regularly and replace broken pieces. If necessary, install larger gutters or add leaf guards to keep them clean. You may have to adjust the slope of your gutters if the foundation settled.
- Dig a swale (shallow mossy area) to help direct water away from problem areas and towards the street. Accent the area to make it a landscaping feature with purpose; just ensure the water can still drain easily.
- You can build raised garden beds on top of the wet ground and fill them with a fertile, well-drained soil mix before adding plants. Add a dry stream bed to redirect moisture in your yard.
