Does your yard often turn into a soggy mess? Persistent puddles might seem like a minor nuisance, but they can lead to serious problems, including damaged landscaping, mosquito infestations, and even foundation issues. The tricky part? The cause isn’t always obvious, and fixing it often requires more than just waiting for the sun to dry things out.
Then what do we do to handle the situation without making costly mistakes or making temporary fixes?
Well, this is all you are going to learn from this blog. We’ll break down the common reasons behind water infiltration in your yard, practical steps for removing standing water, and when it’s time to call in the experts. Let’s get started!
What Are the Common Causes of Standing Water?
Standing water doesn’t just happen overnight; it is an indication of an underlying problem that usually needs addressing. Here is the list of a few standing water causes that can be your potential culprit:
1. Poorly Draining Soil
Certain soil types, particularly heavy clay, have densely packed, fine particles that tend to hold water rather than allowing it to seep into the ground. As a result, water remains on the surface, forming puddles that can last for days after a storm.
2. Low Spots in Your Yard
If your lawn or garden has uneven ground with dips and depressions, these areas can act as natural basins, collecting rainwater and irrigation runoff. Without proper drainage, these low spots can take much longer to dry out.
3. Compacted Soil
Over time, soil can become compacted due to foot traffic, heavy machinery, or natural settling. When soil is compacted, it loses its porous structure, making it difficult for water to filter through. Instead, water remains trapped near the surface, leading to pooling.
4. Excessive Rainfall or Overwatering
Even with well-draining soil, excessive water can exceed the ground’s absorption capacity. Heavy rainstorms, frequent irrigation, or watering plants too much can saturate the soil, preventing further infiltration and leading to standing water.
5. Clogged or Insufficient Drainage Systems
If your property has drainage systems such as French drains, gutters, or downspouts, they may not function correctly due to blockages, poor installation, or insufficient capacity. When these systems fail, water can accumulate in unwanted areas.
How to Remove Standing Water From Your Yard
Once you know what’s causing the water to sit, you can implement the right solutions. Below are practical steps for removing standing water.
1. Level the Low Areas
If low spots in your yard are filling up with water, leveling the ground is a logistically simple solution.
- Use soil or a soil-and-sand mixture to fill in the dips.
- For large areas, you may need heavy equipment or professional help.
After leveling, add grass seed to restore the lawn.
2. Aerate Your Lawn
Compacted soil causing yard drainage problems? Lawn aeration could be the perfect solution for you in all the steps for removing standing water.
- Rent or purchase an aerator, which pokes holes into the ground to allow air, water, and nutrients to penetrate.
- Aerate your lawn in spring or fall for the best results, especially if it’s prone to heavy traffic.
3. Redirect Downspouts
If your downspouts are depositing large amounts of water close to your house or yard, consider extending or redirecting them. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
- Downspout extenders come in various forms, including flexible, rigid, or corrugated pipes. Choose one that is sturdy and long enough to carry the water away from the foundation. Just make sure that the extender can handle the volume of water your downspout typically discharges.
- Now, measure the distance from your downspout to the area where you want the water to be redirected. Cut the extender to the appropriate length using a hacksaw or scissors (for flexible extenders).
- Slide the extender onto the downspout’s end. Most extenders have a simple slip-on design, but you may want to secure it with screws or zip ties to ensure it doesn’t come loose during heavy rain.
- At the end of the extender, place a splash block or connect it to a more permanent drainage system (like a French drain or dry well) to direct the water away from your foundation. A splash block helps disperse water more evenly, preventing erosion in the area where the water exits.
- Just make sure that the downspout extender slopes away from the house at a slight downward angle to direct water away from the foundation and into a proper drainage area. A slope of 1–2% is optimal for efficient water flow, which translates to a 1–2 inch drop for every 10 feet of extension.
- Regularly check the downspout and extender for debris like leaves and dirt that may clog the pipe. Clear the downspouts at least once or twice yearly for a smooth water flow.
4. Improve Soil Drainage With Amendments
Poor-draining soil can cause water to pool and create long-term drainage issues. To improve its ability to absorb and drain water, adding soil amendments is highly effective.
- Compost: Adding compost enriches the soil with organic matter that improves its structure. It loosens compacted soil, improves aeration, and creates better water flow paths. Compost also retains moisture, allowing the soil to absorb water more effectively while preventing waterlogging.
- Sand: Mixing sand into clay soil helps break up the dense, sticky texture. Sand creates larger gaps between soil particles, allowing water to pass through more easily. However, it’s important to mix it thoroughly, as just adding sand on its own can sometimes make the soil even more compact.
- Other Amendments: Besides compost and sand, materials like perlite, peat moss, or gypsum can also improve drainage. These amendments help break up heavy soils, creating spaces that allow water to filter through more effectively.
Situations When You Need Professional Assistance
Complex Drainage System Installation
Installing advanced drainage systems like French drains, dry wells, or a sump pump in large areas or complicated layouts can require technical knowledge and specialized equipment. Professionals understand the technical requirements of each yard drainage system, including proper placement, slope, and capacity needed to handle large water volumes. They use specialized equipment such as trenching machines, compactors, and high-powered pumps that are required for successful installation.
Structural Damage to Property
If your standing water problem has been accumulating near your foundation for a prolonged period and you’re seeing signs of structural damage—such as foundation cracks or basement flooding—it’s time to call in a professional. Expert yard drainage services can assess the situation and implement a comprehensive drainage solution to protect your home from further damage.
Heavy Clay or Compacted Soil
If your soil is heavily compacted or made up of dense clay, simple amendments may not be enough. Professionals can perform soil tests, recommend advanced soil amendments, and use equipment to properly aerate and amend your yard for better drainage.
Extensive Tree Root Interference
If tree roots have infiltrated your drainage systems, such as French drains or pipes, causing blockages and water pooling, it’s essential to seek professional help. Experts use drain cameras to detect root intrusion and remove blockages with hydro jetting, mechanical cutting, or root-killing treatments. If pipes are damaged, they perform trenchless repairs or replacements. To prevent future issues, they may install root barriers and recommend regular maintenance, ensuring long-term drainage efficiency.
Protect Your Yard Today!
Standing water isn’t just an eyesore—it can cause lasting damage to your landscape and property. Acting quickly is key to preventing costly repairs. If your drainage issues seem overwhelming, let the experts at My Landscape Contractor provide a lasting solution.
With 20 years of experience in professional yard drainage solutions, we specialize in French drains, sump pump discharge systems, flow wells, and dry creek installations. Call us today at 630-847-5892 or Email info@mylandscapecontractor.com for expert consultations!
