DIY Yard Drainage Solutions: Should You Hire Help or Tackle This in Your Own
DIY Yard Drainage Solutions: Should You Hire Help or Tackle This in Your Own?
With weather patterns becoming more and more volatile, some homeowners can go for several years without realizing their property has serious drainage issues. All it takes is one heavy rainfall to suddenly discover water pooling or soggy patches in your yard.
These drainage issues can’t be ignored, as they can lead to serious issues down the road that can, in the worst-case scenario, cause permanent property damage. But what can you do about poor yard drainage? Are there simple DIY yard drainage solutions, or do you need to call a pro?
Ultimately, yard drainage isn’t a safe or suitable project for a weekend DIYer. Unless you have the experience, specialized equipment, physical ability, and time it takes for this significant project, it’s best to call in the experts.
At Michaelangelos, we have decades of experience in landscape design and yard drainage. Rather than providing you with basic DIY yard drainage solutions that won’t hold up over time, our team specializes in custom yard drainage solutions, designed specifically to suit your yard.
Save yourself the headache and costly long-term consequences of DIY solutions that don’t address the underlying issue - call Michaelangelos to protect your property with comprehensive, professional yard drainage.
The Importance of a Proper Yard Drainage System
First of all, why is learning how to fix drainage in yard so important? What happens if drainage issues are left unchecked? Without proper drainage, excess water can accumulate and lead to serious issues for your property - let’s take a look.
Preventing Property Damage
Water pooling in your yard can cause significant damage to your property if left unaddressed. Over time, stagnant water can seep into the foundation of your home, weakening its structural integrity and potentially leading to costly repairs.
As well as foundation problems, poorly managed water can damage driveways, walkways, and patios, causing cracks and erosion. A well-designed drainage system directs water away from these vulnerable areas, protecting your home from long-term damage.
Pest, Mold, and Mildew Concerns
Standing water is a magnet for mosquitoes and other insects that breed in damp environments. These annoying pests can make it unpleasant to be outside, but more seriously, they can also carry diseases that can lead to serious health concerns.
Also, moisture buildup around your home can lead to mold and mildew growth, both outside and inside your home. This affects the air quality and health of your living space and can lead to rotting wood and other structural damage - very costly in the long term.
Keeping Curp Appeal Up
A waterlogged yard can become unsightly, with patchy grass, dead plants, and muddy areas that detract from your home’s curb appeal. After all, nobody wants their yard to look like a swamp, with outdoor living areas that can’t be used or enjoyed.
Proper yard drainage keeps your lawn and garden healthy and prevents soil erosion, ensuring that your landscape remains attractive and well-maintained. Even if you’re not planning on selling any time soon, a yard with curb appeal is important for your own enjoyment.
Easy DIY Yard Drainage Solutions to Consider
Drainage issues can’t be ignored - they can lead to costly property damage, a plague of pests, mildew and mold issues, and unsightly, swamp-like pools of water in your yard. If you really want to do yard drainage DIY, here are some solutions you can try.
French Drains
French drains are one of the most popular solutions for yard drainage problems. A French drain involves digging a sloped trench filled with gravel or rock, with a perforated pipe at the bottom to divert water away from problem areas.
Water flows into the trench and through the pipe, directing it away from your home’s foundation or waterlogged areas of your yard. This simple system can be installed with basic tools and materials, making it a practical DIY sloped yard drainage project.
Downspout Extensions
One of the most cost-effective and easy DIY yard drainage solutions is adding downspout extensions to your gutter system. These extensions help move rainwater farther away from your home, preventing water from pooling near the foundation.
Simply attach the extension to your existing downspout and ensure it leads to an area where water can safely drain away from your home. Whenever you see signs of drainage problems near your downspout, an extension is a good DIY solution.
Gravel Drainage Trenches
A gravel drainage trench is another option for DIY drainage for yards, especially for managing surface water. Similar to French drains, these trenches are filled with gravel to allow water to percolate through the ground.
This method is ideal for diverting water away from specific areas in your yard, such as patios or driveways, and can be easily constructed with a shovel and a few bags of gravel. It can be a bit of an eyesore, but you can explore different landscape design styles to improve the aesthetics.
Dry Wells
A dry well is an underground DIY yard drainage system that collects water from your yard and slowly releases it into the surrounding soil - you can learn more about dry well vs french drain solutions in our guide.
To install a dry well, dig a hole, place a large container or gravel pit inside, and connect it to your existing drainage system. It’s a great DIY sloped yard drainage solution, for yards with low spots where water tends to accumulate.
Dry Creek Beds
For a more natural approach to DIY yard drainage, consider creating a dry creek bed. This involves digging a shallow trench and lining it with rocks and gravel to mimic the look of a creek - there are lots of different dry creek bed landscape designs you can choose from.
During heavy rain, the dry creek bed will guide water through the trench, preventing flooding in other areas of your yard. Dry creek beds are not only functional; they can also add a beautiful landscape feature to your yard.
Rain Gardens
One of the most popular types of yard drains for DIY projects is rain gardens. Rain gardens are strategically placed, shallow depressions filled with water-loving plants that help absorb and filter runoff. They’re a low maintenance landscape design solution that also improves drainage.
These gardens can be a stunning addition to your landscape, and one of the most sustainable landscaping ideas to reduce erosion and standing water. The plants used in rain gardens thrive in wet conditions, making them perfect for areas where water tends to collect.
Permeable Pavers
Permeable pavers are a great way to enhance your yard’s appearance while improving drainage. Unlike traditional solid pavers, permeable ones allow water to pass through the surface and into the soil below.
If you’re looking for a versatile DIY drainage system for yard care, permeable pavers are a good choice. You can use them to create patios, driveways, or walkways that won't contribute to runoff and puddling in your yard. Learn more about how to install paver patio in our guide.
Sump Pump for Yard Flooding
If you need a DIY drainage system for yards that frequently flood, installing a sump pump might be the best option. Yard sump pumps collect and pump excess water out of low-lying areas, ensuring your yard remains dry.
While this solution requires more effort than some other DIY options, it’s highly effective for larger drainage problems if you’re looking to reduce the cost of landscaping design with DIY solutions.
Mulch and Grass Swales
Swales are shallow, vegetated channels designed to slow down and redirect water. Mulch and grass swales are an easy DIY yard drainage option that uses natural materials like grass or mulch to line the swale. This helps control water flow while also preventing soil erosion.
Soil Aeration
Aerating your soil can improve drainage by reducing soil compaction and allowing water to flow more freely into the ground. You can use a manual or mechanical aerator to punch small holes into the soil, helping prevent water from pooling in your yard. This is a low-cost solution that also benefits your lawn’s health.
Berm and Swale System
A berm and swale system is a more advanced DIY solution for yards with significant water flow. Berms are raised areas of soil, while swales are depressions that channel water. By strategically placing berms and swales, you can control the flow of water across your yard, preventing erosion and flooding.
Regrading Your Property
If your yard’s drainage issues stem from poor grading, you may need to regrade it to create a better slope for water to drain away. Regrading involves reshaping the soil to direct water away from low areas or your home’s foundation.
While this can be labor-intensive, it’s an effective DIY solution that can greatly improve your yard’s drainage if you have the right equipment and experience. Just make sure you understand how to design a backyard with proper grading before you dive in.
Why DIY Drainage for Yard is Rarely the Right Approach
We’ve explored a lot of different DIY yard draining options, but to be honest, tackling yard drainage yourself is rarely the best solution. Especially when it comes to more complex or serious drainage issues, it’s often better to call the professionals. Here’s why.
Complexity of Larger Drainage Issues
Yard drainage problems can range from minor surface water issues to serious underground complications. Many drainage systems involve understanding soil types, grading, water flow, and even local regulations for stormwater management.
Larger drainage issues, like water infiltration into your home’s foundation, require advanced techniques such as regrading, installing French drains, or constructing underground piping systems.
Without a deep understanding of how water moves across and beneath your property, DIY fixes can end up being temporary or ineffective. A professional can assess the full scope of the problem and design a comprehensive solution that addresses both surface and subsurface drainage.
Manual Labor and Time Needed
Even simple DIY drainage solutions like basic trenches or downspout extensions can be time-consuming and physically demanding. Larger projects like French drains, regrading, or sump pumps require significant manual labor, including digging, hauling heavy materials, and laying pipes.
Plus, proper installation often demands special tools and machinery that most homeowners don’t own. Many drainage solutions need to be implemented quickly to prevent further damage, and DIY projects can take weeks or months to complete without the necessary equipment and experience.
Potential for Future Problems
One of the biggest risks with DIY yard drainage solutions is the potential for future problems. Improperly installed drainage systems can lead to shifting soil, clogged pipes, or even worse drainage than before, potentially leading to costly repairs.
A poorly sloped French drain might not effectively direct water away from your home, leading to erosion or pooling in other areas. And, if your drainage solution only addresses surface water without considering the impact on groundwater, you might face more severe problems down the road.
Leave it to the Experts at Michaelangelos for Peace of Mind!
Don’t risk the issues and expense that can come with trying to fix your own drainage issues - call the experts at Michaelangelos instead. With decades of experience, we’ve seen (and solved) every yard drainage issue out there.
DIY solutions can negatively impact your home’s foundations and existing plumbing - do you really want to risk that if you don’t have the experience, skills, and equipment? At Michaelangelos, we’ll make sure your drainage issues are solved for good, taking one more thing off your mind.
It’s not just drainage we offer, either. From minimal landscape design to water feature landscaping, our team can bring the best design solutions to your outdoor areas. Call us for:
Bringing Our Yard Drainage DIY Guide to a Close
There are yard drainage solutions you can implement on your own, but without the right experience and equipment, trying to solve your own drainage issues is one of the biggest landscaping mistakes you can make.
Who fixes yard drainage problems professionally? We do! At Michaelangelos, our experienced team can protect your property with durable, long-term drainage solutions. Say goodbye to unsightly (and unsafe) standing water and hello to liveable, swamp-free outdoor areas.
Call Michaelangelos today to find the perfect drainage solutions for your property!