Yard Drainage & Watering Tips

Water in the wrong place causes most yard and foundation damage. The fix is almost always about where the water goes, not how much you add.

Move water away from the house

• Grading: the ground should slope away from the foundation at least 6 inches over the first 10 feet.
• Downspouts should discharge at least 3–5 feet from the foundation — add extenders.
• Gutters must be clear so water doesn't overflow at the base.

Common yard problems

• Puddle that won't drain: low spot — add soil to raise it, or install a catch basin.
• Water running toward the house: regrade or build a shallow swale to redirect it.
• Soggy lawn overall: compacted soil — core-aerate in fall and top-dress with compost.
• Wet near a downspout outlet: a dry well or french drain can move water underground.

Watering efficiently

• 1 inch per week for lawns (set a tuna can out to measure sprinkler output).
• Water early morning to limit evaporation and disease.
• Use a rain gauge — skip watering after a good rain.
• Drip or soaker hoses in beds lose far less water than sprinklers.

Know your soil

• Sandy soil drains fast — water more often, less at a time.
• Clay soil holds water — water less often, slowly, so it soaks in.
• Compacted soil sheds water — aerate so rain soaks in instead of running off.

Catching a leak early

• A patch of lawn that's greener and wetter than the rest can hide a leaking irrigation line or a water main seep.
• Watch the water meter with everything off — if it moves, you have a leak.

Water pooling against the foundation is an emergency for the home, not just the lawn. Fix grading before finishing any landscaping near the house.