Yards can steer water like tiny watersheds. A few inches of wrong slope, a short downspout, or compacted soil quietly raises flood risk even on sunny days. Use this deep guide to spot nine common yard signals, test them in minutes, and pick repairs that actually move water away from your home.
ASpot These 9 Yard Signals
1) Slope points at the house
Symptoms
Puddles at the wall, damp interior baseboards, mulch pressed against siding.
Fix it
- Target 6 inches of drop over the first 10 feet away from the wall.
- Add a shallow swale that guides water toward a safe outlet.
- Finish with turf or stone mulch that does not float.
2) Downspouts end at the footing
Fix it
- Snap on 10–15 ft extensions, or bury solid pipe to daylight.
- Add a leaf filter and clean before big storms.
3) Compacted, sealed soil
Fix it
- Core aerate and topdress with 0.5–1 inch compost.
- Plant deep rooted turf or native groundcovers.
4) High-water stain lines
5) Driveway funnels into garage
Fix it
- Install a trench drain at the apron, or regrade the slab edge.
- Keep the drain grate free of leaves before each storm.
6) Fence acts like a dam
Fix it
- Raise the bottom rail or cut weep gaps at low points.
- Switch to open pickets near obvious flow paths.
7) Clogged curb inlets or yard basins
Fix it
- Clear grates before the storm and after the first heavy band.
- Keep spare trash bags and gloves with your storm kit.
8) Sump discharge recycles at the wall
Fix it
- Hard pipe the discharge to daylight or a dry well at least 20 ft away.
- Add a check valve to prevent backflow.
9) Neighbor’s lot is a few inches higher
Fix it
- Cut a shared swale along the property line with written agreement.
- Rock the swale bottom to prevent erosion.
BQuick Diagnostics You Can Run Today
Infiltration test
- Dig a hole 6 in deep and 6 in across. Rough up the sides.
- Fill once to saturate. Drain fully. Fill a second time and time it.
- Targets: under 30 min great, 30–120 min workable, over 120 min needs soil work or storage.
First 10 feet slope check
Place a 10 ft board or string level from the foundation outward. Measure the drop at the end.
- Goal: at least 6 in of drop over 10 ft (about 5 percent).
- If less, plan for regrading or a shallow swale.
CThree Small Calculators
1) Slope & Verdict
Rule used: 6 inches in 10 feet is a strong target near foundations.
2) Roof Runoff & Extension Length
Estimate water volume from one downspout and see a safe extension length.
Assumes 0.623 gallons per inch per square foot. Recommend 10–15 ft outlet distance on typical lots.
3) Starter Rain Garden Area
Size a simple capture area for a common storm. This is a planning tool, not engineering design.
Model stores about 6 in of water in soil and mulch and includes infiltration during the drain period.
DFix Menu With Typical Costs
| Project | What it does | Typical cost range |
|---|---|---|
| Downspout extension 10–15 ft | Moves roof water beyond the wet zone near footings | $15–$80 DIY per spout |
| Buried solid pipe to daylight | Permanent outlet that avoids tripping hazards | $300–$900 per run |
| Regrade first 10 ft | Creates consistent fall away from foundation | $800–$3,000 |
| Shallow swale to curb inlet | Guides surface flow to a safe public drain | $600–$2,500 |
| Trench drain at garage apron | Intercepts driveway flow before the door | $900–$2,800 installed |
| Core aeration + compost topdress | Improves infiltration and reduces sheet flow | $200–$600 for typical yard |
| Rain garden starter bed | Temporary storage and infiltration basin | $500–$3,000 DIY or pro |
Costs vary by region and access. Get two quotes for any earthwork.
EBefore You Dig
- Call utility locate service to mark gas, water, power, and telecom.
- Confirm outlet location is allowed by local rules.
- Protect neighbor yards. Use rock in swales to prevent erosion.
- Keep final grade below siding and above any foundation vents.
Most yard fixes are simple once you know where water wants to go. Measure slope, test infiltration, and move roof runoff well away from the house. For shared swales, retaining walls, or steep sites, bring in a qualified contractor so drainage changes do not shift problems to a neighbor.
