Drainage Issues: Why is Water Standing in My Yard (and What To Do About It)?

Texas is known for its extreme weather patterns. Scorching summers and sudden, torrential downpours can wreak havoc on your yard, especially when it comes to drainage. But weather conditions aren’t the only concern in central Texas, where clay soil is prevalent. Different soil types have different drainage levels. Clay doesn’t typically drain as well as other soil types which can result in water pooling in low lying areas. Unintended pools of water impact your home’s curb appeal, but drainage is not just a matter of aesthetics.

Ignoring drainage issues can lead to problems such as erosion and even significant structural damage. Knowing what issues are common in Texas and how to address them is imperative to your property’s well-being. By addressing these problems early on, you can protect your home from costly repairs and ensure its long-term stability.

Common Texas Yard Drainage Problems

Improper drainage is a common issue for property owners in Central Texas. If you notice pools of water on your property after light to moderate rainfall it’s possible you have an issue with inadequate drainage. Standing water is the most obvious sign, however you should also be on the lookout for erosion, shifting soil, mildew or mold, and muddy areas in your yard. You may even spot ponding water or water standing in your yard long after the rain has passed, which signals more serious groundwater issues. 

Water accumulation can make your yard appear less appealing, but the issues run deeper than just puddles. Persistent ground water ponding in your yard can also invite pests and lead to further landscape damage if left unresolved.

• Standing Water: If water consistently pools in certain areas of your yard hours after light to moderate rain this likely means your drainage system is not as effective as it should be. Homes with flat terrain and clay soil are more prone to standing water. Standing water can be a breeding ground for mosquitoes, create muddy areas on your property, and lead to soil shifting (which can cause foundation damage). 

• Erosion: This is a common issue for sloping yards that lack proper ground cover or drainage. When water flows over the surface of your yard, it can pick up portions of your soil and landscaping - leaving exposed soil and holes on your property. Over time, this can weaken the structure of your yard and lead to uneven or unstable ground.

• Water Accumulation Near the Foundation: When water collects around the perimeter of your home, it can saturate the soil which puts unnecessary pressure on your foundation. Central Texas clay soil absorbs water, which adds additional stress to your foundation - potentially leading to cracks and shifting. If left unchecked, this ongoing pressure can lead to serious structural issues, resulting in expensive repairs down the road.

• Wet or Soggy Spots: Even if you don’t see standing water, consistently wet or muddy areas in your yard may indicate poor drainage. This can be caused by underground springs, inadequate grading, or compacted soil preventing water from draining properly. If not addressed, these persistent wet spots can lead to ground water ponding in your yard, creating more serious drainage issues down the line.

• Mildew or Mold on Exterior Walls: When water is consistently sitting on or near your home's siding, mildew and mold can occur. Mildew and mold growth can damage your home’s exterior and potentially cause issues with indoor air quality. Mildew and mold can create health concerns for your family and pets. If ignored, these issues can spread fast, making the problem worse and putting your home at greater risk.

• Clogged or Broken Drainage Systems: Over time, yard drains, gutters, or downspouts can become clogged with debris or damaged by roots and shifting soil. When this happens, water is unable to flow away from your property as intended. This can lead to overflow, water backup, and increased pooling around your home, often resulting in water standing in the yard and creating persistent soggy spots.

Practical Solutions to Texas Yard Drainage Issues

Many drainage issues present major concerns, but quick resolution can prevent further damage to your home or property. There are many methods to manage drainage issues. Contacting a drainage expert is the best way to ensure your property is cared for in the best way possible. A professional can identify the root cause of the problem instead of just treating surface symptoms. They’ll recommend a solution tailored to your yard’s slope, soil type, and water flow patterns. 

Acting early also reduces the risk of long-term damage to your foundation or landscape. Whether you're dealing with ponding water or groundwater issues, proper drainage planning can make a big difference. Most yard drainage concerns can be effectively addressed with one of these strategies:

• Improve Your Grading: The slope of your yard is your first line of defense. Ensuring that the ground slopes away from your home's foundation at a grade of at least six inches over the first ten feet can prevent standing water. Adequate grading encourages water to flow away naturally. Adding or reshaping soil can correct improper grading.

• Clean and Extend Gutters and Downspouts: Clogged gutters cause water to spill over and pool near your foundation. Regularly cleaning your gutters can help prevent this from happening. Also making sure your downspouts extend at least five to ten feet away from your home will divert water away from your home’s foundation.

• Install Drainage Systems: For persistent draining issues, engineered drainage systems are often necessary. These should be installed by a knowledgeable drainage contractor to ensure proper placement and construction. The most effective drainage system depends on your specific issue and property.

  
  

  • French Drains: French drains are excellent for collecting and diverting subsurface water away from your home. They should be considered when your concern is water collecting in the ground or moving through the soil. These systems utilize an underground perforated pipe that collects water and channels it away from your home.

  • Surface Drains (Catch Basins): These are installed in low-lying areas where water collects. Surface drains are ideal when water is flowing over your property rather than absorbing into the ground. A grate sits at the surface, allowing water to enter a basin connected to an underground pipe that diverts water away from your home.

  • Channel Drains: These linear drains are ideal for collecting water across paved areas like driveways or patios. Channel drains are also intended to address surface water flowing over your property. Channel drains are a type of surface drain - but rather than collecting water at one point, they collect water over a larger surface area. 

    
    

• Manage Your Soil: In central Texas yards with clay soil, adding organic matter like compost can improve drainage capacity over time. Aerating your lawn can also help alleviate compaction and allow water to penetrate the soil more effectively. These simple solutions are ideal tasks to complete yourself or with the help of a landscaping professional. 

• Consider a Rain Garden: For areas with minor standing water, a rain garden can be a beautiful and effective solution. Rain gardens are propagated with native species that tolerate wet conditions, absorbing and filtering rainwater while maintaining your property’s appearance. Using plants that flourish in Central Texas weather will ensure your garden is aesthetically pleasing, but soil with adequate draining is the most important aspect of a functional rain garden. 

• Address Erosion with Landscaping and Barriers: On sloped areas, planting ground cover, using mulch, or installing erosion control blankets can help stabilize the soil. In more severe cases, retaining walls or terracing may be necessary to slow down water flow and prevent soil loss. Proper placement is important, so consulting a professional is highly recommended. 

• Create a Swale: If you're dealing with ground water ponding in your yard, a swale is an excellent solution to help redirect water away from trouble spots. Essentially, a swale is a gently sloped trench that channels water to a designated area, allowing it to either be absorbed by the soil or safely redirected. This simple yet effective method can prevent water from pooling near your foundation and enhance both your drainage system and the overall health of your lawn.

  
  

When to Call the Professionals

While some minor drainage issues can be handled on your own, many require an expert. If you have significant standing water, water consistently pooling near your foundation, complex grading issues, or need to install an underground drainage system, you should always consult a professional. Because tackling these bigger problems yourself can often lead to short-term fixes that don’t address the root cause and, in some cases, might make things worse. From identifying hidden grading problems to choosing the right type of drainage system, professionals bring the tools and know-how to get the job done right the first time. We will assess the issue, propose an effective solution, and ensure the work is done correctly - protecting your home for years to come.

Scott Lockhart Austin Drainage and General Contracting is Austin’s original stormwater management and drainage company. Our knowledgeable experts have earned us a place as one of Central Texas’ most respected contracting companies with over 8,000 projects completed for both public and private sectors. We are one of Austin’s most experienced drainage and stormwater contractors with 41 years of drainage work under our belt. Contact our trusted team of experts to resolve your simple or complex drainage issues today!