Standing water in a backyard damages lawns, kills plants, drives mosquitoes, and shortens the life of patios and foundations. I have installed and repaired dozens of yard drainage systems over the last decade, working on properties with clay soil, shallow bedrock, and heavy clay loam that holds water like a sponge. What follows is a practical, experience-driven guide to ten drainage approaches that reliably remove surface and subsurface water. For each option I describe how it works, typical costs and materials, performance limits, and situations where a backyard drainage contractor or yard water drainage contractor is the right call.
Why solve the problem correctly
A quick patch rarely lasts. Improper fixes—raising soil grade without providing an exit route, compacting a swale with heavy machinery, or burying soil with improper fill—frequently shift the problem into another corner of the yard or toward the house. Good drainage balances where water enters the site, how fast it moves, and where it exits. That balance begins with inspection: identify the source, measure seasonal high water, and check the slope relative to the foundation before choosing a solution.
Start with the site assessment
A basic assessment costs little and saves money. Walk the yard right after a heavy rain and note where puddles form and how long they persist. Measure slope from the house to the farthest point where the water should go; even a 1 percent grade, which is one inch of fall over eight feet, can be adequate when paired with a channel. Check soil: dig a 12 inch hole and fill it with water, then time infiltration. If water takes over 24 hours to drain, you have poor infiltration and should favor systems that move water offsite or into storage rather than relying on percolation. Call a backyard drainage contractor when the source is unclear, the property drains into neighbors, or local codes and stormwater rules may apply.
1. Surface swales and shallow channels
Swales are shallow, broad depressions that guide water across the landscape to a safe discharge point. They are inexpensive and effective when you have space to move water laterally rather than down. Built with a gentle grade and compacted berm on the downhill side, swales slow flow, reduce erosion, and encourage infiltration if soil permits. I recommend grass-lined swales for residential yards: they tolerate occasional standing water and are low maintenance. Swales are not ideal where soil stays saturated for weeks or where the neighbor’s property blocks the flow. Expect a few hundred dollars for a basic regrade on a small yard, more if heavy excavation is required.
2. French drains for subsurface control
A French drain is a trench filled with gravel containing a perforated pipe that collects subsurface water and conveys it away. It works well where water collects along a foundation or in low spots caused by a high water table. Proper installation matters: the trench must slope, the pipe should be wrapped in filter fabric to avoid clogging, and the outlet must be to a storm sewer, dry well, or daylight outflow. Typical materials for a 50 foot installation cost several hundred dollars; professional backyard french drain installation including labor runs into the low thousands depending on soil and obstructions. Limitations include clogging over many years if fines enter the pipe and the need for an outlet that accepts the water.
3. Dry wells and infiltration pits
A dry well is an underground void that temporarily stores stormwater and allows it to slowly percolate into surrounding soil. Modern plastic modular units reduce space and weight compared with old stone pits. Dry wells are great when you want to keep water on property and the soil has decent infiltration rates. They are compact and work well under driveways or patios. They perform poorly where the water table is high or where bedrock is near the surface. Design volume to capture a typical short storm; a modest backyard often needs 200 to 1,000 gallons of storage, which equates to roughly 1.2 to 6 cubic feet per 100 gallons, depending on the system.
4. Channel drains and trench drains for patios and hardscape
If water pools on a patio, backyard drainage solutions near a garage door, or along a pool deck, a linear channel drain collects surface water and routes it into piped drainage. These systems are bolted into place at the hardscape elevation and then tied into a piped outlet. Channel drains are visible and require periodic cleaning, but they are precise and effective for hard surfaces that cannot be regraded easily. Installation costs vary with length, typically several hundred dollars per 10 feet installed, and precise cutting of concrete or pavers is often the most time-consuming part.
5. Sump pumps for sites with no gravity outlet
When a property sits below the elevation of available discharge points, a sump pump becomes necessary. Install a sump basin at the low point, collect water into it via pipe or French drain, and pump to the street, storm drain, or municipal outlet. Batteries or backup pumps are worth the investment where flooding risks threaten basements or equipment. Sump pumps are a mechanical solution and therefore require maintenance and power; expect to replace the pump every 5 to 10 years depending on usage. I recommend a basin with a screened cover and a check valve on the discharge to prevent backflow.
6. Subsurface drainage tiles for large yards and agricultural-style needs
Tile drainage uses rows of perforated pipe buried deeper and spaced to intercept shallow groundwater across a larger area. It is common in farms but also useful for large residential lots or properties with heavy clay that stays wet. Installation typically requires trenching machinery and a contractor experienced in line layout to ensure consistent grade and proper outlet. Tile systems can dramatically lower seasonal groundwater and transform a wet field into usable lawn, but they move water offsite and sometimes trigger downstream flooding if not sized correctly. Permits may be necessary for connections to public drains.
7. Rain gardens and bioretention for sustainable on-site management
A rain garden is a planted depression designed to receive roof and surface runoff, slow it down, and allow infiltration into amended soils. These systems combine shallow excavations, engineered soil mixes, and plants that tolerate both wet and dry conditions. Rain gardens work best with moderate flows; they reduce peak runoff and improve water quality by filtering sediments and pollutants. Practical size is often 10 to 30 percent of the contributing impervious area for small residential systems. I advise native or adaptable perennials and an overflow route for extreme storms so adjacent areas do not flood.
8. Permeable paving and infiltration trenches
Replacing impermeable surfaces with permeable pavers, porous asphalt, or reinforced gravel slows runoff and increases infiltration. Infiltration trenches are shallow, gravel-filled channels that accept rooftop and driveway runoff and let it seep into the surrounding soil. These measures are well suited for driveways and walkways where water previously ran off into the yard. They require periodic vacuuming to prevent surface clogging and work best in soils with at least moderate permeability. Where clay dominates, pair permeable paving with an underdrain system or skip it in favor of piping solutions.
9. Turf and soil management for long-term improvement
Sometimes the best drainage fix is less hardware and more agronomy. Aerating compacted lawns, topdressing with a gritty sand mix, and avoiding excessive organic matter in grade areas can dramatically improve infiltration in many yard patches. I once rehabbed a 4,000 square foot lawn that held puddles after every rain by aerating with a 3 inch core machine, incorporating a 70/30 sand-soil blend to a depth of two inches, and regrading subtle low spots. The project cost was modest compared to piping and delivered durable improvement. These techniques work where the problem is compaction rather than a high water table.
10. Outlet solutions and legal considerations
All drainage systems end somewhere. The outlet can be daylight to a slope, a municipal storm line, a swale, or a neighbor-permitted discharge point. Before you install anything that moves water offsite, verify local regulations. Many municipalities restrict discharges to sanitary sewers and require stormwater permits for large flows. When your yard grading directs water onto a neighbor’s property, the solution may require a negotiated agreement or shifting to on-site retention strategies. A seasoned backyard drainage contractor will help navigate permits, connect to acceptable outlets, and size the system so you do not create problems elsewhere.
When to DIY and when to hire a backyard drainage contractor
Small surface adjustments, a simple French drain for a small patch, or a rain garden under 200 square feet are viable DIY projects for someone with tools and patience. Complex installs, deep tile systems, connections to municipal infrastructure, or a yard that floods a basement are best left to professionals. A yard water drainage contractor brings experience in trenching, pipe bedding, sizing pipes to handle 10 year or 25 year storms, and access to equipment and materials.
Quick checklist for when to call a professional:
- Persistent standing water that persists more than 48 hours after a storm. Evidence of water near or against the foundation or basement infiltration. Complicated outlet issues, such as needing a permit to connect to a storm sewer. Large areas, such as a whole lawn that remains soggy, or the need for deep tile lines. Repeated DIY failures that shift the problem rather than fix it.
Short case example: converting a wet corner into usable space
On a property with a low corner that flooded after every heavy wet backyard drainage solutions your.omahachamber.org rain, the owner wanted a play lawn. We started by tracing roof and yard flows, then installed a shallow French drain along the low edge connected to a dry well sized for the drainage area. Soil performance testing showed moderately slow infiltration, so we sized the dry well for a 1 inch storm over the contributing area plus safety factor. We regraded the corner to create a shallow swale feeding the drain and planted a rain-tolerant mix. Upfront costs were under $3,500 and the corner now drains within 12 to 24 hours after storms, making it usable most of the year.
Common trade-offs and pitfalls
Expect to weigh cost, aesthetics, maintenance, and permanence. A French drain is mostly invisible and low maintenance but requires an outlet and can clog over decades. Surface swales cost little and improve landscape character but take yard space and can be mowed awkwardly. Permeable paving reduces runoff but requires routine vacuuming and may not be suitable on clay soils. Mechanical solutions like sump pumps provide certainty but introduce long-term maintenance and dependency on electricity.
Avoid the temptation to "fill and raise" without providing an escape route for water. Heavy fill compacts and often exacerbates ponding. Also be cautious when redirecting water toward a neighbor or public right of way; legal disputes and fines are not uncommon. When in doubt about grades relative to foundations, hire a contractor who can provide laser grading and slope calculations.
Maintenance everyone should budget for
No system is maintenance free. Clean gutter downspouts and strainers twice per year. Inspect visible channel drains and remove leaves and sediment. For French drains and subsurface systems, consider a cleanout access at the lowest point for occasional jetting if flow declines. Sump pumps should be tested regularly and have a backup plan. Budget an annual inspection and small repairs rather than waiting for failure, especially in climates with freeze and thaw cycles that shift soil and pipe bedding.
How much should you expect to spend?
Costs vary widely by region, soil, and access. Small surface fixes and rain gardens can be under $1,000 if you DIY. A professionally installed 50 foot French drain typically ranges from $1,000 to $4,000 depending on depth and obstacles. Dry wells, channel drains, and permeable paving often fall in the $1,500 to $6,000 range for typical residential projects. Large tile systems or properties needing heavy regrading and outlet connections can exceed $10,000. Get multiple quotes from experienced backyard drainage installation professionals and ask for references and before-and-after photos.
Choosing a contractor and what to ask
Licensing and insurance are must-haves. Ask for references and photos of similar projects, confirmation of outlet permissions, and a written scope showing materials and a plan for handling excavated soil. If a design involves substantial grading or stormwater capture, request hydrologic sizing and a simple diagram showing flows before and after. A reputable yard drainage services provider will explain trade-offs, provide a warranty period, and advise on maintenance.
Final practical tips
Plant restrictions matter. Avoid deep-rooted trees directly over buried pipes, and place heavy structures away from drainage trenches. If you have frequent short-duration storms, grade and surface treatments that move water quickly are a priority. If you have long-duration saturation from a high water table, aim for subsurface solutions and storage. Measure and mark underground utilities before digging. For any work that connects into public storm lines, contact the municipality and obtain required permits.
Good drainage makes a yard usable, protects structures, and reduces long-term costs. The right solution combines a clear diagnosis with pragmatic choices: move water where it causes no harm, store what you can on site, and pick the simplest mechanism that reliably accomplishes the task. Whether you call a backyard drainage contractor for a full system overhaul or tackle a small French drain yourself, inspect the site after the next few storms and adjust as necessary.