Affordable Solutions for Fixing Your Backyard to Prevent Flooding After Rain

Dealing with a yard that floods after a hard rain can be frustrating. But with the right strategies, you can make your backyard a dry and welcoming space. From regrading the soil to installing a sump pump, here are some affordable solutions to prevent your backyard from being drenched after the next rainstorm.

Understanding the Issue

When your backyard floods, it is often due to poor drainage or a surface depression that can indicate a more severe issue such as a sinkhole in certain regions. Sometimes, the problem may be outside of your property lines, suggesting that you need to discuss possible solutions with your neighbors. Pooling water in your backyard after a heavy rain can make the area unsafe, unsightly, and even cause damage to your property.

Regrading Your Yard

Step 1: Create a Swale

To effectively redirect and shed water, create a swale, which is a shallow channel dug across your yard. Measure the width and depth based on the slope of your property. Ideally, the swale should be 10 inches wide with an 16-inch depth, sloping gently toward the lowest point of your yard or to an existing perimeter drain that exits the property.

Step 2: Install Drainage Material

You can create an effective draining system by lining the swale with large gravel (Big-O) wrapped in landscape fabric, then filling it with clean drain rock. Cover any remaining dirt with mulch or pebbles to improve aesthetics and texture.

Enhancing Roof and Storm Drainage

Grade the Surface

Shape the surface of your ground to pitch or slope away from your house toward a lower level. This involves filling in any shallow depressions so the soil level is flat and slopes slightly away from the house and toward the street. This will help water naturally flow toward the street instead of pooling around your foundation.

Install a Drain Grate

If possible, install a drain grate connected to your roof and storm drainage system. This will help direct water effectively away from your house.

Installing a Sump Pump

Step 1: Dig a Hole for the Drain Pipe

Installing a sump pump is a highly effective solution for areas with slow drainage or high water tables. Begin by digging a hole deep enough to fit a drain pipe with holes along the bottom. This pipe will collect excess water from around your house's foundation.

Step 2: Install the Sump Pump

Next, install the sump pump. When it senses water, the pump activates and pushes the water out through a hose, which should lead to the street or a designated drainage area. Ensure that the hose is sturdy enough to handle the excess water.

Alternative Drainage Solutions

For regions with caliche (sedimentary rock) that restricts drainage, you can use a power auger to drill deep holes below the caliche layer and fill them with 3/4 minus gravel. This method is particularly effective in areas where natural drainage is hindered by geology.

Creating Natural Drainage Features

Use Pebbles and Channels

Another affordable and visually appealing solution is to create small channels using pebbles. These channels can be built along your house foundation on both sides, leading to the street. When it rains, water will flow easily through these channels and out to the street. Simply create a few inches deep and wide channels to accommodate the drainage for a small yard (up to 1/4 acre).

This approach not only helps with drainage but also creates a natural and inviting space in your backyard.

Conclusion

By implementing these affordable recommendations, you can significantly reduce the risk of your backyard flooding after a rainstorm. Whether through regrading, installing a sump pump, or creating natural drainage features, you can transform your space into a dry and functional area for enjoyment and recreation.