Are puddles becoming a persistent problem on your property? If your lawn remains soggy days after a moderate rainfall, it’s likely that you have a drainage issue. Poor drainage is a significant problem for homeowners and commercial property owners in London and surrounding areas. Excess water on your lawn can promote the growth of lawn diseases and, more importantly, lead to serious damage to the foundation of your basement if left untreated. Fortunately, with some updates, poorly designed drainage systems can be improved to prevent excess water from pooling on your property. Keep reading to learn how you can fix your yard’s drainage problems.

First Things First – Where Is the Water Coming From?

Many homeowners believe that excessive rainfall is the primary culprit behind their yard drainage issues. While heavy rain can contribute to water pooling, it’s not always the main cause. If your lawn frequently floods, even after only a light rainfall, the problem may lie in the design of your yard’s drainage system.

Take the time to inspect your yard’s drainage system if one is already in place. Check for visible damage or clogs that may be preventing water from draining properly. Sometimes, the problem could be as simple as a misdirected downspout or a blockage in a drainage pipe. Identifying the source of the excess water will be the first step in solving the problem.

And Where Is the Water Going?

After identifying the source of the water, it’s time to assess where the water is accumulating. Is it pooling in one central location of your yard, or is there surface flooding? Or, is the problem deeper, affecting the soil beneath the surface? The answers to these questions will help guide you toward a solution for your yard’s drainage issues.

To investigate further, mark the areas where water collects after each rainfall. Track these spots after three or four different storms to see if the pooling is consistent. Pay attention to any unusual odors that may indicate drainage problems. The more details you can provide to your drainage contractor, the quicker they can pinpoint the issue and offer a solution.

Yard Drainage System Solutions

Eliminating excess water from your yard doesn’t have to be a complicated process. The following are a few solutions provided by the expert contractors at BEST Plumbing & Drainage to improve your lawn’s drainage system.

1. Reroute Water

One of the most effective ways to solve drainage issues is by rerouting the water. This involves extending your existing drainage system and directing excess water to a more suitable area. At BEST, we recommend incorporating these systems into landscaping features such as flower or vegetable gardens. This way, the extra water can be used to irrigate your plants instead of pooling on your lawn.

If you decide to reroute your water, ensure that it is directed away from public pathways, sidewalks, and your neighbor’s property. Avoid directing water into rivers or streams, as the nutrients from your soil may negatively affect local wildlife.

2. Install French Drains

French drains are an effective solution to manage excess water without the need for additional piping. French drains consist of soak-away holes that are strategically placed throughout your yard and filled with gravel. The gravel functions like a sponge, absorbing excess water and gradually allowing it to seep back into the earth. French drains are especially helpful in areas where standing water is a persistent issue.

3. Heavy-Duty Downspout Drains

In addition to yard drainage, you should also consider the role your roof plays in water drainage. Poor roof drainage can result in flooding near the foundation of your building. This excess water can seep into your basement, causing significant water damage. A proper downspout drainage system is essential for preventing this issue. By adding heavy-duty downspout drains, you can ensure that rainwater flows away from your foundation and into a safe drainage area.

4. Water Harvesting Systems

Instead of letting excess water flow away, why not use it for other areas of your property? Installing a water harvesting system can help you capture rainwater, which can then be used to irrigate your garden, lawn, or other landscaping areas. Water harvesting not only saves money but also conserves water and benefits the environment.

Rain barrels are a simple and effective way to collect rainwater from your roof. By attaching a rain barrel to your downspout, you can store rainwater for later use, especially during dry spells. This water can be used for watering plants, cleaning your driveway, or even washing your car.

Another option is adding a pond to your property. A well-designed pond can store water while also enhancing the aesthetic appeal of your landscape. Ponds can be an excellent feature for larger properties, and the water can be used to irrigate nearby plants or for decorative purposes. Both rain barrels and ponds provide an eco-friendly way to manage stormwater runoff and reduce your reliance on municipal water systems.

Reach out to BEST Plumbing & Drainage for more information on water harvesting systems, including rain barrels and pond installations, and how they can improve your property’s drainage and water efficiency.

5. Swales and Ditches

For larger properties, swales and ditches can be a highly effective solution for managing water drainage. Swales are shallow, sloped ditches designed to collect and direct rainwater away from your lawn and foundation. They are often used in large yards or commercial properties to control runoff and prevent soil erosion.

Swales can be strategically placed in areas prone to pooling water, guiding the excess water away from vulnerable spots. They can be lined with grass, native plants, or other vegetation that helps to absorb water slowly into the ground, promoting better water retention and reducing runoff.

In addition to swales, ditches can also be installed to direct water away from your property. A properly designed ditch helps manage water flow, on large properties and farms, by creating channels that guide rainwater toward designated areas like a drainage system or stormwater pond. Ditches are particularly useful for properties with larger gradients or where surface water is a consistent issue.

Both swales and ditches are natural and eco-friendly options for managing drainage, helping to maintain a healthy yard while protecting your foundation from water damage. Contact BEST Plumbing & Drainage to learn more about swales, ditches, and other drainage solutions that can benefit your property.

6. Rain Gardens

Rain gardens are another natural solution for managing excess water. These gardens are designed to capture and filter stormwater runoff by using native plants that absorb water. Rain gardens are especially effective at reducing the amount of runoff that reaches storm drains and streams, helping to prevent water pollution. Adding a rain garden to your property can improve drainage while benefiting local ecosystems.

7. Dry Wells

If you’re looking for a more long-term solution to manage excess water, installing a dry well could be the answer. A dry well is an underground structure that collects and stores rainwater before it gradually seeps into the ground. These systems are typically used in areas with heavy runoff or poor natural drainage. A dry well can help reduce pooling water and prevent damage to your lawn and home’s foundation.

8. Gravel and Mulch

In certain areas of your yard, adding gravel or mulch can help improve drainage. These materials allow water to flow more freely through the soil, reducing the likelihood of water pooling in specific spots. Gravel and mulch are also useful in garden beds, as they help with both water drainage and soil health.

Tired of Dodging Puddles?

If you’re frustrated with puddles on your property and dealing with ongoing drainage issues, it’s time to contact the experts at BEST Plumbing & Drainage. Our team of experienced professionals can assess your lawn’s drainage system and recommend effective solutions to help prevent flooding and water damage. Whether you need a French drain, a water harvesting system, or any other drainage solution, we have you covered.

Why Choose BEST Plumbing & Drainage?

BEST Plumbing & Drainage has been proudly serving London, Ontario, for over 50 years. With our vast experience and commitment to quality, we offer expert drainage services for both residential and commercial properties. Our team is dedicated to providing cost-effective and reliable solutions to all of your drainage issues. We also offer a 20-year warranty on many of our services, giving you peace of mind that your investment is protected.

Contact us today for a free estimate and let us help you design a proper drainage system that works for your property. Say goodbye to puddles and water damage—your lawn and home deserve the best.