Signs of a drainage problem
You may have a drainage problem if you notice:
- Water standing in the yard a day or more after rain
- Soggy spots where grass dies off
- Water pooling against the foundation or running under a fence
- Erosion: washed-out soil, exposed roots or small gullies
- Downspouts emptying right beside the house
Why it matters in Abilene
Abilene’s clay soils swell when wet and shrink when dry. When water collects along a foundation, that movement can contribute to cracking and settling over time, so getting water away from the house is worth doing early. Our storms also tend to drop a lot of rain fast, more than hard, dry ground can soak up.
Common fixes
Which fix fits depends on where the water comes from and where it can go. Common solutions include:
- Regrading so the ground slopes away from the house
- Swales: shallow, grassed channels that guide water across a yard
- French drains: a gravel-filled trench with perforated pipe that collects water and carries it away
- Extending downspouts or running them underground, and keeping gutters clear so they don’t overflow
- Dry creek beds lined with river rock
Finishing the surface
We’ll look at the property during your free estimate and recommend what makes sense. Drainage work often goes hand in hand with yard leveling and fresh sod, so the yard looks finished when the water problem is solved.