Bad drainage can silently destroy your lawn, damage your home’s foundation, and turn your landscaping into a soggy mess. Worse? Many homeowners try to fix drainage problems and unintentionally make things worse.
Here are the 7 most common yard drainage mistakes—and what you should do instead.
❌ Mistake #1: Letting Downspouts Drain Near the Foundation
Why it’s a problem:
When gutters dump water within a few feet of your house, it can saturate the soil, seep into the basement, or cause foundation cracking.
The fix:
Use 10+ foot downspout extenders or buried drainage pipes with a pop-up emitter to move water away from the structure.
🔗 Learn more: Downspout Drainage Solutions »
❌ Mistake #2: Ignoring Poor Grading
Why it’s a problem:
Your yard should slope away from your house. A flat or reverse slope can cause pooling near your foundation or low spots in your yard.
The fix:
Regrade problem areas to ensure a slope of at least 1 inch per foot for the first 5–10 feet from your home.
❌ Mistake #3: Using Only Surface Solutions for Deep Problems
Why it’s a problem:
Splash blocks or extenders are fine for minor runoff, but they won’t fix deep pooling or water that doesn’t absorb into the soil.
The fix:
Use subsurface solutions like French drains or dry wells for areas where water consistently collects and doesn’t drain naturally.
❌ Mistake #4: Choosing the Wrong Drain Type
Why it’s a problem:
A trench drain is great for driveways, but useless in soggy lawns. A French drain handles soil saturation but won’t help with patio runoff.
The fix:
Match the drain type to your specific issue:
- French drains = subsurface water
- Trench drains = surface runoff
- Catch basins = localized pooling
🔗 More on this: French Drain vs. Trench Drain »
❌ Mistake #5: Not Accounting for Clay or Compacted Soil
Why it’s a problem:
Clay-heavy or compacted soils don’t drain well. Even with proper grading, water may pool on the surface instead of soaking in.
The fix:
Aerate the soil, amend it with compost or sand, and consider installing drainage features like dry wells or French drains.
🔗 Related: Improve Drainage in Clay Soil »
❌ Mistake #6: Blocking Natural Drainage Paths
Why it’s a problem:
Fences, garden beds, retaining walls, and even mulch can block water from flowing where it naturally wants to go, leading to backups and ponding.
The fix:
Plan landscaping with water flow in mind. Use open-bottom edging, cut drain gaps in hardscaping, or install catch basins to redirect water.
❌ Mistake #7: Skipping Maintenance
Why it’s a problem:
Even well-installed drainage systems can fail if they’re clogged with debris, leaves, or sediment.
The fix:
- Clean out gutters and downspouts regularly
- Inspect French drain or trench grates after storms
- Flush underground pipes annually if possible
🧠 Quick Recap: Fix Drainage Right the First Time
| Mistake | Better Solution |
|---|---|
| Downspouts too short | Extend or bury with a pipe |
| Poor grading | Regrade soil away from the house |
| Surface fixes only | Add subsurface drainage like French drains |
| Wrong drain type | Match system to water issue |
| Ignoring soil type | Aerate + amend soil or install dry wells |
| Blocking water flow | Reroute around landscaping or fences |
| No maintenance | Clear debris and inspect systems annually |
✅ Final Thoughts: Drainage Done Right
A solid drainage plan protects your home, your lawn, and your wallet. Avoid these common mistakes, and you’ll be ahead of most homeowners dealing with soggy yards.
Want to get started? Browse our DIY yard drainage tips or learn how to fix standing water after rain.