Yard & LawnDrainage Solutions
Eliminate standing water, protect your foundation, and reclaim your outdoor space with proper yard drainage. French drains, dry wells, and catch basins solve even the toughest water problems.
Common Yard Drainage Problems
Wet yards have multiple causes and often require a combination of solutions for complete resolution.
Standing Water
Low spots, poor soil drainage, and inadequate grading create areas where water pools after rain. Standing water kills grass, breeds mosquitoes, and makes yards unusable.
Foundation Concerns
Water saturating soil near foundations causes basement leaks, foundation settlement, and structural damage. Proper yard drainage protects your home investment.
Poor Soil Drainage
Clay soils and compacted ground prevent water infiltration. Surface water has nowhere to go, creating persistent wet conditions even in flat areas.
Grade Issues
Yards that slope toward the house or have reverse grades direct water where it should not go. Re-grading combined with drainage systems solves these issues.
Yard Drainage Solution Options
Different drainage problems require different solutions. Often, the best approach combines multiple methods.
French Drain System
Linear collection of groundwater along trench, discharges to outlet
Best for collecting water over a large area. Install along property edges or around problem zones.
Recommended Products:
Catch Basin & Pipe
Point collection at low spots, underground pipe to discharge
Ideal for specific low spots. Collects surface water and routes underground to safe discharge.
Recommended Products:
Dry Well System
Underground infiltration chamber for on-site water disposal
Works only in permeable soils. Water slowly infiltrates into ground. Check local codes.
Recommended Products:
Surface Swale
Shallow channel that directs surface water flow
Low-cost option for directing water. Can be landscaped for aesthetic appeal.
Recommended Products:
Yard Drainage Products Compared
Compare French drain systems, dry wells, catch basins, and drainage pipe options for residential yard applications.
EZflow French Drain
Load Class: N/ARevolutionary gravel-free French drain system. Pre-wrapped HDPE pipe eliminates need for gravel and filter fabric, dramatically simplifying installation.
Best For:
- French drain installations
- Perimeter drainage
- DIY projects
Considerations:
- Higher material cost than traditional
- Significant labor savings
Flo-Well Dry Well
Load Class: AModular underground infiltration chambers. Stack multiple units for increased capacity. Includes filter fabric and debris cap.
Best For:
- On-site water disposal
- End of drainage runs
- Permeable soil areas
Considerations:
- Requires permeable soil
- Not for high water tables
12" Catch Basin
Load Class: B-CSquare catch basin for surface water collection at low points. Multiple outlet options for flexible pipe connections.
Best For:
- Low point collection
- Multiple pipe connections
- Debris filtering
Considerations:
- Requires excavation
- Periodic cleaning needed
9" Catch Basin
Load Class: BCompact catch basin for smaller collection needs. Round or square options with various grate styles.
Best For:
- Smaller drainage needs
- Tight spaces
- Simple installations
Considerations:
- Lower flow capacity
- Single outlet typical
Pop-Up Emitter
Load Class: ASpring-loaded discharge point for drainage systems. Opens under water pressure, closes flush with ground when dry.
Best For:
- Discharge points
- Lawn termination
- Hidden outlets
Considerations:
- Needs water pressure to open
- Keep grass trimmed around
Corrugated Pipe
Load Class: N/AFlexible corrugated drainage pipe in solid and perforated options. Cost-effective for long runs.
Best For:
- Budget installations
- Long runs
- Easy routing
Considerations:
- Lower flow than solid pipe
- Less durable long-term
| Product Line | Sizes | Lengths | Material | Gravel-Free | DIY Friendly | Capacity | Dimensions | Stackable | Size | Load Class | Debris Basket | Flow Rate | Spring Loaded | Flexible | Best For | Considerations |
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| 3", 4", 6" | 5', 10' | HDPE |
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| HDPE | 32 gal each | 22" x 30" |
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| Polyolefin | 12" x 12" | B-C |
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| Polyolefin | 9" x 9" | B |
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| 3" & 4" | Polyolefin | 35+ GPM |
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| 3", 4", 6" | 10', 100' | HDPE |
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Specifications may vary by model. Consult manufacturer documentation for exact specifications. Load ratings require proper installation with concrete encasement per manufacturer guidelines.
Installation Considerations
Successful yard drainage requires proper planning and execution. Follow these guidelines for best results.
Identify Water Source
Determine if water is from surface runoff, high water table, or springs. Surface water needs collection and transport; groundwater needs interception and redirection.
Plan Discharge Point
Identify where collected water will go before digging. Options include lower property areas, dry wells, storm drains (if permitted), or pop-up emitters.
Call Before Digging
Contact 811 to have underground utilities marked before any excavation. Hitting a utility line is dangerous and expensive.
Maintain Slope
All drain pipes need minimum 1% slope (1" per 8 feet). Water will not flow uphill. Verify slope with a level throughout installation.
Consider Soil Type
Clay soils need more extensive drainage; sandy soils drain naturally. Dry wells only work in permeable soils. Test soil drainage before selecting solutions.
Size Appropriately
Undersize systems cannot handle storm water volumes. Use 4" pipe minimum for yard drainage. Multiple catch basins may be needed for large areas.
Explore Product Lines for Yard Drainage
Yard & Lawn Drainage FAQ
Common questions about yard drainage, French drains, and lawn water management.
Standing water is typically caused by: poor soil drainage (clay soils), low spots where water collects, high water table, compacted soil, improper grading that directs water toward the yard, or blocked natural drainage paths. Sometimes multiple factors combine. Identifying the cause helps determine the right solution.
A French drain is a trench filled with gravel and perforated pipe that collects and redirects groundwater. Water enters through the gravel and perforations in the pipe, then flows to a discharge point. Modern systems like NDS EZflow eliminate the gravel by using a geotextile-wrapped pipe that provides the same function with easier installation.
French drains should typically be 12-24 inches deep, with 18 inches being common for residential applications. The depth depends on what you are trying to drain—shallower for surface water, deeper for subsurface groundwater. The drain should be installed below the level where water is collecting.
A French drain collects water along its length and moves it to a discharge point—it is a linear collection and transport system. A dry well is a collection chamber that allows water to slowly infiltrate into the surrounding soil—it is a disposal point. Many drainage systems use French drains to collect water and dry wells to dispose of it.
Options for draining a low spot include: installing a catch basin at the low point connected to underground pipe leading to a discharge area; installing a French drain around or through the low area; grading/filling to eliminate the low spot; or installing a dry well at the low point if soil is permeable. The best solution depends on soil conditions and where water can be discharged.
Yes, most residential yard drainage is DIY-friendly with basic tools. NDS EZflow gravel-free French drain simplifies installation significantly. You will need to dig trenches, install catch basins, and route pipe to discharge points. A trencher (rental) makes the work much easier. Complex systems or those requiring permits may benefit from professional installation.
Yard drainage can discharge to: a lower area of your property where water can safely disperse; a dry well or infiltration system (if soil is permeable); a storm drain connection (if permitted by local codes); or a pop-up emitter in a safe location. Never discharge to a neighbor property, septic system, or sanitary sewer.
If yard water is causing basement moisture, install perimeter French drains around the foundation to intercept groundwater before it reaches the basement walls. Grade the yard to slope away from the foundation (minimum 6" drop in 10 feet). Extend downspouts away from the house. Interior solutions like sump pumps may also be needed.
Ready to Fix Your Wet Yard?
Get product recommendations for your yard drainage project.