Why does water stand in my yard after it rains?

Rain lands faster than the soil can absorb it, and the extra water runs to the lowest spot. In places with heavy rain, flat land and clay soil, like much of south Louisiana, that low spot can stay wet for days because the ground is already full.

• 01
  Low spots and poor slope

  The yard is flat or dips, so water collects instead of running off. Settling after construction or old tree roots rotting out can create new low spots.

• 02
  Clay soil

  Clay holds water and drains slowly. Rain that would soak into sandy soil sits on top of clay.

• 03
  Downspouts emptying in the wrong place

  A whole roof's worth of water dropping in one spot can flood that corner of the yard in every storm.

• 04
  High water table

  When the ground below is already saturated, there's no room for rain to soak in. This is common near bayous, coulees and low-lying land.

• 05
  Compacted soil

  Heavy equipment during building, cars, or years of foot traffic squeeze the soil so tight that water can't get in.

• 06
  A neighbor's runoff

  Water from higher lots, new driveways or new construction next door can drain onto yours.

1. 1Walk the yard during a hard rain and mark where water comes from and where it collects
2. 2Clean the gutters and make sure downspouts aren't clogged
3. 3Add downspout extensions or splash blocks so roof water lands 4 to 6 feet from the house
4. 4Fill small low spots with a mix of topsoil and sand, a little at a time, and reseed
5. 5Aerate compacted lawn areas so water can soak in

Call a drainage contractor if water sits for more than a couple of days, if it collects against the foundation, if large areas of the yard stay soggy, or if the fix needs regrading or an underground drain.

Who to call

Drainage contractor

Find a pro

$300–$6,000

Downspout extensions and small fill jobs can cost a few hundred dollars. Regrading part of a yard often runs $1,000 to $5,000, and a French drain is commonly $1,500 to $6,000 depending on length.

Estimates are typical US ranges for orientation. Actual pricing varies by region, home and contractor — always get a written quote.

Water that keeps collecting near the house soaks the soil under the foundation, which can lead to settling and cracks. Standing water also kills grass, invites mosquitoes, and can find its way under a raised house.

• Where is the water coming from, and where will your fix send it?
• Is regrading enough, or do I need an underground drain?
• Where will the drain empty, and is that allowed here?
• Will this move water onto my neighbor's property?
• What happens to my lawn and landscaping during the work?