My College Park MD Basement Floods Every Time It Rains. How Can I Make My Yard Drain Better?

The other day a client said, “My College Park MD basement floods every time it rains. How can I make my yard drain better?”

Believe it or not, this is a common complaint for this area. To address this issue, we offer the following advice:

Most homeowners are unaware that what surrounds their home is often just as important as the structure itself. This is especially true in terms of keeping water out of your basement. Thankfully, there are several methods available to fix this problem. But, depending on the severity of the issue, things can get expensive rather quickly. Before you shell out your hard-earned money, consider trying these options:

  • A river runs through it – Find the path the water takes to your house to help you find the source of the drainage problems. Rainy days may not be the culprit like you think. For instance, if your sump pump’s discharge pipe is too close to your home, it can cause major flooding. To fix this problem, extend the drain lines running from your sump pump. Another option is to use strategic landscaping (grass, plants, and natural barriers) to redirect water from your home.
  • Give your lawn the proper grade – When your landscape grade runs toward your house, instead of away from it, this causes flooding. To fix this issue, dig a trench in your yard and fill it with cobblestones or river rock. This makes the water bisect the yard and flow around your house instead of towards it. If the thought of slicing your yard that doesn’t sit well with you, there’s a variation of this method you may find helpful. The French Drain technique, as it is known, allows water to flow into a gravel trench and then into a drainpipe.
  • Change the direction of your downspouts – If you trace your flooding issues to your downspouts, you‘re in luck. It’s an easy fix. Simply add an extender to your downspout so it drains the water about 20 feet away from your home. For added protection, place a decorative rock (like river stones) where the water comes down. The water will hit it and splash instead of creating holes that will eventually erode the soil.
See also  Is A Dry Well the Same as A French Drain for My Hyattsville, MD Landscape?

When your College Park MD basement floods every time it rains, there are several things you can do to make your yard drain better. We understand this is a stressful time and calling a professional to fix this issue can cost an arm and a leg. The tips above can help you fix the problem yourself and keep your hard-earned money in your pockets. Good luck!