Common Drainage Issues and How to Fix Them
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In the United States, as much as 80% of home repair costs are due to water damage. 

Having poor drainage in your yard or field can be an expensive issue. Here are a few of the common reasons why you might be experiencing poor drainage and what you can do to solve the problem. 

Drainage Issues

Drainage issues occur when water can’t escape. When water can’t run off, it pools in the lowest-lying areas around. This is where water damage comes in, because water does more damage the longer it is in contact with other surfaces and materials. 

This can be a problem whether or not you have partial drainage or a complete lack of drainage. The reality is that water will continue to cause more damage the longer it sits or is unable to drain. What starts off as a simple puddle could soon start causing structural damage and ruining sections of the yard. 

What Causes Drainage Issues?

One way major drainage issues occur is when drains get clogged. This is often the case after torrential rain or flooding, even flash flooding. Debris and muck can build up and clog a drain or culvert, making it impossible for the water to escape. 

Clogged drains may sound easy to fix, but it depends on the drain and how significant the blockage is. Either way, the best course of action is to remove the blockage as soon as possible. This will allow the drains to operate the way they were designed. 

The other most common drainage issue is caused by having a yard that isn’t graded properly. This means that there is no slope to shunt the water away from the house or outbuildings. When a piece of property is developed, it is supposed to be sloped towards one corner or side so that water drains away naturally. 

This issue can be fixed by a variety of means, but some of them may be prohibitively expensive. It depends on the size of the property, the composition of the ground, and the amount of water the land handles. 

Here are some of the best ways to solve drainage issues linked to improper grade:

Regrade the Property

You can have the property regraded. This will require the use of heavy equipment such as bulldozers and excavators in the case of a large parcel or smaller equipment otherwise. It is not cheap to have done, but the solution will likely be permanent. 

Install a French Drain

The other long-term option you have is to install a french drain. This provides the water with a path to escape the yard and creates a functioning drainage system. It is also possible, depending on where the lowest-lying area is, to provide a channel for the water to escape. 

Nature Can Cause Problems

There are two common ways in which nature can cause drainage issues on your property. The first is when roots from nearby trees grow into the drain pipes under your property, like the sewer line. This can create broken sections of pipe or other blockages that cause sewage to seep into the yard. 

When this happens, you’ll often have to get the line relaid. This can be a time-consuming and difficult process. Even a small crack in a pipe can act as a catch, capturing debris and other flushed contents, which will create a significant clog over time.

Another way that the natural environment around your home or on your property can cause problems is the type of soil you have. Not all soils are good for drainage. Some, like clay, capture and retain moisture. 

A soil issue can also be caused by improper landscaping and planting beds. If you’re experiencing drainage issues around your planting beds, speak to a knowledgeable landscaper. They will be able to determine whether or not you’re using the right soil for your yard. 

The Problem of Contractors

It is an unfortunate reality that many people have bad experiences when working with contractors. Often the work isn’t done well, and in some extreme cases, it doesn’t get done at all. You simply give your money to the wrong people, and they scam you or are incapable of getting the work done. 

A big issue when it comes to solving drainage issues is a cost overrun. There are times when the work that it takes to solve a drainage issue becomes larger than expected. In this case, you need a contractor like BDH Land Solutions. We get your approval before exceeding our quote. 

This gives you the option of having the work done that you need while still having control over the cost. If the quote isn’t accurate, we won’t just expect you to be okay with paying more. You can also count on us to show up when you need us and to get the job done in a professional manner. 

Solve Your Drainage Issues

Common drainage can impact any home or property owner. Whether it’s your main residence, land that you own, or a rental, water is always around and can always become a problem. Don’t let water damage drain your bank account and cause irreparable damage to your property. 

Contact BDH Land Solutions to handle these common drainage issues. We will do professional work and deliver the quality and value that you need. The days of having to rely on shady, unprofessional contractors are over when you have BDH take care of you. 

We can also help improve the land and create the landscaping that you want. Your lawn or land can be beautiful and be free and clear of any problems. 

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