Who to Call for Drainage Problems in Yard: Expert Solutions for Standing Water

Most yard drainage issues need a landscaper; sprinkler repair works when leaks cause pooling

rain drainage problems in backyard
Photo: AlexGo / Adobe Stock Photography
rain drainage problems in backyard
Photo: AlexGo / Adobe Stock Photography
Highlights
  • Standing water, soggy lawns, and erosion indicate yard drainage issues that a professional should assess.

  • Landscaping pros design solutions; sprinkler repair addresses pooling from broken pipes or faulty valves.

  • Costs cited in source: sprinkler repair $130 to $410; French drains $10 to $50 per linear foot; extensive work can reach several thousand to tens of thousands.

  • Project price varies by scope, location, and services; hiring pros helps ensure compliance with local regulations.

  • Professional fixes protect your property, restore lawn health, and reduce future water-related damage.

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This article was created using automation technology and thoroughly fact-checked and edited by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

If you’re deciding who to call for drainage problems in your yard, start with landscaping professionals or foundation drain installers who assess standing water and design solutions. These pros are familiar with local building codes and regulations related to drainage and ensure improvements meet legal requirements. Use this quick pro hiring guide to know when to call landscapers versus sprinkler repair.

Benefits of Hiring a Professional Landscaper for Drainage Problems in Your Yard

Landscaping professionals evaluate your property’s drainage, design tailored systems, and integrate solutions into the overall landscape. They coordinate excavation, erosion control, and restoration while aligning projects with local rules. With a pro handling the work, you gain peace of mind and protect your property from water-related damage.

  • Comprehensive site assessment that pinpoints true drainage causes

  • Custom solution design based on soil, water flow, and foundation proximity

  • Regrading expertise to direct runoff away from problem areas

  • Erosion control measures to prevent soil loss

  • Integration of drainage with attractive landscape features

  • Efficient coordination across planting, hardscaping, and restoration

  • Knowledge of local codes and compliance requirements

  • Post-install testing and adjustments for reliable performance

  • Yard restoration via seeding, sodding, or replanting

If your yard has persistent standing water or soggy spots that don't resolve with simple fixes, you might want to consider a landscaper near you to ensure the drainage solution is designed and installed correctly.

Can I Hire a Sprinkler Repair Company for Drainage Problems?

If pooling stems from a malfunctioning irrigation system, a sprinkler repair pro is the right call. They diagnose and fix broken pipes or faulty valves, and resolving irrigation issues often resolves the drainage symptoms you see on the surface. On average, sprinkler system repair costs $130 to $410. Know the limits, though: sprinkler pros do not regrade yards or install full drainage systems.

Choose sprinkler repair when leaks, misadjusted heads, or valve problems cause puddles. Choose a landscaper when grading, erosion, or groundwater management is involved. Sprinkler repair is a quicker, targeted fix when irrigation is the cause but is not appropriate for broader drainage design.

How Do Landscaping Pros Fix Drainage Problems in Yard?

Pros follow a clear process to redirect water and protect your landscape. They start with assessment and design, then handle excavation, installation, restoration, and final testing to ensure the solution works as intended.

  1. Assess drainage issues and identify the source and best solution

  2. Design a tailored drainage system considering soil, flow, and foundation

  3. Excavate as needed to create trenches or structures

  4. Install pipes, catch basins, and required components to divert water

  5. Backfill and restore the yard with seeding, sodding, or replanting

  6. Test the system and make adjustments for proper diversion

How Much Does Fixing Yard Drainage Problems Cost?

The budget depends on the problem and the pro you hire. Sprinkler system repair averages $130 to $410. Installing a French drain ranges from $10 to $50 per linear foot. More extensive projects, like catch basins and large excavations, can cost several thousand dollars to tens of thousands. Prices vary by scope, location, and specific services. Obtain multiple quotes to refine your estimate.

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