Fixing wet yards and standing water in Yardley and Lower Makefield
Find the cause first
Standing water can come from roof runoff, a low spot, heavy soil, a neighbor's slope, or a high water table. The fix depends on the cause, so watch your yard during a heavy rain and take a video.
Common fixes
- Extend downspouts away from the house or bury them.
- Regrade so soil slopes away from the foundation.
- French drain: a gravel trench with pipe to move water.
- Rain garden: a planted low area that soaks water in.
- Dry well: an underground area that holds and slowly releases water.
Rules near water
Some areas near the river and creeks have floodplain rules. Grading or adding structures may be limited. Check with the borough or township before major work.
Water must not be sent onto a neighbor's property. A good plan moves water to a safe spot on your own lot or an approved outlet.
What a drainage visit should cover
A good visit looks at roof lines, downspouts, the slope of the lawn, soil type and where water can safely leave the lot. You should get a written plan that says where water will go and how the yard will be put back after the work.