Common exterior drainage problems
Wet lawns and recurring puddles may result from slope, roof discharge, compacted soil or a blocked drainage path.
Surface drains collect visible water. French drains intercept water in saturated soil. Grading and downspout routing solve different parts of the problem.
What to check before planning drainage work
- Follow the slope from the house to the low point
- Check driveway and roof runoff separately
- Locate existing ditches, swales or drain outlets
Separate pavement runoff from wet soil
For Taylors properties, the Greenville County Storm Water program is a useful starting point for county stormwater, flooding, erosion and drainage-improvement information.
Water shedding from a driveway can overwhelm a lawn even when the soil drains normally. A French drain is intended for water moving through saturated soil, not every visible sheet of runoff.
Confirm where the water can go
Any proposed drain needs a lawful and suitable outlet. Do not assume water may be directed onto neighboring land or into public infrastructure.
Confirm utility locations, drainage easements, permits and other local requirements before excavation.
Explore drainage services
Choose a method based on the problem in your yard.
More service areas
See how drainage concerns can vary across the Greenville area.