Yard drainage, planned before the finished surface.
Follow the water from the roof and yard to its outlet before adding hardscape or turf. A·K is based in Martinez, licensed (CSLB #823077), and serving Contra Costa County and the greater Bay Area since 1991.
Yard drainage is about more than putting a grate in the lowest spot. Roof water, irrigation, paving and ground levels all influence where water collects. A useful plan follows those paths and identifies where the water can leave. Some yards need surface collection, some need changes in grading, and others need both surface and subsurface drainage. The right combination depends on your soil, slope and use.
- Surface-water and outlet review
- Grading and slope considerations
- Catch basins and area drains
- Downspout tie-ins and extensions
- Drainage planning before patios and turf
- A coordinated plan for the yard
Levels shape the way water moves.
Grading can guide surface water away from the house and toward a suitable collection or discharge point. The existing foundation, thresholds, fences and adjoining ground levels limit what can be changed. Raising soil or adding paving without considering those limits can trap water instead. Review the whole route before deciding where a patio edge, planting bed or drain should sit.
- Slope away from the house where appropriate
- Finished levels considered together
- Collection at suitable low points
- A workable route beyond each inlet
Surface drainage and grading
Surface drainage deals with water moving over the top of soil, lawn or paving. A shaped swale can guide runoff through a landscape, while grading can reduce unwanted low spots. These changes need to suit the yard and its boundaries. Moving water away from one area should not direct it against another structure or toward neighboring property. Soil conditions, existing levels and available outlets determine what is practical.
Catch basins and area drains
Catch basins and area drains collect runoff through a grate. Their location should match the finished surface levels so water reaches the inlet rather than pooling beside it. The grate also needs to suit foot traffic and the surrounding surface. Collection capacity and the pipe route need consideration together. A larger grate does not solve a blocked line, an unsuitable outlet or a patio that slopes in the wrong direction.
Downspout tie-ins and extensions
Roof runoff can concentrate water at a small area beside the house. Extensions or tie-ins can carry it farther along a planned route, but they need an appropriate endpoint. Do not assume an existing yard drain can accept roof water without review. The connection, capacity and discharge conditions matter. Keep downspouts clear of debris, and consider their route before finished paving or planting makes access difficult.
Where the water goes
Every collection point needs a workable outlet. The yard levels, surrounding property and local requirements affect the discharge options. A pipe hidden under the lawn is not the end of the plan; its destination needs to be understood. Check that the outlet can function without sending water back toward the house or creating erosion. If a gravity route is not available, the property may need a different approach rather than an assumed connection.
Before hardscape and turf
Patios, paths and turf change how a yard receives and carries water. Plan drainage before those surfaces are installed so outlets, levels and pipe routes can be considered together. Turf still needs a draining base, and concrete needs runoff directed appropriately. Repeated wet areas across several parts of the yard may call for a broader plan. Fixing only the most visible puddle can leave the original water path unchanged.
What the free estimate covers.
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Tell us what you notice
Call (925) 984-6883 or use the contact form. Describe puddles, roof runoff and any planned changes to the yard. Estimates are free.
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Walk the water route
A site visit reviews ground levels, surfaces, downspouts, collection points and possible outlets. Discuss planned patios, planting and turf at the same time.
- 03
Review the scope
Talk through grading, collection and discharge as one plan before choosing the work. A·K uses its own crews, with no subcontractors.
A·K serves homes throughout Contra Costa County and the greater Bay Area, including Martinez, Walnut Creek, Danville, Alamo, Livermore, Pleasant Hill, Concord, Pleasanton and more.
Yard drainage questions, answered.
Straight answers to common questions.
Is an area drain the same as a French drain?
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No. An area drain collects surface water through a grate. A French drain collects water within the ground through a gravel-filled trench and perforated pipe.
Should the yard slope away from the house?
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Surface levels generally should guide water away from the house, but the existing construction, boundaries and outlet options determine the appropriate grading.
Can downspouts connect to yard drainage?
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A tie-in may be suitable, but the route, capacity and outlet need review. Do not assume every existing drain can accept additional roof water.
Why plan drainage before a patio or turf?
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Finished surfaces affect water movement and access to pipe routes. Planning them together helps avoid trapped runoff and difficult changes later.
When does a yard need a broader drainage plan?
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Recurring problems in several areas, conflicting slopes or an unclear outlet can indicate that the water path needs review across the whole property.
Let's plan your project.
Contact us to discuss your project.