5 Common Drainage Mistakes Homeowners Make (and How to Avoid Them)
When you think about protecting your property, you might picture sturdy walls, a strong roof, or durable concrete. But one of the most important parts of a healthy home and yard often goes unnoticed: proper drainage.
Poor drainage can damage foundations, create standing water, attract pests, and ruin landscaping. At MOAB Services, we see drainage problems all the time, many of which could have been prevented. Here are five of the most common mistakes homeowners make and tips to avoid them.
1. Ignoring the Slope of Your Yard
Water needs somewhere to go. If your yard is flat or slopes toward your house, rainwater will naturally collect around your foundation. Over time, this can lead to leaks, cracks, and even structural damage.
How to avoid it:
Make sure the soil slopes away from your home by at least 5% (about 6 inches over 10 feet). If you’re not sure, a professional can measure the grade and recommend solutions like regrading or installing a French drain.
2. Not Extending Downspouts
Downspouts that dump water right next to your foundation can cause erosion and pooling in no time.
How to avoid it:
Install downspout extensions that carry water at least 5–10 feet away from your house. You can also direct them into buried drain pipes that safely move water downhill.
3. Overwatering Landscaping
Sprinklers and irrigation systems are great tools, but overwatering can saturate soil and cause similar issues to heavy rain.
How to avoid it:
Set timers so you’re only watering when necessary, and adjust schedules seasonally. Make sure water isn’t pooling in low spots or seeping into your foundation.
4. Forgetting About Drainage When Pouring Concrete
Concrete patios, driveways, and sidewalks can unintentionally trap water if they aren’t designed to drain properly.
How to avoid it:
Always hire professionals who plan for slope and install drainage solutions. For example, a driveway should have a slight slope so rain runs away from your garage and toward the street or a drain.
5. Waiting Too Long to Fix Small Problems
A little standing water might not seem like a big deal, but over time it can lead to mold, rot, cracked slabs, and foundation damage.
How to avoid it:
If you notice soggy spots, erosion, or water stains, act quickly. Drainage issues are easier (and cheaper) to fix before they become major repairs.
The Bottom Line
Drainage is one of those things you don’t think about, until it causes problems. Whether you need grading, French drains, or a concrete solution designed to handle water, MOAB Services is here to help.
Contact us today for a free assessment and recommendations to protect your property from water damage.