Who to call for standing water in a yard?

Author: Prof. Margarita Stehr  |  Last update: Sunday, August 17, 2025

When you're pondering who to call for standing water in your yard, a skilled landscaping contractor should be your go-to. These experts bring years of experience and can diagnose the root cause of your yard's drainage issues, whether it's for backyard or front yard drainage.

How do I deal with standing water in my yard?

The best way to handle standing water in a yard is to install a drainage system. This will allow the water to drain away from the yard and into a nearby storm sewer or other body of water. If you cannot install a drainage system, you can try to remove the water with a pump.

How much does it cost to fix standing water in a yard?

Standing water removal costs $1,600 to $6,575. Most homeowners install a drain in their yard due to drainage issues, so there's often a little (or sometimes a lot of) standing water. Contractors will have to drain the water before they begin installing your system.

Is standing water in your yard a health hazard?

Stagnant Water: This is water that has been left undisturbed for an extended period, often becoming contaminated with bacteria, insects, and organic debris. Stagnant water poses serious health risks and attracts pests like mosquitoes and vermin.

How do I deal with a high water table in my yard?

Standing Water in the Yard: Solutions
  1. Re-grade. Consult with a professional landscaper who can help you re-grade the terrain around your home. ...
  2. Rake your lawn. ...
  3. Break it up. ...
  4. Dig. ...
  5. Improve drainage with deeper lawn borders. ...
  6. Build a rain garden. ...
  7. Install a French drain.

Standing Water in Lawn Flooding. How to remove standing water in yard from heavy rain and floods

What does standing water in a yard mean?

Standing water is usually caused by two common problems: poorly draining soil and low spots in the yard. Lawn thatch, the layer of thick dead leaves, roots, and stems between soil and grass, is another culprit. Heavy foot traffic can also compact soil, leading to poor drainage.

Can a high water table cause septic problems?

In addition, the high water table may saturate the drainfield. When this happens the waste water coming from the house cannot move through the septic system easily. Water may actually flow from the drainfield back into the septic tank.

What qualifies as standing water?

Standing water is essentially any body of water that does not flow or has minimal movement. Unlike rivers or streams, standing water accumulates in depressions on the ground, forming puddles, ponds, lakes, or even marshes.

Is water pooling in yard bad?

Poor yard drainage is more than just a nuisance. Standing water can destroy your lawn, invite pests and even jeopardize your home.

How long is standing water safe?

When you leave the glass of water uncovered for about 12 hours, carbon dioxide in the air starts to mix with it. This reduces the pH level of the water and gives it an off taste. But even then this water is safe to drink. Moreover, most experts believe that tap water has a shelf life of six months.

Who do I call for standing water in my yard?

Some issues, such as standing water in your yard, are clearly an outdoor issue. A landscape professional can help you diagnose the cause of this problem and find a solution. Water in your basement can be trickier to diagnose because the cause may not be readily apparent.

How to dry up a wet yard fast?

7 Ways to Deal with Pooling Water in Your Yard
  1. Aerate Your Lawn. ...
  2. Switch to Permeable Pavers. ...
  3. Fill in the Low Spots. ...
  4. Regrade Your Yard. ...
  5. Install a French Drain. ...
  6. Build a Rain Garden. ...
  7. Replace Your Lawn with Wet-Tolerant Plants.

How much does it cost to fix a broken water line in yard?

To fix a broken water pipe, homeowners can expect varying costs depending on the damage's severity and location. Minor DIY repairs might cost between $10-$50, while professional services range from $50 to $600, escalating in emergencies. For extensive damage, such as pipes under a foundation, costs can be $500-$4,000.

What soaks up water in yard?

Organic mulches like wood chips, bark, and straw absorb water. Inorganic mulches like rocks, gravel, pebbles, and rubber don't absorb water but may allow water to drain through the gaps between pieces.

Why is my yard always wet and muddy?

If your lawn seems to always hold water, then there's a yard drainage issue at play. This can be related to the way your property is graded and how water flows, where your gutters are directing water, or even what's going on at a neighbor's property (potentially sending excess water into your yard).

How much does a French drain cost?

Average Cost:

Installing a French drain typically costs $20 to $50 per linear foot, or about $2,000 to $5,000 for a 100-foot drain, including materials, labor, and excavation. Additional needs like a sump pump or landscape repair can raise the total to $10,000 or more.

How much to regrade a yard?

The labor costs to regrade a yard are around $50 to $100 per hour. If the landscaping company you hire needs to clear the land, dig out any areas, and then put in the dirt, you're looking at around 12 to 24 hours of labor. This will bring the total cost of labor to about $600 to $2,400 on average.

How long should water stand in a yard?

Typically, water can pond over grass for 72 hours before impacting the health of the grass.

How to fix a high water table in a yard?

Add Downspout Extensions: These fixtures will carry rainwater away from your home and reduce the amount of water that goes into a nearby water table. Carry out Proper Landscaping: Regrading your yard so that it slopes away will increase outflows during spring and winter when precipitation is high.

What is the standing water rule?

According to rule 16-1: Without penalty the player can lift and drop the ball within one club length of the nearest point of relief. Whenever you can see standing water under your feet or your ball you are allowed free relief at the nearest point where there is no standing water.

Is standing water a hazard?

The bacteria in standing water can grow very quickly and lead to health problems. If you are in contact with standing water bacteria, be sure to protect yourself with gloves, long sleeves, and eye protection. Mold: Where there's moisture, there's a risk for mold growth.

Can stagnant water make you sick?

With no movement and aeration, stagnant water becomes a prime breeding ground for biofilms, or a collection of bacteria or fungi. Left untreated, stagnant water often becomes home for dangerous diseases and pathogens such as: Legionella. E.

What are signs of septic problems?

Signs of Septic System Failure
  • Water and sewage from toilets, drains, and sinks are backing up into the home.
  • Bathtubs, showers, and sinks drain very slowly.
  • Gurgling sounds in the plumbing system.
  • Standing water or damp spots near the septic tank or drainfield.
  • Bad odors around the septic tank or drainfield.

How to lower a water table?

Open drainage (dewatering with pumping from wells, slits or drainage sumps) is the simplest method. The groundwater flowing into the excavation pit is collected and pumped away together with any rainwater that may occur.

How to fix a flooded leach field?

The most effective way to fix a saturated leach field is to add specialized bacteria and enzymes to the septic system. These biologic additives can break down the biomat and help to restore the flow of water through the leach field. The aerobic bacteria will literally eat biomat turning it into water and CO2.

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