Water in Yard: A Natural Issue or Plumbing Problem?

If you’ve got standing water in your yard after every rainfall, you’re putting your home at risk. Everything from soggy patches near the house to puddles in the driveway can lead to structural damage and pest problems.

Figuring out whether it’s a drainage problem or something more serious—like a water leak in the yard—is the first step toward a lasting solution. Keep reading to learn more about what water pooling in your yard could mean.

Understanding the Issue: Why Is There Standing Water in Your Yard?

When there’s water pooling in your yard after a heavy rain, you need to get to the bottom of it. First, determine whether the cause is natural or a plumbing problem.

Natural Causes of Water Pooling

Water pooling in your yard after heavy rain often points to poor grading or compacted soil. Yards that slope toward the house or have heavy clay soil may struggle to absorb excess water. Other common natural culprits include:

• Clogged gutters or downspouts directing rainwater into one area
• Low spots in the landscape that act like mini basins
• Lack of proper drainage systems such as French drains or swales

In these cases, regrading or improving drainage may be enough to fix a yard that holds water regularly.

Plumbing Problems That Cause Standing Water

Not all puddles are caused by rain. You might have plumbing problems if you’re seeing standing water in your yard during dry weather. You might also be suffering plumbing issues if the water has a foul smell or creates unusually green patches of grass. Potential culprits include:

• A cracked or collapsed sewer line
• Broken irrigation or sprinkler pipes
• Septic pump failure or tank overflow
• Leaking supply lines
• Tree roots that have damaged sewer pipes

The Dangers of Standing Water in Yard

Leaving standing water in your yard can lead to more than muddy shoes. Stagnant water:

• Creates a breeding ground for mosquitoes and bacteria
• Threatens your home’s foundation
• Saturates the soil around your septic system or underground pipes

If the issue stems from a water leak in your yard, you risk costly utility bills and long-term damage to plumbing infrastructure.

Solutions: How to Get Rid of Standing Water in Yard

Want to know how to get rid of standing water in your yard? There are multiple ways to address it, depending on the root cause:

• Improve drainage: Install French drains, gravel-filled dry wells, or extend your downspouts.
• Regrade your lawn: Adjust the slope to direct water away from the home.
• Aerate compacted soil: This allows water to seep in rather than pool on the surface.
• Install a sump pump or catch basin in areas that collect excess water.

• Install root barriers to keep roots away from your septic tank. 

• Address plumbing leaks: If you suspect a leak, find and fix it quickly.

When to Suspect a Plumbing Issue

The number one way to know you have a plumbing issue is if water is pooling in your yard when there’s no rain. This indicates your sewer or supply pipes are leaking underground. It’s also likely a plumbing issue if the water smells like sewage—normal water doesn’t have the same rancid scent.

Sometimes, you might not notice any visual signs. It could start with something as simple as lower-than-usual water pressure or higher-than-average utility bills. Make you know how to detect a water leak in your yard so you can spot the signs right away.

Who to Call When You Have Standing Water in Your Yard

When you have a water leak in your yard, you might be wondering who to call. If it’s clearly a drainage issue, a landscaper or drainage specialist may help. But if you suspect anything related to water supply, sewer lines, or your septic system, call a licensed plumber.

A Roto-Rooter professional can pinpoint underground leaks, recommend the best fix, and even help you avoid root damage.

Future Preventative Measures to Consider

Once you solve your standing water problem, you should take some steps to make sure it doesn’t happen again in the future:

• Avoid overwatering your lawn or garden
• Replace old or corroded shut-off valves
• Check all outdoor hoses and faucets for leaks
• Schedule regular plumbing maintenance checks

Get Rid of Standing Water in Your Yard

Standing water in your yard may seem harmless, but it’s often a sign of deeper trouble. Acting quickly can help you avoid major repairs and costly damage. If you’re unsure where the problem lies, a trusted plumber can help you figure it out—before your lawn turns into a swamp. Contact Roto-Rooter today to schedule an appointment with a trusted plumber in your area.

to verify that the line has been properly cleaned or repaired.