Signs to document
- water ponds near the structure or in the yard
- downspout discharge crosses a problem area
- erosion or sediment shows a repeated flow path
- existing drain has no known outlet
- French drain is proposed before surface flow is documented
Yard drainage
Yard drainage in North Alabama: map the water before choosing a French drain
A planning guide for roof runoff, surface flow, low areas, subsurface collection, discharge, erosion, utilities, excavation, and long-term maintenance.
Short answer
Photograph water during or soon after rain from safe locations. Map where it begins, how it crosses the property, where it ponds, and where a proposed system could discharge without returning or affecting another property.
Questions for a provider
- What water source and elevation path are being addressed?
- Why is a surface or subsurface system appropriate?
- Where is the outlet and how will it remain accessible?
- What utility locating, excavation, erosion control, and restoration are included?
Compare the written scope
Diagnosis, access, repair, and closeout are different decisions.
Diagnosis
Ask what test isolated the fault and what evidence supports the recommendation. A symptom alone does not identify every underlying cause.
Included work
Confirm labor, materials, model numbers, permits, access, disposal, cleanup, startup, and any walls, floors, landscaping, or finishes that another trade must restore.
Closeout
Request invoices, warranty terms, permit or inspection records when applicable, equipment settings, test results, and clear instructions for operation and maintenance.
Service-specific scope
Make the recommendation explain the system.
The scope should identify drainage area, observations, elevations when measured, collection method, pipe and aggregate, fabric, inlets, outlet, overflow, utility locating, excavation, spoil, erosion control, cleanouts, maintenance, and landscape restoration.
Evidence to keep
- rain-event photographs and flow map
- proposed elevations and outlet
- utility-location record
- materials and cleanout locations
- post-work flow observation and maintenance plan
Common questions
Answers to use before authorizing work
Is a French drain always the right solution?
No. Roof runoff, grading, surface channels, inlets, swales, subsurface water, and foundation drainage are different conditions. The design should match the documented water path.
Where should collected water go?
The outlet must remain functional and should not return toward the structure, erode the site, enter a prohibited system, or shift water onto another property. Verify local requirements.
What maintenance should be recorded?
Keep inlet, outlet, cleanout, pipe, and aggregate locations plus access instructions. Photograph operation during a later rain event before assuming the problem is resolved.
Related decisions
Compare related work without mixing the scopes.
Verify before hiring
Use the responsible public source.
EPA WaterSense leak guidance
Federal guidance for finding and addressing household water leaks.
Alabama Plumbers and Gas Fitters Examining Board
Official state certification, business-registration, and consumer information for plumbing and gas-fitting work.
Alabama 811
Utility-location guidance before digging or excavation.
Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board
State consumer guidance on licensing, references, insurance, contracts, and payments.