I've noticed that water is pooling around the sides of my house. I don't have gutters on the sides, only on the front and back. I'd like to tackle this as a DIY project if possible. A French drain sounds like a good idea, but I'm not sure if it's a long-term solution. Just to add, my backyard is graded at about 5 degrees. The main issue seems to be runoff from the sides of my house. A friend suggested adding fill dirt to direct the water away from the foundation, but I'm not convinced that's the right fix. If you recommend hiring a pro, could you explain what they would likely do? Thanks for your help!
2 Answers
The good news is, your grading seems okay. The water is moving away from the house, at least as much as it can given your neighbors' setups. However, your options might be a bit limited since there's not a lot of space to work with. If you do add gutters, it'll be key to direct that water properly—maybe even underground towards the street, if that’s possible. Ask the HOA about your options—it’s definitely worth knowing what you can and can't do!
Adding fill dirt might not be the best solution, as it could raise the ground too close to your siding. A French drain could definitely work, or maybe creating a gentle swale to channel the water away from your foundation. Since the back yard seems to slope toward the front, you'll want to check with your HOA about what can be done—especially if it means directing that water effectively and within any guidelines they have.
Thanks! And good luck with the project! I’m also in Texas, and it can be tricky with all the runoff.
Totally makes sense! Getting clearance from the HOA first sounds like a smart move. You want to ensure everything is above board before starting, right?
That sounds like a solid plan. Ensuring you have options for directing all that water could really make a difference. Good luck!