Match the fix to what you see
| What you see | Likely cause | Usual fix |
|---|---|---|
| Puddles by the downspouts | Roof water dumped at the foundation | Bury downspouts to daylight or the curb |
| Water against the slab or garage door | Soil sloping toward the house | Regrade, then add a drain if needed |
| A low spot that stays soggy for days | Clay soil and no outlet | Catch basin or French drain |
| Water sheeting across the patio | Patio sloped the wrong way | Channel drain or patio replacement |
| Neighbor’s water flowing into your yard | Grading or their downspouts | Swale along the line, and talk to them |
Why it matters more in Houston
Houston’s expansive clay swells when wet and shrinks when dry. Water that sits against one side of a slab after every storm makes that side move more than the rest, which is how foundations, patios and driveways crack.
Fixing drainage keeps the soil around the house evenly moist. That matters as much in a drought as after a flood.
Where the water is allowed to go
- The street curb or gutter in front of your house
- A drainage easement or ditch along the lot
- Not onto a neighbor’s lot. Texas law prohibits diverting surface water so that it damages another property
What it costs
| Fix | Typical Houston range |
|---|---|
| Bury one downspout to daylight | $150–$350 each |
| French drain | $25–$50 per linear foot |
| Full yard fix: tie-ins, basins, regrading | $3,000–$10,000 |
Common questions
How long should water stand in a yard after rain?
A healthy yard drains within a day. Water still standing after 24–48 hours points to grading or drainage problems worth fixing.
Is a French drain worth it in Houston clay?
Yes, when it has a real outlet. In clay, water moves slowly through soil, so a drain collects it and carries it away faster than the ground can absorb it.
Can standing water damage my foundation?
It can. Uneven moisture makes Houston clay swell on one side of the slab, which leads to cracks and sticking doors. Keep water moving away from the house.
Sources
- Ware Landscaping: Yard drainage cost (citing Angi and HomeGuide data)
- Texas Water Code § 11.086: Overflow caused by diversion of water
This guide is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Rules change; confirm details with the agency named in the sources or a licensed professional.
