Expert Landscape Drainage Solutions in Houston, Texas

Does your property lawn or landscaping bed retain water in all the wrong places? Do your landscape beds erode quickly losing mulch and topsoil? In other words, your home has a landscape drainage problem and you are in need of a solution. We are a local Houston landscape drainage contractor company that provides landscape drainage solutions and services in most surrounding communities. This page will will teach you the different techniques to implement in you property for a landscape drainage system.

landscape drainage contractor houston tx

Landscape Drainage Installation & Solutions

There are various landscape drainage installation techniques to removing unwanted water from your home or commercial property. Point often overlooked, that water always flows downhill and takes the path of least resistance. If the water does not have a way to flow out, it will set into the property, causing your yard to flood. Our primary goal as a yard drainage contractor is to build a water flow system that lets the water out of your property by taking advantage of gravity. There are multiple types of drains system to remove water from your property. However, in Houston, most residential properties can use one or more of the following landscape drainage solutions to fix their water retention problem.

  1. French Drain Installation
  2. Catch Basin Drain Installation
  3. Sump Pump Installation
  4. Downspout Drainage and Diverters
  5. Landscape Drainage Pop-Up Emitter

French Drain Installation

One of our landscape drainage solutions is a french drain installation, which is a slightly sloped trench that uses a PVC or plastic pipe with perforations over river rocks or washed gravel. Understanding how to install a french drain properly will save you from running into issues. As a matter of fact, a properly built and designed landscape French Drain system will prevent water from penetrating a building or home’s foundation. Depending on the terrain and volume of water, a typical residential Houston landscape drainage system is 18” deep and 8” wide with a 4” PVC perforated pipe.

French Drain Houston backyard landscape
Landscape Catch Basin Drain System Houston

Catch Basin Drain Installation

We use a catch basin drain system to divert water away from your home by taking the water from the home’s gutter system. It can also be used to channel water out from a low spout section of your lawn. Furthermore, the Catch Basin consists of plastic and PVC or plastic piping to channel out water. Certainly installing a catch basin is a great investment into your property.

Sump Pump Drain Installation

In the Houston area, most people are unfamiliar with a sump pump drain. Unlike any other landscape drainage system, a sump pump drain is a multi-purposeful, submersible, and electric-powered pump. Indeed, if you are experiencing abnormal flooding, more likely you need to install a sump pump.

landscape sump pump drain system houston
landscape drainage pop-up emitter houston texas

Landscape Drainage Pop-Up Emitter

A pop-up emitter is a point that releases the water from a more extensive drainage system. The water pressure causes the top to “pop-up” and release the excess water. It closes on its own when there is a lack of pressure. The pop-up emitter activates when there are no cuts to the curbs. It works very well with the downspout drainage system. Do not forget to submit a FREE quote today!

HOW IT WORKS: LANDSCAPE DRAINAGE POP-UP EMITTER

Here you will learn more about the pop-up emitter from our professional landscape drainage contractor. Indeed, HLP has over 25 years of landscape drainage experience. Share this with your friends, so they learn how to do this right from the start.

Landscape Drainage Pop-up Emitter Video
downspout drainage diverters houston

Downspout Drainage and Diverters

The first task a landscape drainage contractor does, is examine downspouts and diverters of a building. In most cases, roofs are the primary source of excessive water during rainy times. If the water is not guided away from the building, it can cause foundation problems and water retention problems. It will also tend to erode mulch and dirt from landscape beds or cause muddy grounds. Fill out our FREE drainage quote so we can better assist you in your drainage needs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Landscape Drainage

Welcome to our Frequently Asked Questions section! Here you’ll find comprehensive answers to your queries about landscape drainage, helping you understand and solve your outdoor water management needs.

In the world of landscaping, choosing the best landscaping materials for drainage is crucial to preserving the health and aesthetic of your outdoor space. When it comes to choosing materials for these systems, PVC pipes are a popular choice due to their durability, versatility, and cost-effectiveness. Among the various PVC pipe types, two that are commonly used for drainage systems are SDR 35 and Schedule 40. Understanding the differences between these two can help you make an informed decision for your landscape drainage needs.

  • SDR 35, short for Standard Dimension Ratio 35, is a type of PVC pipe that is often employed in gravity-flow sanitary sewers. One of the primary advantages of SDR 35 PVC pipe is its thin yet sturdy walls, which make it lightweight and easy to handle. This type of pipe is designed for durability, withstanding earth loads and surface pressure, and its smooth interior walls facilitate efficient flow of waste and drainage water.
  • On the other hand, Schedule 40 PVC pipe is renowned for its exceptional strength and thickness. Schedule 40 pipes are predominantly used in areas requiring high-pressure tolerance, such as water supply lines or in commercial settings. Due to their thickness, these pipes are well-equipped to handle more substantial pressure but may be overkill for many residential landscape drainage systems.

When considering which pipe to use for your landscape drainage, it’s essential to understand the nature and needs of your system. If your landscape drainage is a low-pressure environment (as is the case for most residential settings), SDR 35 would be a suitable choice. Its design perfectly caters to gravity-flow systems, effectively channeling the water away from your landscape without unnecessary bulk or cost. On the other hand, if your landscape drainage system is part of a larger, commercial-grade project, or if it needs to withstand significant pressure or handle larger water volumes, Schedule 40 could be a more appropriate choice.

Drainage systems in backyards are crucial to prevent water accumulation that could cause flooding, damage property, lead to soil erosion, and create breeding grounds for pests. The best choice of a drainage system often depends on the specific issue that requires addressing, as well as the landscape and soil type in your backyard. Here are some common types of drainage systems for backyards:
  1. French Drainage: This type of drain is often used when there’s a specific area of your yard that accumulates water. A French drain is essentially a trench filled with gravel and a perforated pipe that redirects water away from your home. The water filters down through the gravel and into the pipe, which then carries it away from the problem area. This is particularly helpful for homes on a slope or for regions with a lot of rainfall.
  2. Channel Drain: Channel drains are also known as trench drains. These are often used for patios, driveways, or other flat surfaces that may accumulate water. They’re designed like a channel, with a grate on top to catch water. This water is then carried through a system of underground pipes away from the area. This type of drainage system is ideal for surface water problems.
  3. Downspout and Gutter Systems: These drainage systems work by collecting rainwater from the roof and directing it away from the house foundation. If this water is not properly diverted, it can damage the foundation, potentially leading to serious structural issues.
  4. Sump Pump Drain: A sump pump is usually installed in the lowest part of a house like a basement or a crawl space to prevent water flooding. If your backyard’s issue is related to basement flooding, then a sump pump is a good solution.

Remember, each of these systems addresses a specific type of water drainage issue, and the best solution will depend on your specific situation, your home’s location, and local regulations. It’s also recommended to consult with a landscape architect or a landscape drainage expert to get the most effective solution. Soil type (like clay or sandy soil) also plays a part in deciding the type of drainage system, as different soils have different water absorption capacities.

A French Drain and a Catch Basin are two different types of drainage systems, each designed to solve specific water-related issues. They can be used separately or together, depending on the water problem you’re facing.

  1. French Drain: A French drain is designed to collect and redirect subsurface water or water that seeps down through the soil. It is essentially a trench filled with gravel and a perforated pipe. The trench is designed to direct water away from an area, such as your home’s foundation. Water drains into the trench, filters through the gravel, and enters the perforated pipe. The pipe then carries the water away from the area.
  2. Catch Basin: A catch basin is a surface water drainage system. It’s designed to collect and divert water that flows along the ground surface. Catch basins are typically installed in low spots in a yard or under downspouts to collect runoff water. They consist of a box with a grate on top and a drain pipe that slopes away from the basin. The water enters the catch basin through the grate, and then flows into the drainage pipe, which carries the water away.

In essence, the main difference is that a French drain is designed to handle water that seeps into the ground (subsurface water), while a catch basin is meant to handle water runoff on the surface. It is also worth noting that you can connect a catch basin to a French drain. In this configuration, the catch basin collects surface water, which then drains into the French drain system. This combination can be particularly effective in areas where you have issues with both surface and subsurface water. As always, it’s best to consult with a drainage expert to determine the most effective solution for your specific situation.

The size of the piping for your landscape drainage system depends on a number of factors such as the size of your property, the amount of rainfall you receive, and the grade of your landscape. However, there are general guidelines that can help you make a decision.

  1. Downspouts and Gutters: For most residential applications, a downspout size of 2 x 3 inches is sufficient for roofs up to 600 square feet per downspout. For roofs between 600 and 1200 square feet, a 3 x 4 inch downspout is typically used.
  2. French Drains: For French drains, 4-inch diameter pipe is the most commonly used, although larger diameters like 6 inches may be used for areas with larger volumes of water.
  3. Dry Wells: The size of the piping will depend on the volume of water being directed into the well, but typically a 4-inch diameter pipe is used.
  4. Sump Pump Discharge Pipes: Usually, a 1.5 to 2-inch diameter pipe is used for the discharge pipe. The pipe should be large enough to handle the maximum amount of water your pump can move, but not so large that the water moves too slowly.
  5. Channel Drains: In most residential applications, a 2 to 4-inch diameter pipe is typically used. The pipe should be large enough to handle the volume of water being directed into it.

Catch basin drains are used to collect surface water and prevent pooling in your yard or flooding in your home. They’re most effective when placed in strategic locations, which largely depend on the layout and characteristics of your landscape. Here are some optimal locations to consider:

  • Low Points: Water naturally flows to the lowest point due to gravity. Therefore, any areas in your yard that tend to collect water, like a depression or a valley, are good locations for catch basins. After a rainfall, note the spots where water pools and consider placing a catch basin there.
  • Downspouts: If you notice that water tends to collect near your downspouts, it’s a good idea to install a catch basin there to capture and redirect the water away from the foundation of your home. This can help prevent potential water damage to your property.
  • Driveways and Walkways: Areas near driveways, patios, or walkways that are prone to flooding during heavy rain are other good locations for catch basins. They will capture the water before it floods these areas and channel it away.
  • Gardens and Landscape Beds: Installing catch basins around these areas can help to prevent overwatering and waterlogging, which can harm your plants. It will ensure that excess water drains away quickly.

Over 800+ Drainage Jobs Done

Houston Landscape Pros had been proudly servicing the Houston, Taxes and the surrounding areas since 2010. If you want to see our work or view our landscape drainage videos, please visit Houston Landscape Pros’ landscape gallery. By all means, we love hearing from our valued clients and sharing their experience with prospective customers. In fact, Here are some authentic reviews from happy customers.

Highly Recommend!!

Hire Houston Landscape Pros for our drainage landscape, front yard, backyard projects. From the beginning they was very professional and answered all of my questions thoroughly. Also, informed us a couple of days before the project began, and team showed up exactly when said they would (maybe I’ve had bad luck in the past, but this is extremely important to me). Project was finished faster than quoted and looks amazing. I highly recommend this company!!

-Philip W.

Professionally Done!

Houston Landscape Pros did a wonderful job installing our French drain at my property! It was affordable, professionally done and, so far, very effective. Would highly recommend them any in need of landscape drainage and all landscaping needs!

-Chris S.

Excellent Job

Houston Landscape Pros crew did a lot of work: installing gravel, trenching a drainage pipe, removing old plants and planting new ones, and an “spring cleanup”. Roughly $6k worth of work. They did an excellent job, the crew worked hard and the proposal before work began went smoothly considering all the questions I had.

-Albert W.

Landscape Drainage Contractor in Houston, TX

Houston Landscape Pros’ team only consists of professional and experts landscape drainage contractors. Indeed, we are professional landscape drainage company that services the local Houston area. Our landscape drainage contractors will make sure the job is completely taken care of. However, HLP does not repair any pre-existing landscape drainage. We cannot guarantee the functionality of its performance.

Need an appointment for landscape drainage in Houston? Call us: (713)396-3320

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