How to Fix a Yard That Floods After Rain in Utah

Diagnosing the Problem

Walk your yard during or after heavy rain to identify where water collects. Stagnant puddles lasting more than 24 hours indicate poor drainage. Check that downspouts extend 5-10 feet from the foundation. Look for low spots and compacted soil. In Utah's clay soil, water may sit for 12-24 hours before infiltrating.

Improving Yard Grading

The ground should slope away from the foundation at least 2 inches per 10 feet. Add topsoil to low areas, compacting in 2-4 inch lifts. Create swales — shallow channels 3-6 feet wide and 6-12 inches deep — to direct water to a drainage point.

Amending Clay Soil

Spread 3-4 inches of organic compost and till into top 6-8 inches. Adding coarse sand further improves drainage. For lawns, core aeration removes 2-3 inch plugs, creating channels for water penetration.

Installing a French Drain

A French drain is a trench filled with gravel containing a perforated pipe that collects and carries water away. The trench must slope 1 inch per 8 feet. Cost: $500-1,500 DIY or $2,000-6,000 professionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a sump pump fix my flooding yard? A sump pump removes groundwater around the foundation but doesn't fix surface drainage.

How much does regrading cost? Regrading costs $500-3,000 for a typical Utah lot.

Can I fix yard flooding myself? Minor regrading and soil amendment are DIY-friendly.

How do I keep water away from my foundation? Extend downspouts 5-10 feet, grade away from house, and consider French drains.