Yard Drainage Solutions (That Aren’t French Drains)

We talk a lot about French drains because they’re one of the most versatile tools for moving water away from homes. But they’re not the only option. In fact, there are several simple and effective ways to improve drainage around your property without digging a trench for a pipe and gravel.

Whether you’re dealing with pooling water in your yard, runoff from your roof, or water collecting near walkways and driveways, these solutions can help move that water from places you don’t want it, to places you’re okay with it going.

1. Downspout Extensions – Simple, Smart, and Often Overlooked

Every time it rains, your roof collects a massive amount of water. On a modest 1,500 sq. ft. home, just ½ inch of rain can generate over 500 gallons of runoff. Your gutters are doing their job by catching that water, but if your downspouts dump it right next to your foundation, they’re only doing half the work.

A downspout extension carries that water further away from your house, so it doesn’t soak into the soil around your foundation.

Best practice: Use solid PVC pipe underground. It won’t crush like flexible pipe, can be easily snaked if clogged, and can join multiple downspouts into a single outlet point in your yard.

If you don’t have gutters on your home, get off our site and go get you some gutters, then come back here and we can help.

2. Catch Basins – Great for Pooling Surface Water

A catch basin is like a storm drain for your yard. These are buried boxes or cylinders (usually plastic or concrete) that sit flush with the ground and have a grate on top to collect surface water.

Water flows in through the grate and out through a connected drain pipe that leads the water somewhere safe, like a downhill slope, dry well, or pop-up emitter.

Common uses:

• Low spots in lawns or flower beds
• Areas where water tends to collect after rain
• In combination with downspout lines or driveway drains

They come in sizes ranging from 8″ x 8″ to 20″ x 20″, depending on how much water you’re dealing with.

3. Channel Drains – Perfect for Driveways and Hard Surfaces

A channel drain is a long, narrow drain set into concrete, typically with a metal or plastic grate over the top. You’ve probably seen one along the edge of a garage, across a sidewalk, or at the bottom of a sloped driveway.

These are great for areas where water runs across hard surfaces and needs to be intercepted before it reaches your home or a low-lying area.

Channel drains connect to underground pipes or simply allow water to flow out the end toward a designated outlet.

4. Swales – A Natural Way to Redirect Water

A swale is a shallow, grassy dip or “valley” in your yard designed to channel water during and after rainstorms. It’s created by shaping the land into a low point (valley) for water to follow, bordered by high points (berms) that keep it contained.

Swales are a low-maintenance, natural-looking solution, and they can be used on their own or to direct water into other drainage systems like French drains or catch basins.

5. Curbs – Small Barriers That Guide Water Where You Want It

Curbs aren’t just for roads. A well-placed curb along a driveway, patio, or walkway can help keep water from flowing into areas it shouldn’t, like your foundation, garage, or flower beds.

These can be poured in place or added as precast barriers and are a great option for redirecting surface runoff before it becomes a problem.

Which Option Is Right for You?

Every yard is different, and so are water problems. Some homes just need a couple of smart fixes like downspout extensions, while others need a combination of systems like catch basins and swales to get the job done. The key is understanding how the water is moving on your property, and how to help it move in the right direction.

We Can Help

At Upstate Structural Repair, we don’t just install French drains. We design full drainage solutions customized to your yard, your foundation, and your water problems. We design interior drainage systems tailored to your space, no guesswork, no pressure. We’ll inspect your home, walk you through the options, and offer a free estimate to help you make the right decision.