How do I stop my yard from flooding?

In my neighborhood, the back yards are all on a slope so some water from one neighbor's yard drains into the next yard and so on. Recently my neighbor who is on a higher slope has dug a trench across his yard to drain all water into my yard. I could not afford to pay a landscaper to dig a french drain for me so I watch dozens of you tube videos until I thought I could do it myself. Yes I am a 68 year old woman. I thought I succeeded! But....I dug it about 8 inches from our common fence and last night we had our first real rain and the water from their yard is draining into the trench and missing the catch basin. I installed 3 catch basins in the places where the most water is draining. I need advice. Should I try to move the catch basin right up to the fence? It will be a lot of work but I can't have my yard constantly flooded. Help!

  7 answers
  • Lifestyles Homes Lifestyles Homes on Mar 21, 2019

    Oh dear. I would investigate the statutes for something like what your neighbor did to your yard. You might be able to get the $ to pay for pro remediation via small claims court. Make sure the court knows how physically and emotionally trying this has been for you, as this is a ton of work for anyone, let alone “a female senior citizen”.


    That aside, it sounds like you need an additional catch basin near the fence. As you know the fence posts are going to be exposed and will have to be considered in your excavation.,


  • Sammy Sammy on Mar 21, 2019

    Cheryl is correct, many counties and cities do not allow what your neighbor did, he could be fined and have to pay for any damage to your property

  • Well what your neighbor did is illegal just about everywhere. First perform your due diligence. Check the codes with your local municipality. If you are on good terms with the neighbor, let them know. If they refuse, then get yourself an attorney. The neighbor will be responsible for any and all damage to your property.

  • Jeanie Golding Riggio Jeanie Golding Riggio on Mar 21, 2019

    To everyone who has answered my question so far......no I am not on good terms with this neighbor because we had a dispute about their dogs digging under the fence into my yard. No. 2 I have checked with the local planning board, zoning enforcement and everyone else I can think of and in North Carolina as well as in our HOA apparently you can do whatever you want. But please keep the advice coming. Thanks

  • Linda Linda on Mar 22, 2019

    Your HOA is not doing what it's supposed to do. Neither is your county administrator. Check with the NC state environmental agency. Your health is being undermined by water runoff with unknown particles in it. As for the dogs, there are, or should be, laws for protection against unruly animals. Good luck. I'm 78 and would not take that treatment from anyone.

  • 34354174 34354174 on Mar 22, 2019

    I understand your situation... only it makes water come into our basement. The neighbor is a relative that has a business in their home. So my husband put up UGLY barriers (boards and anything that looked bad) to divert the water. So they are going to do their part to get us to remove the barriers.

    Luckily we can afford to hire a landscaper, which is our next move.

    We live in an area where what you do on YOUR land is your business and is allowed as long as you don't do things like put goats and such. ha

    Maybe consult with a business that does this sort of thing and explain your situation. I am 65 and do this quite often. Most are willing to help in some way. You might get lucky and maybe they will drop by one day and help you out.

  • Pam Walker Pam Walker on Mar 22, 2019

    I think the easiest thing for you to do is buy some plywood. Have Lowe's cut it into 12-18 inch strips. Get your shovel or trowel & dig a running line around your perimeter where the water's coming in at. Place the strips inside the running line & fill in beside like you would placing a plant. This will create a small wall for the water to bounce off of & run into the right spot downhill. The running line only hasta be about 5-7 inches deep so the strips will stand upright. Your wall should be about a foot tall & the strips run lengthwise down the hill. Hope this helps.