Rainfull lake
by Dee W
+44
This lake forms with each rain in varying degrees. It lies between ours and the neighbor's yard and over the years has been leaving our yard growing larger in the neighbor's. We approached them about putting in a drainage system and were told they did that 20 years ago and weren't about to do it again. This happens up and down our street between houses and as a group we had gone before the village council with complaints. This past summer street work was done which included larger piping and grates being installed. We were told the problem was fixed.
This is the reason our sump pumps work so hard and never seem to last. Does anyone have any ideas? I am open to all suggestions except moving.
This is the reason our sump pumps work so hard and never seem to last. Does anyone have any ideas? I am open to all suggestions except moving.
taken from my back flowerbed looking toward the street
taken from the front looking back. My home is on the right
45 answers
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hmmm...would your neighbor consider going half on having the problem corrected? If not your choices are to correct yourself with some drainage work maybe with the additions of a drystream bed to direct the flow and make it more manageable. Or create a bog garden to corral the water. http://www.landsteward.com/Images/water_garden_catpage.jpg
![360 Sod (Donna Dixson)]()
360 Sod (Donna Dixson)
on Dec 10, 2012
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I'm no professional, but since it seems your neighbors don't want to invest any more money into this, would it be possible for you have some dirt brought in and raise your area by adding a terrace/brick wall of sorts at the lot line? Maybe one of HT's professionals can help with whether that idea would work or not. I would imagine you'd have to add some sand to your soil to help with drainage too. Maybe that's all you need is to have that area tilled with some sand mixed in.
![Z]()
Z
on Dec 10, 2012
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Hey @Dee W , Have you asked the town if you could install a drain that would tie into the street' drain?
![Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls]()
Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls
on Dec 10, 2012
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How awful. My only suggestion would be to take photos, approach the village council and threatening to turn this into the health department if something isn't done. This could be a great breeding ground for mosquitoes in the Summer if water sits for any length of time. It may be that the health department would force them into doing something about it....of course, they may also force you into doing something about it, so perhaps report a neighbor's address....someone you don't care for much....LOL
![Leslie D]()
Leslie D
on Dec 10, 2012
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Dig a trench and install a french drain covered with a fabric sleeve and cover with bull rock, Dig your trench and extra 1/8 of an inch for every 10 feet or fill with fill dirt
![Francine P]()
Francine P
on Dec 10, 2012
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@Z D@ Health Dept. is an avenue I have not thought of. This may be key to getting some help. We have a group of 7 homeowners who attend meetings and have tried working with the village. Our yard is the least affected thankfully. @360 Sod (Donna Dixson) -Thank-you for the link. We have approached the neighbor on this and they said the work had already been done. When they re-graded and paved the street, I asked the crew if there was a drainage pipe from this area they said "no". We had thought there may have been a break in the pipes, but now I don't know if this means the job was not done correctly or if the neighbors have fudged the facts(yes they are that type) @Z I have actually considered building our yard up just a bit, especially since this issue has been gravitating towards the neighbor's yard over the years anyway. Our concern is whether that may open us up to a lawsuit for making a change that negatively effects the neighbors @Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls No, we have not asked the city about that, basically because the neighbor had indicated that it was already done. Doing it ourselves may be the only avenue open to us at this point. Thank-you each for your insight and ideas.
![Dee W]()
Dee W
on Dec 10, 2012
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All you need is a piece of wood, for a full day of entertainment, the original skim board. Ensure no rusty nails, for a better daay.
![Phil Bauman]()
Phil Bauman
on Dec 10, 2012
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Again, I'm no pro, but I don't see how a terrace could make the neighbors water worse. It seems to me that it would keep as much water from standing as what normally gathered on your land would now soak into the ground. Oh wait, maybe it would eventually seep through the wall and into their yard. Okay, I think I see how that could happen. But then again, if you document that you've asked their help and they refuse saying they've already "fixed" it then it's on them. Do you have a lawyer you can talk to?
![Z]()
Z
on Dec 10, 2012
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Why not embrace the water? Create a pondless water feature that collects extra water and stores it underground. This reservoir would be use as the source for your water feature which will actually clean the water and make it usable for things like irrigation of your lawn and gardens, washing your car, topping off a swimming pool. A rain garden can also be added for excessive water that accumulates in the area. This garden of durable plants will absorb some of the water and allow some to naturally seep into the soil. Here is video about a large scale system, your could be smallerhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KylUTvtcmPY This is 2 websites with more info http://www.rainxchange.com/ http://www.rainwaterharvestinggroup.com/
![Deck and Patio Company "Outdoor Living Experts"]()
Deck and Patio Company "Outdoor Living Experts"
on Dec 11, 2012
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You may want to consider a Rain Garden. We have had great success managing stormwater in our region with these functional and aesthetically pleasing gardens. It looks as if you already have a depressed are to work with. Taking the scope of that area, adding native plants that like their feet wet and can serve as a watershed of sorts up taking water and sludge for nutrients is eco-friendly. For areas such as this where the water collects quickly and pools, we install Aquascape Aquablox Water Matrix underground to quickly uptake the water and then allow the percolation back into the ground. We often design with stone, rock and mulch combinations depending upon the site specifics and customer interest. In this case we opted for full stone, cobbler to add a very distinctive rock garden accent to mulched areas in the front yard. with a little thought and good site design..beauty and function are possible!
![Chips Landscaping]()
Chips Landscaping
on Dec 11, 2012
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sustainable water feature. You could have a a wonderful water feature built on higher ground with the 'vault" that collect that rainwater underground to supply the feature as well as water your gardens. Check out www.Aquascapedesigns.com for more info.
![Ponds Patios and Waterfalls Co.]()
Ponds Patios and Waterfalls Co.
on Dec 11, 2012
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I was going to suggest a water feature and saw that has already been thought of. Make lemonade out of those lemons and enjoy it!
![Terrie Kaufman]()
Terrie Kaufman
on Dec 11, 2012
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@Phil B Aha! When my boys were younger it was a favorite place to play. @Z we have built up a bit around that side of the house and I have begun a long flower bed. @Francine P are you talking about a french drain? @Deck and Patio Company "Outdoor Living Experts" an inspiring video and honestly seems a bit intimidating. We do use rain barrels so with tying the gutters in and maybe adding the sump pump it is a viable option, unless cost rules it out. thank-you for all the links @Chips Landscaping I have looked into and considered a rain garden for the area closer to my home, because that is where the sump pump releases its load. A few plants had been suggested then and I am still thinking on it. @Ponds Patios and Waterfalls Co. a water feature would be pretty and since this sits outside my dining room, would be seen even if we were indoors. thank-you for the link Thank-you everyone for helping. I have alot to think about and research over the winter and although I hate to say it, the lowest cost answer will probably seem the most favorable. If we are able to do anything within the next year or so, I will make some additional posts to let you know.
![Dee W]()
Dee W
on Dec 11, 2012
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Does your street have a storm water system that is tied in to the sewer system? are you on a sewer system? or do you have a septic tank? From the look of your neighborhood it is flat as a pool table... and the road seems to be the high ground. You could install a large cistern type catch basin and fit that with a pump...this would be like a sump pump set up but larger scale and outside. The key to making that work is you need somewhere to pump the water too...if the city has a storm sewer this could work well.
![KMS Woodworks]()
KMS Woodworks
on Dec 11, 2012
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There is always this option, if nothing else works. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YEDTUtT8tIE
![Leslie D]()
Leslie D
on Dec 11, 2012
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LOL @Leslie D ...Someone you don't like much...LOL How about the uncooperative Neighbors... I put in my own drainage system some years back, including the "trenching" and Burying of lines, it's made a huge difference and except for ensuring that the elevation of the lines is sloped properly, it really wasn't that hard of a project...This looks like something you could do over a weekend to me...
![Sharron W]()
Sharron W
on Dec 11, 2012
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I agree with Ponds, Patios, and Waterfalls, a sustainable water feature capturing the rainwater would be the way to go and add a little bit of beauty to that area instead of just mud.
![Rocky Mountain WaterScape]()
Rocky Mountain WaterScape
on Dec 11, 2012
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Great suggestions in the comments, I think a rain harvesting system would be a great idea, it could even double as a pondfree water feature. Check out AWG rain harvesting system to get an idea of how to create it: http://atlanticwatergardens.com/rainharvesting.html
![Backyard Getaway]()
Backyard Getaway
on Dec 11, 2012
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You say this is happening around in the neighborhood so you are not the only person who has this problem...even your neighbors worked on it but are now disappointed. Why not research the suggestions given, gather together some neighbors who might be interested in fixing their problems and form a "get 'er done" group. The biggest cost in any project is usually the labor. A dozen home owners working a couple of weekends a month could clear up the entire neighborhood in a summer. If you lay out a plan that is environmentally friendly and get some interested neighbors, you can even apply for a grant to pay for the materials and some skilled assistance. Keep in mind the annual rainfall so you will know what you are dealing with. And water collected in wet periods can be used in dry periods, etc. Even without a grant, a cooperative effort makes it more fun!
![Jeanette S]()
Jeanette S
on Dec 12, 2012
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Being I couldn't get help by the neighbors or the community I think I'd buy a couple of loads of a good top soil and have "my" area built up. Starting at the house and working my way out I'd make it a gradual slope away from my home but being careful not to make it slope directly to the neighbors home either. Then seed it.
![Joan A]()
Joan A
on Dec 13, 2012
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build a french drain system that connects to a stream
![Brian Bogia]()
Brian Bogia
on Dec 13, 2012
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dig it out for a pond and line it so it won't go into your basement, put plants and stones around it on a slope to drain water into it.
![Linda H]()
Linda H
on Dec 13, 2012
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The "pond" idea is nice, but the problem is that the water is'nt just comming from above; It's comming from "everywhere"I agree with the "French Drain" idea. however, from what you're telling us, I'm doubtful if the city/county actually does have an adequit outlet for the drainage, if they did, and the homes were built to code, then the foundation drains would be doing their jobs to drain off any water intrusion. It would seem that nothing about resolving this issue is going to be inexpensive (or easy), but "please"! do'nt waste your money on a water feature 'til this is resolved. Ya gotta stop the water from getting to your foundation first...
![Brackett Manor Bed & Breakfast]()
Brackett Manor Bed & Breakfast
on Dec 13, 2012
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make a pond and put some fish in it make the best of low land or bog type plants like Giant Gunnera and Arundo Donax
![Tim Sargeant]()
Tim Sargeant
on Dec 13, 2012
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I would look into putting in some kind of pond. With your type of house it would be very pretty and relaxing.
![Erica Sheppa Love]()
Erica Sheppa Love
on Dec 13, 2012
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Call the enviromental control in your county. It's a mosquito trap.
![Elizabeth Bauernschub]()
Elizabeth Bauernschub
on Dec 13, 2012
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There must be a spring there somewhere. I would say build up around it so water doesn't leave,,,,,,drain it and watch where the water the water comes in I doubt it's from rainfall. Be a great duck pond and ice skating. My friend had the same problem they dug it down 2 ft and ducks fly to it all the time. and put up a bat house or frogs or you'll have plenty of dragonflies come anyway.
![Deborah M]()
Deborah M
on Dec 13, 2012
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I'm not an expert by any means but since this is a shared problem, I would contact your local co-operative extension service.
![Diane Brizzolara]()
Diane Brizzolara
on Dec 13, 2012
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Plant a rain garden with beautiful bog plants. Improves the looks of your yard, helps control the water problem, & purifies the ground water. Our village subsidizes costs if you follow their suggestions. Do some research online. Good luck.
![Judith O]()
Judith O
on Dec 13, 2012
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When building plans were submitted for your neighborhood, the builder did not make allowances for proper drainage/the city should not have approved the plans. It never should have passed inspection.
![Shannon at Fox Hollow Cottage]()
Shannon at Fox Hollow Cottage
on Dec 13, 2012
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I say the same thing build a pond with pretty Rocks around it maybe a waterfall on one end or in the middle there are several ways of how to build a pond just look it up online. They have mosquito tablets to kill the bugs. but won't hurt animals ...Pompous grass, palms , smaller perrenial flowers Good Luck Have Fun ! Take pictures of it when you're finished bring 'em back here to us...:)
![Keri S]()
Keri S
on Dec 13, 2012
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Fighting the government would be a hugh pain, but still may have to be done. It is amazing that one hand in government does not know what the other hand does - or that it even has another hand. Anyway, looking into modifing the landscape is also worthwhile. By getting information from environmental, landscaping and back to the government, you may have what you need to get this dealt with properly so that the water does not pond up and can drain away.
![Margaret K]()
Margaret K
on Dec 13, 2012
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Make a water garden, that will actually reduce Mosquitos because of the frogs and little fish
![Daphne]()
Daphne
on Dec 14, 2012
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My yard had a similar pronnbblem. The prior owners submerged a plastic bucket, the large kinds you use to ice down drinks in. Hooked a sumppump into it and ran a pipe to the street.
![Susan C]()
Susan C
on Dec 14, 2012
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Since you have a water source I say build a pond and every once in a while treat the water so no bugs can live on it. I would love to have this water source.
![Rita d'Armand]()
Rita d'Armand
on Dec 14, 2012
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Everyone has such good and interesting solutions. The water is not just from the neighbor's and mine's yard. Behind me is a home on another street(we are near a corner) and we receive water from this area as well since they are higher ground. As far as building codes go, all our homes were built in the 1800's and I doubt there were very many codes back then. We are on city water and sewer. Our sump pump had actually been tied into the outgoing city water lines which is why it is now re-routed through the window. This has been an ongoing issue for 18 yrs. for us, more for some of the elderly residents. We will hopefully be able to research and investigate things further this coming year and make a decision and a plan for the following year. I wiill be sure to let y'all know what we do and thank you for your feedback and help.
![Dee W]()
Dee W
on Dec 16, 2012
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If it is like my backyard there is a low spot that water pools in after a rain. After a couple of days it's gone and back to normal. ln the summer when it is dry there is no problems. Is this the way it goes for you?
![Rindy Bergbower]()
Rindy Bergbower
on Dec 27, 2012
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yes, that is how it goes normally. This year however the area will stay a little wet simply because we were forced to re-route our sump pump thru a window that hits ths same area.
![Dee W]()
Dee W
on Dec 28, 2012
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Ahh the sump pump. I would look into putting in drainage tile since the sump pump is always going to be an issue. Go to your extension office and they can guide you to the proper way to do this. Or google drainage tile systems or go to you tube for ideas on what tile would work best for your needs. Good luck
![Rindy Bergbower]()
Rindy Bergbower
on Jan 02, 2013
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@Rindy Bergbower Thank-you for the tip abut the Extension Office, they are so useful!
![Dee W]()
Dee W
on Jan 03, 2013
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That looks like a major drainage problem that should have /could have been addressed during the street repairs and drainage work. I would recommend contacting the local Zoning Enforcement Officer to discuss the problem with them or visit your Town Hall to see if there is a plan on file for your development's road and drainage repairs. A simple stone drain with a small pipe to an existing catchbasin (if one is close by) may be the trick. Your zoning enforcement officer should be able to help you address this problem. Good luck.
![DeFranco Landcaping, Inc.]()
DeFranco Landcaping, Inc.
on Jan 19, 2013
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If you have pubic storm sewers, the officers can help. Building up your yard and having a collection drain connected to a pipe to the storm sewer might work...talk to the municipality about it. No matter what happens, you cannot dump your water onto another's property. Check it out carefully before you spend a lot of time and/or money.
![Jeanette S]()
Jeanette S
on Jan 20, 2013
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If the city has drainage in the area, you might be able to work with them and your homeowners assoc. to install adequate drainage, but it will be quite a process. Would it be possible to build that area up with dirt so the water heads on down to the Street? You could put a layer of gravel under it to help with the drainage.
![Cori Warner]()
Cori Warner
on Mar 19, 2014
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I had a similar problem with a low spot in my yard. i took out the grass and made a beautiful wildflower garden of native plants that could handle the conditions
![Cheryl Newman]()
Cheryl Newman
on Mar 19, 2014
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![Zest it Up]()
Zest it Up
on Jul 03, 2018
I would suggest creating a "dry bed" where you basically place a french drain underneath to help with getting the water out and then larger river rocks to create that "dry bed" look when the water is not present, then the landscape will look great all year round. A quick search on pinterest will show you some pics but here is one example- https://pin.it/bovgimu72n3zer![]()
360 Sod (Donna Dixson)
on Dec 10, 2012
Z
on Dec 10, 2012
Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls
on Dec 10, 2012
Leslie D
on Dec 10, 2012
Francine P
on Dec 10, 2012
Dee W
on Dec 10, 2012
Phil Bauman
on Dec 10, 2012
Deck and Patio Company "Outdoor Living Experts"
on Dec 11, 2012
Chips Landscaping
on Dec 11, 2012
Ponds Patios and Waterfalls Co.
on Dec 11, 2012
Terrie Kaufman
on Dec 11, 2012
KMS Woodworks
on Dec 11, 2012
Sharron W
on Dec 11, 2012
Rocky Mountain WaterScape
on Dec 11, 2012
Backyard Getaway
on Dec 11, 2012
Jeanette S
on Dec 12, 2012
Joan A
on Dec 13, 2012
Brian Bogia
on Dec 13, 2012
Linda H
on Dec 13, 2012
Brackett Manor Bed & Breakfast
on Dec 13, 2012
Tim Sargeant
on Dec 13, 2012
Erica Sheppa Love
on Dec 13, 2012
Elizabeth Bauernschub
on Dec 13, 2012
Deborah M
on Dec 13, 2012
Keri S
on Dec 13, 2012
Margaret K
on Dec 13, 2012
Daphne
on Dec 14, 2012
Susan C
on Dec 14, 2012
Rita d'Armand
on Dec 14, 2012
Rindy Bergbower
on Dec 27, 2012
DeFranco Landcaping, Inc.
on Jan 19, 2013
Cori Warner
on Mar 19, 2014
Cheryl Newman
on Mar 19, 2014
Zest it Up
on Jul 03, 2018
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