Houston Residential Drainage Systems

Good residential drainage and proper soil hydration is very important in preventing soil-related landscape, foundation and hardscape issues.

Houston’s soil is a mixture of clay and sand with some areas around the area being either more clay or more sand. This type of soil is called “expansive.” To put it simply, water sits between and around particles of soil, making expansive soil expand when it is saturated with water and shrink when it dries. This expansion and shrinking can cause movement and shifting of the soil and could cause major damage to building foundations, patios, sidewalks, pools and hardscapes.

To stabilize the moisture in the soil and prevent costly damage to buildings and property, the soil must be kept at a consistent level of moisture. This means proper drainage and additional irrigation if the soil is too dry.

Drainage Basics

Drainage is one of the most important aspects of establishing and maintaining an enjoyable (and valuable) landscape around your home for years to come. Water from rain and other runoff moves through your property from the highest point to the lowest, as Illustrated above.

Drainage systems in the Houston, Texas area have to account for expansive soil, existing trees and landscaping in addition to providing positive drainage away from buildings. If the water doesn’t drain properly away from any buildings or outdoor living space, this can cause flooding, dry patches and damaging soil expansion or erosion.

When homes are built, the property they are built on is graded for drainage in accordance with local flood control and drainage codes. Neighborhoods and subdivisions usually have a planned drainage system that properties tie into.

Over time landscapes change, trees grow and consume more water, property owners and their neighbors build or install pools, shrubs, flowers, gardens, hardscapes and outbuildings that affect residential drainage systems.

If you have issues such as high spots that don’t get enough water, low spots that flood or erosion around gutters and downspouts, your property may need additional drainage or your current drainage system may need to be updated.

Call or contact me today to schedule an inspection.