How to Stop Water Pooling Around Your House

Think about how nice it feels to see your yard dry up quickly after a storm.

That’s what happens when your home’s drainage works the way it should.
It doesn’t take a complete backyard overhaul. 

According to Drain Masters Plumbing, older Aussie homes didn’t have the same drainage challenges we see today. Builders used the land’s natural slope and open soil to keep rainwater moving. But newer homes are boxed in by paving, driveways, and garden beds that trap water instead of releasing it. It’s no surprise that water now pools in spots that once drained perfectly fine.

Here, you’ll discover simple, tried-and-tested ways to keep water away from your home, shared by professionals and homeowners across Australia.

1. Keep gutters clear and angled to send water out, not back

You’d be surprised how often the real problem starts right above your head. When water pools around a house, it’s not the yard to blame, it’s the gutters. You can extend downspouts all day, but if the gutter itself can’t move water, it’ll just overflow and undo all your other fixes. 

How to do it:

• Twice a year check for leaves, twigs and build-up inside gutters
• The gutter slopes gently (about ¼ inch per foot) so water runs toward the downspouts
• Consider adding gutter guards to reduce debris buildup
• Use a ladder and hose to test flow; if water backs up, you’ve got a clog

With your gutters back on track, think about the next stop for that water. Some plumbers recommend connecting your downspouts to PVC pipes underground especially if you’re already regrading. It’s a simple one- or two-day job that helps prevent soggy spots from forming.

2. Fix low patches so rain doesn’t pool near walls

You might notice small dips forming around the base of your home where rainwater keeps collecting after every storm. In most cases, all it takes is a few inches of topsoil to reshape the slope and guide the water away. Once that’s done, you’ll usually see a difference by the next rainfall. 

How to do it:

• Mark spots where water remains for more than 30 minutes
• Add topsoil to these low patches, aim to raise them by about 5–6 inches and slope away
• Compact the soil gently (don’t over-pack) and seed or turf over the area
• Check again after the next rain to make sure the water no longer pools.

If the soil around your house has compacted over time, you might need a bigger fix and sometimes even a truckload of dirt to rebuild the grade properly. But once the ground is level again, the drainage will work the way it should.

3. A small slope and a French drain go a long way

A French drain is one of those solutions plumbers swear by. You can dig a simple trench, line it with gravel, and add a perforated pipe to redirect the water (no heavy machinery needed). 

Even a shallow trench filled with rock can make a big difference. Just skip the mulch in wet areas; it floats away and makes a bigger mess. Gravel and river rock stay where you put them and help stop puddles from forming.

How to do it:

• Create a gentle slope (about 1 inch drop per foot) away from the house
• If water still pools regularly, dig a trench (minimum 10–12 inches deep) along the affected area
• Line it with landscape fabric, add gravel, then a perforated pipe wrapped in fabric, and finally cover with more gravel and soil/turf
• The pipe must empty into a safe downhill area or a storm drain

4. Extend and regrade; six feet of slope minimum

Even with long extensions, water can still find its way back if the ground around your house isn’t sloped properly. You might notice that puddles stick around until you add at least six feet of clear slope away from your walls. The idea is simple: the extensions send the water out, but the grading makes sure it doesn’t come back.

How to do it:

• Run downspouts at least 6 feet (ideally 10 feet) away from your foundation
• After extending, check the soil by placing a level across the first 6-10 feet from the house; you should see at least a ½ inch drop for every foot from the wall
• If the slope is insufficient or negative (toward the house), add or remove soil and compact it carefully to establish the correct fall
• Re-test after rain

5. Link downspouts to footing drains for safer runoff

You’ll get the best results when your downspouts connect directly to underground drain pipes. Instead of letting the water spill onto the surface, you can run PVC or flexible piping that carries the runoff to a safer spot like a dry well, storm drain, or lower area of your yard. 

How to do it:

• Install a solid (not corrugated) PVC pipe from the downspout to a safe discharge point (dry well, storm drain, lower yard area)
• The pipe should run downhill and have a slight fall to avoid standing water inside
• Include clean-outs or inspection points for maintenance
• Bury and cover the pipe so it’s invisible and safe for yard use

Don’t Wait for the Next Storm – Stop the Pooling Before It Starts

Next time it rains, instead of rushing to check for puddles, imagine being able to stay inside, warm drink in hand, knowing your home’s drainage is under control. A quick recap before the next storm:

✔ Gutters clear.

✔ Ground sloping away.

✔ Downspouts extended.

✔ French drain in place.

With that sorted, you can sit back, listen to the rain, and enjoy the comfort of a home that takes care of itself. Stay ahead of home care challenges & find more expert-backed tips at SparkHomes.