Fixing a Flooded Yard with an Outdoor Pump System
A flooded yard isn’t just an eyesore—it can damage your landscape, attract pests, and even threaten your home’s foundation. When traditional gravity-based drainage isn’t enough, an outdoor pump system can be a powerful solution to keep your yard dry and functional.
What Is an Outdoor Pump System?
An outdoor pump system uses an electric sump pump to actively remove standing water from your yard and redirect it to a proper discharge location—such as a storm drain, dry well, or drainage ditch.
Unlike gravity drains, pump systems work in flat or low-lying yards where water has nowhere to flow on its own.
How It Works: Step-by-Step
- Identify the Flood-Prone Area
Pinpoint the lowest spots in your yard where water collects after rain. - Install a Sump Basin
Dig a basin at the low point and install a sump pit liner to house the pump. Surround it with gravel to improve water flow into the basin. - Add a Sump Pump
Place an outdoor-rated sump pump in the basin. Choose one with an automatic float switch that activates when the water level rises. - Connect Drain Pipes
Use solid or perforated pipes to collect water from across the yard and direct it to the basin. Optional: Add catch basins or grates to speed up water collection. - Discharge the Water Safely
Attach a discharge line from the pump to a safe location—never into your neighbor’s yard or a sewer. Always follow local codes and ordinances.
Benefits of a Pump System
- Works even without natural slope
- Prevents soil erosion and landscape damage
- Helps protect basements and foundations
- Automated operation for peace of mind
Maintenance Tips
- Check and clean the pump regularly
- Clear debris from catch basins
- Test before the rainy season begins
- Use a backup power source if needed