Common Drainage Mistakes in East Texas Yards

Drainage is one of the most overlooked yet critical parts of any landscaping or construction project. Whether you're installing a new lawn, building on a rural lot, or just tired of standing water after heavy Texas rains, how you manage water runoff can make or break your investment.

Unfortunately, many East Texas homeowners try to fix drainage problems themselves—only to discover later that DIY mistakes led to even bigger (and more expensive) issues.

At Jerami Kennamer Services, we’ve spent years fixing drainage systems gone wrong. Here are the top five mistakes we see in the field—and how to avoid them with professional help.

Mistake: Assuming flat ground is good ground.

Many homeowners don’t realize that even small grading issues can lead to major drainage problems. A property that looks flat may actually slope toward the home instead of away from it, causing water to pool near foundations, patios, or driveways.

Why it matters:

Water near your foundation can cause cracking and settling
Improper slope can lead to basement or crawl space flooding
Landscaping and sod won’t survive if water stands too long

The fix:

We use precision grading tools to reshape your yard or project site, ensuring water flows away from structures and into proper drain paths.

[Learn more about our final grade work – https://jeramikennamerservices.com/]

Mistake: Installing a French drain when you need surface drainage—or vice versa.

Not all drainage systems are created equal. Choosing the wrong solution for your soil type, slope, and runoff source can lead to system failure.

Common types of drainage systems:

French drains: Subsurface systems that capture and redirect water underground
Surface drains or catch basins: Pull water off the surface and redirect it
Swales or berms: Shape the land to naturally guide water
Dry creek beds: Decorative and functional water redirection for larger yards

The fix:

Our team evaluates soil, slope, and water flow to design the right mix of systems, from subsurface solutions to landscape grading and trenching.

Mistake: Installing drainage like you're in sandy or loamy soil.

East Texas is notorious for its dense, clay-heavy soil, which drains slowly and compacts easily. DIY drainage systems often fail because they assume the water will filter naturally through the soil—when in fact, clay holds water like a sponge.

Why this is a problem:

Water collects instead of dispersing
Pipes and drains get clogged faster
Erosion worsens when water finally moves

The fix:

We design systems specifically for local soil conditions, using gravel beds, root barriers, filter fabric, and deeper trenching when needed. We also compact and grade correctly to help prevent sinkholes and sagging areas.

Mistake: Letting downspouts discharge water directly next to your home.

One of the simplest yet most common drainage failures is downspouts that dump water right at the base of the house. Even the best roof gutters can’t protect you if that water isn’t moved at least 5 to 10 feet away from your structure.

What can go wrong:

Foundation erosion
Water pooling in flower beds
Wet crawl spaces and mildew buildup
Washout of newly installed landscaping

The fix:

We install downspout extensions, underground pipe connections, or drain basins to route roof runoff far from your home and direct it to safe exit points.

Mistake: Installing a system that works “just enough” without thinking about overflow or clogs.

Drainage is not a set-it-and-forget-it job—especially in areas prone to heavy rainfall like Mabank and Gun Barrel City. Many DIY systems don’t include clean-out ports, overflow drains, or gravel filters, making them fail under pressure.

Why it matters:

Overflow can flood nearby structures
Tree roots can clog pipes without clean-out access
A single blockage can back up the entire system

The fix:

Our systems include access points for cleaning and maintenance. We also build in backup channels or overflow outlets, so even during extreme storms, your property stays protected.

In early 2024, we were called to a home just outside Mabank where the homeowner had attempted to DIY a French drain. After one season, they were dealing with:

Mushy yard spots
Water flowing back toward their porch
A failed gravel trench that filled with clay and roots

We removed the failed DIY system, regraded the yard, installed a proper French drain with filter wrap, and tied in all gutter downspouts to exit well beyond the home. The result: a dry yard, a stable foundation, and no more standing water.

How We Approach Drainage Projects

Every property is different. That’s why we always start with:

A full site evaluation
Soil and slope assessment
Identification of problem areas (standing water, erosion, etc.)
Custom system design (French drains, swales, trenching, etc.)
Clear pricing with no upselling
Professional installation with grading and compaction included

We also offer land clearing, trenching, and sod installation, making us your all-in-one local contractor for landscape preparation and water management.

How do I know if my yard has a drainage issue?

Signs include:

Standing water after rain
Puddles near the home or driveway
Mushy areas that never dry out
Erosion, exposed roots, or shifting soil

What’s the average cost of drainage system installation in East Texas?

Most residential systems range from $1,500 to $6,000, depending on the scope. We offer free, no-pressure estimates.

Do you offer grading and sod after fixing drainage?

Yes. We often complete projects with final grade work and sod installation to restore your yard and protect the new drainage solution.

Can you tie my gutters into a drainage system?

Absolutely. We regularly connect downspouts into French drains or surface pipes to ensure full water control from roof to yard.

Drainage isn’t the most exciting part of home improvement—but it might be the most important. If you’re tired of water pooling, soggy yards, or failed DIY fixes, it’s time to bring in the pros.

Jerami Kennamer Services provides professional drainage system design and installation for residential and commercial properties across East Texas.

Call (903) 288-8883 or [Request a Free Drainage Estimate – https://jeramikennamerservices.com/contact]
Serving Mabank, Kemp, Gun Barrel City, Eustace, Athens, and nearby communities.

< Older Post

Newer Post >