Start with what you can safely observe
Record where water collects, when it appears and what changed before you first noticed it. Keep observations separate from conclusions: a wet patch does not prove a pipe failure or a particular soil condition.
- Location: lawn, side yard, patio edge, downspout or an existing drain.
- Timing: during rain, after rain, irrigation or dry weather.
- History: recurring pattern, recent landscaping, paving, gutter work or previous repairs.
What kinds of issues might a provider investigate?
Runoff routing, soil infiltration, collection points and an existing drainage system are different questions. A useful assessment identifies which are relevant instead of prescribing the same buried pipe for every wet area.
A surface puddle and saturated ground can occur together. The assessment and proposal should explain the observed problem and the intended result.
Related: Surface drain and catch basin installation. · French drain installation for your yard.
When this is beyond ordinary yard planning
Do not enter floodwater to photograph a drain or check its outlet. Stay on safe ground and follow official warnings. The National Weather Service advises against walking or driving into floodwater.
Sources: NOAA / National Weather Service [1]
Private yard drainage versus a public drainage issue
A project on your lot does not resolve every street, ditch or bayou problem. In Harris County, responsibility for public drainage is divided among agencies; persistent street-drainage concerns should go to the responsible local authority. Check the correct authority for your address rather than assuming one agency covers the entire Bay Area.
Choose the next step from the problem
For a recurring yard problem, prepare observations for a professional assessment. For an existing drain that stopped working, start with its service history. For a suspected utility leak, sewage or immediate danger, use the appropriate utility or emergency channel rather than this planning guide.
Related: Yard drain cleaning, repair or replacement? · Yard drainage assessment and planning.
Sources and scope
- National Weather Service: flood safety
Floodwater safety; not a drainage installation standard. Checked .
- Harris County Flood Control District: drainage responsibilities
Harris County public-drainage responsibilities; other counties and municipalities differ. Checked .
Source-check dates show when referenced material was checked. They are not professional approval of a property-specific design. Questions and checklists are homeowner planning aids.