Who to Call for Yard Drainage Problems: Landscaper or Plumber?

TLDR;

If the water problem in your yard is caused by surface water, poor grading, or soggy patches, call a landscaper like Solid Ground Outdoor. If the issue stems from underground pipes, sewer backup, or sump pump failure, then a plumber is your go-to.

Understanding Yard Drainage Problems

Yard drainage issues can damage landscaping, weaken your home's foundation, and turn your yard into a swampy mess. Whether you're dealing with standing water or erosion, it’s critical to figure out the root cause fast.

Common water drainage problems include:

• Water pooling after rain

• Constantly soggy lawn areas

• Runoff from neighboring properties

• Overflowing gutters and downspouts

  
  

Poor drainage doesn’t just affect aesthetics — it invites pests, breeds mold, and can seriously damage your property.

What Causes Poor Yard Drainage?

Knowing what's behind your drainage issues can help you choose the right professional.

• Compacted Soil: Prevents water from soaking into the ground. (Especially common in clay-heavy lawns — check out these clay soil drainage tips for targeted solutions.)

• Improper Grading: Your lawn might slope toward your house instead of away from it.

• Clogged Downspouts: Water can’t escape, leading to pooling near the foundation.

• Overwatering or Misaligned Irrigation: Sprinklers might be flooding certain areas.

  
  

These surface-level problems typically fall under landscaping, but deeper issues could indicate plumbing problems.

Signs You Have a Drainage Problem

Not all drainage issues are obvious. Look for these red flags:

• Standing water or puddles after light rain

• Soggy or mushy grass patches

• Soil erosion, especially on slopes

• Cracks forming on your foundation

• Water stains or moisture in your basement

  
  

These symptoms help determine whether a landscaper or plumber should be called.

Landscaper vs Plumber: Who Fixes What?

When your yard becomes a wet mess, deciding who to call — a landscaper or a plumber — can be confusing. Here's how to tell.

When to Call a Landscaper for Drainage

Landscapers are experts in reshaping the terrain and managing surface water.

Call Solid Ground Outdoor if you're experiencing:

• Pooled water in your yard or garden

• Soggy lawn patches not near pipes or foundations

• Sloped areas causing erosion

• Need for new drainage systems like French drains or dry creek beds

  
  

Landscaping drainage solutions include:

• Lawn grading and contouring

• Installing rain gardens or swales

• Creating gravel trenches or border systems

• Building dry wells to redirect runoff

  
  

A landscaping team specializes in outdoor terrain, aesthetics, and non-structural drainage fixes.

When to Call a Plumber for Drainage

Plumbers handle issues related to underground piping, sewer lines, and water systems.

Call a plumber if you're dealing with:

• Broken or leaking underground pipes

• Water pooling near the foundation or in the basement

• Sewer smells or visible waste in your yard

• Sump pump failure or water not draining after a storm

  
  

Typical plumbing drainage fixes:

• Pipe replacement or repair

• Sewer line inspections and unclogging

• Sump pump installation or upgrades

• Drain pipe rerouting to avoid home foundations

  
  

These problems are usually out of reach for a landscaper and require licensed plumbing work.

How to Decide Who to Call: A Simple Guide

Here’s a quick decision table to help clarify:

Problem	Call a Landscaper	Call a Plumber
Water pooling near lawn or garden	Yes
Soggy yard after rainfall	Yes
Water coming from basement wall		Yes
Sewer smell or backups in outdoor drains		Yes
Erosion or slope drainage issues	Yes
Leaking underground pipe		Yes

Popular Drainage Solutions (By Problem Type)

The right fix depends on the root cause. Below are categorized solutions:

Landscaping Drainage Fixes

These methods improve surface-level drainage and overall yard health. If you're considering reshaping your yard for better drainage, be sure to also explore our Landscape Construction Tips to get the most out of your outdoor upgrades.

• French Drain Systems: Redirects water underground away from problem areas.

• Dry Creek Beds: Aesthetic and functional channel to manage heavy rain.

• Rain Gardens: Eco-friendly solution using native plants to absorb excess water.

• Grading and Leveling: Adjusts yard slopes to prevent water collection.

Plumbing Drainage Fixes

When the issue lies underground, these are the go-to remedies:

• Sewer Line Repair: Fixes cracked, blocked, or collapsed pipes.

• Sump Pump Installation: Removes collected water from low-lying areas like basements.

• Drain Pipe Rerouting: Repositions pipes to better manage flow and avoid waterlogging.

  
  

For many of these fixes, choosing the right PVC pipe for drainage is critical to long-term performance and durability, especially when dealing with high-pressure or shallow installations. These types of solutions typically require licensed plumbers with access to specialized inspection tools and, in many cases, the proper permits to meet local codes.

Costs: Landscaper vs Plumber for Drainage

Let’s break down the potential costs depending on the solution:

Service	Average Cost Range
French drain installation	$1,000 – $4,000
Grading/regrading	$1,000 – $5,000
Dry well or rain garden installation	$500 – $3,000+
Sump pump installation	$1,200 – $2,500
Pipe inspection and repair	$500 – $3,000+

Tip: Landscaper solutions often cost less upfront but may not fix severe issues. Plumbing fixes can be more expensive but are essential for long-term safety.

Yard Drainage Maintenance Tips

You can prevent many problems with a little seasonal upkeep.

Here’s how to prevent standing water in your yard:

• Clean gutters and downspouts at least twice a year

• Install gutter extensions to push water away from the foundation

• Use gravel or stone borders along flower beds to improve runoff

• Regularly inspect sprinklers to avoid overwatering

• Consider rain barrels to collect and reuse water efficiently

  
  

Staying ahead of drainage issues is always cheaper than reacting to damage later.

Common Questions About Yard Drainage

Can a plumber fix yard drainage problems? 

Only if the issue involves pipes, sewer lines, or sump pumps. Surface water? Call a landscaper.

Who do I call for water in my basement? 

Start with a plumber to check for broken pipes or sump pump failure. If no pipe issues, a landscaper might need to improve grading.

Does landscaping help with drainage? 

Absolutely. Proper grading, rain gardens, and French drains can significantly improve yard drainage.

What’s the best drainage solution for a sloped yard? 

Dry creek beds, retaining walls, or slope regrading work well — all of which fall under landscaping.

Should I fix drainage issues before landscaping? 

Yes. Address the drainage first or risk ruining new landscaping investments.

Can one company do both? 

Some companies like Solid Ground Outdoor partner with plumbers or have specialized teams, but most cases still require separate pros for each scope of work.

Who to Call for Drainage Problems

When your yard turns into a marshland or your basement shows water signs, it’s time to act. The key is understanding what kind of problem you're facing:

• Surface water issues? Call Solid Ground Outdoor, your local landscaping drainage expert.

• Pipe or sewer problems? Reach out to a licensed plumber.

  
  

If in doubt, start with a landscaper. They can assess and refer you to a plumber if the problem goes deeper. It’s better to involve both than leave the issue unaddressed.

Still not sure who to call? Reach out to Solid Ground Outdoor for a yard drainage assessment and we’ll help you determine the right solution — from surface water fixes to identifying deeper plumbing needs.