How to Get Rid of Standing Water in Your Yard

Common Causes

• Minnesota has heavy clay / clay-loam soil ( thanks glaciers! ) that prevents water from soaking into the ground
• Low spots or reverse grading that sends water toward the house instead of away
• Compacted soil that won’t absorb water ( common in newer development areas )
• Missing or clogged downspout extensions
• A drainage pipe that’s undersized, clogged, or was never installed

How to Check Where the Water Is Coming From

Watch your yard during and right after a storm. Note where water collects first and where it comes from, a downspout, a neighboring yard, a slope, or the street. Check whether your downspouts actually carry water away from the foundation or just dump it a foot from the wall. This is also where a sloped yard often plays a role; see our guide to landscaping a sloped yard if your problem spot sits at the bottom of a grade.

Fixes That Actually Work

• Regrading: the most common fix when the slope itself is sending water the wrong way
• French drain: the right call when water needs to move underground; see our French drain installation guide
• Drainage ditch: better for larger volumes of surface water; see our drainage ditch solutions guide
• Dry creek bed or rain garden: a visible, planted solution that also looks good; covered in our landscape drainage solutions guide

Otten Bros. Is Here to Help Remove Standing Water From Your Yard

If the same spot floods after every rain, or water is sitting within a few feet of your foundation, it’s worth getting a professional assessment before it gets worse. Our lawn drainage services start with figuring out exactly where your water is coming from. Contact us to get started.