Collect surface water
Catch basins can collect water at low spots when the site conditions and outlet make them a suitable option.
Woodstock · Holly Springs · North Metro AtlantaDrainage solutions
Drainage solutions
for the way water moves.
Pooling water, soggy areas and runoff can affect how you use the yard. Brownstone evaluates the grade, water path and site conditions, then discusses practical options such as catch basins, piping or grading.
Site-specific planning
Grade · water flow · access · materials
Start with the
source and path.
Drainage work is site-specific. The right approach depends on where water is coming from, how it moves across the property, the available outlet and nearby structures or planting. Brownstone reviews those conditions before defining the work.
Direct water away
Piping can help carry collected water toward an appropriate discharge point. Route and outlet are evaluated for each property.
Improve surface flow
Grading adjustments may help guide runoff through the yard and away from problem areas, depending on the site.
Roof runoff and downspout extensionsYour roof can send
Put the volume in perspectiveAbout 1,250 gallons
Your roof can send
a lot of water to one spot.
A roof collects rain across its full catchment area. Gutters gather that runoff, then downspouts release it at just a few points. During a hard storm, a large roof can send a sudden surge to one small area faster than the soil can absorb it.
can fall on a 2,000-square-foot roof during just one inch of rain. That is why downspout location and a safe discharge route matter. The estimate uses the roof's horizontal catchment area; actual flow varies with the roof layout, rainfall rate and how the gutters divide the water.
When that runoff lands in the wrong place
Foundation and exterior moisture
Water released beside the home can saturate soil near the foundation and contribute to basement or crawlspace dampness or seepage, especially where the ground slopes toward the house. Leaking or overflowing gutters can also wet siding and woodwork.
Erosion and washout
Fast, concentrated flow can carve channels, move topsoil and mulch, expose roots, and leave low spots or muddy paths in the yard.
Thin or dying grass
Repeated pooling keeps soil saturated. Roots need oxygen, so waterlogged areas can develop thinning or dead patches, particularly in compacted soil.
Water in the wrong areas
Overflow can leave beds and walkways wet, wash out plantings, and send water toward a patio, neighboring property or another low point.
Why downspout extensions help
An extension gives roof water a route away from the foundation and toward a stable discharge area. That might be a properly placed surface extension or a buried line to a suitable outlet. The right route depends on slope, soil, available space and where the water can safely go. A pipe that simply ends in another low spot may move the problem rather than fix it. Keep gutters and downspouts clear, and avoid directing runoff toward the house, a walkway or a neighbor's property.
As general moisture-management guidance, UGA Cooperative Extension recommends about a 5% grade away from the home for at least 10 feet where site conditions allow. That is a planning guideline, not a one-size-fits-all drainage design.
Sources: University of Minnesota Extension on roof runoff and basement moisture · UGA Cooperative Extension on gutters and grading away from the home · UGA Cooperative Extension on gutter leaks and exterior damage · UGA Extension on excess water and turf injury
Plan the work
around your property.
1. Describe the problem
Tell us where water collects, when it happens and what is nearby. Photos after rain can help explain the issue.
2. Evaluate the site
We review grade, flow path, access, structures and possible discharge options.
3. Define the solution
We discuss a clear scope and next steps based on the conditions found at the property.
Good to know
before you start.
What drainage issues can you look at?
Brownstone can evaluate pooling, soggy areas, runoff paths, erosion concerns and water that affects the use of an outdoor space.
What might a drainage project include?
Depending on the site, options may include catch basins, piping, grading or a combination of measures.
Are downspout extensions worth adding?
They can help carry concentrated roof runoff away from the foundation, but the discharge point has to be suitable for the slope and soil. If water is already pooling or eroding the yard, the full route may need to be evaluated.
Can you tell the right fix from a photo?
Photos are helpful for an initial conversation, but the grade, flow path and possible outlet usually need to be evaluated at the property.
Serving Woodstock and nearby communitiesTell us about
Tell us about
your project.
Share the location, what you want to improve and how to reach you. Add photos if you have them. Matthew will follow up to discuss the next step.