Garden Drainage Problems
Water pooling on patios, paths, or near the house after rain, sometimes flowing toward the building.
What Is Causing This?
- 1Incorrectly sloped paving directing water toward the house
- 2Blocked or collapsed underground drains
- 3Raised garden beds or soil levels above the damp proof course
How Urgent Is This?
This should be fixed in the coming weeks. Leaving it may allow the problem to worsen and cost more to repair.
What Needs to Be Done
A landscaper will regrade surfaces to fall away from the house, install channel drains or soakaways, and ensure ground levels sit below the damp proof course.
How Much Will It Cost?
National average estimate
Labour: £775 – £2,400 | Materials: £575 – £2,175
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Prices are estimates based on typical UK rates. Actual costs depend on the specific issue, accessibility, and your location. All quotes from tradespeople on Tradesfolk are completely free.
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Ask a QuestionPlanning Permission Guidance
Some fixes for this problem may require planning permission or building regulations approval. Check if your project needs permission:
Generally permitted. Laying a patio or hard surface in the rear garden is permitted development as an improvement within...
DeckingGenerally permitted under Part 1, Class E of the GPDO (treated as an improvement within the curtilage). Decking that doe...
Swimming PoolGenerally permitted. Outdoor swimming pools are considered engineering operations within the curtilage and are permitted...
Garden RoomGenerally permitted under Part 1, Class E as an outbuilding. Garden rooms follow the same rules as other outbuildings. T...
How to Prevent This
Check that all hard surfaces slope away from the house. Keep drains and gullies clear. Do not raise soil levels against external walls.
Related Problems
Standing water on the lawn or flower beds after rainfall, taking days to drain away.
Water pooling on the patio surface or not draining away after rain, creating puddles and algae growth.
Pools of water remaining on the lawn, patio, or paths for days after rainfall.
Other Landscaper Problems
Standing water on the lawn or flower beds after rainfall, taking days to drain away.
A garden retaining wall that is bulging, cracking, leaning, or has partially collapsed.
A bumpy or undulating lawn with dips, mounds, and hollows that make mowing difficult.
A garden that has become unmanageable with dense vegetation, overgrown borders, and self-seeded trees.