Drainage Myths That Cost Homeowners Thousands
- Robyn Cates
- Jan 16
- 3 min read
Why small water issues become big, expensive problems — and how to stay ahead of them.
At La Madrina, we spend a surprising amount of time talking about water. Not because it’s glamorous, but because it’s one of the most common (and costly) issues Indiana homeowners face — and one of the most misunderstood. Drainage problems rarely show up overnight. They creep in quietly, disguised as “just a little puddle” or “it only happens after big storms.”
The truth is simple: water always wins. And the longer it’s ignored, the more damage it causes.
Below are the myths we hear most often — and the realities homeowners need to know before small issues turn into major repairs.
Myth 1: “Water problems will fix themselves once things dry out.”
Indiana clay soils don’t magically “self‑correct.” When the ground dries, the symptoms disappear, but the underlying issue doesn’t. Water still follows the same path the next time it rains.
Waiting often leads to:
foundation cracks
heaving patios
dead plants and trees
soil erosion that gets worse each season
Dry spells hide the problem — they don’t solve it.
Myth 2: “A French drain is the answer to every drainage issue.”
This is one of the most expensive misconceptions we see. French drains are useful tools, but they’re not universal solutions. They do not fix:
grading issues
gutter or downspout failures
surface water that needs redirection
low spots caused by settling
Installing the wrong solution wastes thousands and leaves the real problem untouched. Good drainage design starts with understanding how water moves across your property — not with a one‑size‑fits‑all fix.
Myth 3: “My yard is flat, so drainage isn’t an issue.”
Flat yards in Indiana often have the worst drainage because water has nowhere to go. Even a subtle 1–2% slope makes a huge difference in how water moves.
Micro‑grading, natural low points, and soil density all play a role. If your yard feels like a sponge after storms, the issue isn’t the rain — it’s the lack of flow.
Myth 4: “Downspout extensions are optional.”
Downspout extensions are one of the cheapest, highest‑impact fixes a homeowner can make. Without them, water dumps directly against your foundation, patio, or planting beds.
Buried downspouts and splash blocks both have their place, but neither should be skipped. A $20 extension can prevent a $20,000 repair.
Myth 5: “Standing water is just an aesthetic problem.”
Standing water is more than an eyesore. It’s a:
mosquito factory
plant‑killer
soil‑compactor
sign of deeper grading or soil‑structure issues
If water lingers for more than 24–48 hours, it’s telling you something. And it’s rarely good news.
Myth 6: “Mulch or rock will help with drainage.”
This is a perfect tie‑in to our rock vs. mulch post. Neither material improves drainage. In fact, both can make it worse if misused.
Mulch can trap moisture against foundations. Rock can create hard, impermeable surfaces that push water where you don’t want it.
Drainage is solved with grading, flow paths, and proper water management — not decorative materials.
Myth 7: “If water isn’t entering my basement, I don’t have a drainage problem.”
Basement leaks are the final symptom, not the first. Long before water reaches your foundation, it’s already damaging:
lawns
trees
patios
driveways
soil structure
Early intervention is always cheaper than structural repair. If water is pooling anywhere on your property, it’s worth addressing.
Water always wins — but only if you let it.
If something in your yard isn’t draining the way it should, now is the time to get ahead of it. Book a professional drainage evaluation and we’ll walk you through what’s happening, why it’s happening, and the smartest way to fix it for good.
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