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Yard drainage risk check

Answer eight questions before the next atmospheric river. The result shows whether your yard has common Bay Area precursors for ponding, erosion, foundation moisture, or a hidden drainage failure.

Start the checkRead the field report

Water first

Roof, patio, slope, and low-area flow are checked before any finish material is selected.

Observed evidence

The score uses visible symptoms, not generic square-foot pricing or a one-size gravel recommendation.

No false cure

Landscape fabric is treated as separation, not conveyance, and gravel is not confused with a designed discharge path.

Bay Area context

Clay, bay mud, hillside edges, compact lots, and seasonal rain intensity change the consequence of each answer.

Answer the eight field checks

1. Does water pond for more than 24 hours after rain?

2. Does roof, patio, or yard water drain toward the structure?

3. Are there rills, exposed roots, or moving soil after storms?

4. Does the yard or patio slope toward the house, door, or retaining wall?

5. Was landscape fabric or gravel presented as the permanent drainage fix?

6. Do hard surfaces cover about half of the yard or more?

7. Is there a slope, stair, or retaining edge draining into the use area?

8. Has the area had prior standing water, mud, or moisture tracking indoors?

What the score checks

The checklist looks for standing water, negative slope, soil movement, false drainage fixes, hard-cover ratio, adjacent slopes, and repeat moisture.

It is a triage aid, not a survey. A site review still measures elevations, soil, discharge, structures, and access before construction.

Cite or share this checker

Community groups, newsrooms, and homeowner resources may link directly to this tool. Please attribute Bay Yard Co and include the page URL.

https://bayyardco.com/tools/yard-drainage-risk-check

Drainage risk questions

Is the yard drainage risk check a professional survey?

No. It is a pre-storm triage checklist. A professional review measures elevations, soil, discharge, structures, access, utilities, and the path water will take during an intense storm.

Why does landscape fabric score as a warning?

Fabric separates materials and can stabilize a surface. It does not create conveyance, storage, or discharge. A bid that calls fabric the drainage solution often hides a future failure.

Can I use the result to get a quote?

Yes. The result is a starting point. Send the score with photos, the property city, gate width, affected areas, and when the symptoms occur.

Can community groups share the tool?

Yes. Neighborhood groups, newsrooms, and public-safety resources may link to the checker with attribution to Bay Yard Co. It is free to use and does not require an account.