Before installing new drainage, it helps to understand where water is actually pooling or causing issues on the property -- a drainage assessment looks at grading, existing downspout placement, and soil conditions to recommend the most effective drainage solution for the specific property.

  • Evaluates yard grading and existing downspout placement
  • Identifies where water pooling is actually occurring
  • Informs which drainage solution fits the property

Common Yard Drainage Assessment situations in Shreveport

Visible erosion or a small trench forming where a downspout discharges

This is a direct sign water isn't being carried far enough away from the foundation — usually solved with a longer or buried extension rather than a bigger structural fix.

Basement dampness or a musty smell that correlates with rainy periods

This pattern often traces back to downspout discharge points that are too close to the foundation, not necessarily a foundation waterproofing failure.

A downspout that empties directly onto the ground with no extension at all

This is one of the most common and cheapest-to-fix drainage issues — even a simple flexible extension for $10-$50 can meaningfully reduce water pooling near the foundation.

Yard Drainage Assessment FAQs

How do you know if downspout drainage is clogged underground?

The common signs are water backing up and spilling out of the gutter or around the downspout connection during rain, a pop-up emitter that never opens, soggy ground or a sinkhole along the buried line, and water staining near the bottom of the downspout. A simple test is to run a hose into the downspout and watch whether the water reaches the outlet. If it doesn't, the line can often be cleared by flushing or jetting from a cleanout; a crushed or root-filled section usually needs to be dug up and replaced.

This content is reviewed by the Shreveport Downspout Drainage editorial team and informed by licensed-contractor sourcing, manufacturer documentation, and established industry standards for Downspout Drainage. Read our editorial standards.