Drainage in University Park, TX: Dry Entries, Safe Foundations

Clay soil + big rains = puddles and pressure on your home. At Designer Exteriors, we design and install French drains, catch basins, regrading, dry creek beds, and downspout routing that quietly move water where it belongs—away from structures, walkways, and planting beds.

Why Drainage Matters in University Park

• Clay soils hold water, causing pooling, erosion, and foundation stress.

• Mature trees & tight setbacks change grades and surface flow.

• Heavy storm events overwhelm short downspouts and flat lawns.

• Alleys/driveways funnel water toward garages and thresholds.

Signs You Need Drainage Work

• Standing water 48+ hours after rain

• Mulch washing out of beds / erosion channels

• Water tracking toward doors, patios, or the foundation

• Mushy turf, fungus, or declining plants

• Efflorescence or musty odors along exterior walls

Fixes We Install (Right-Sized for UP Lots)

• French Drains (Subsurface): Perforated pipe in a clean-stone envelope wrapped in fabric, tied to a safe daylight point. Ideal for along foundations, fence lines, and low lawn zones.

• Catch Basins & Trench Drains: Surface inlets at low points and garage/patio thresholds to capture sheet flow before it crosses hardscape.

• Regrading & Swales: Subtle reshaping to create positive pitch away from structures; grassy swales guide water around patios and play zones.

• Dry Creek Beds (Functional + Beautiful): Rock-lined channels with underlayment and river stone to dissipate water without erosion—perfect for side yards.

• Downspout Extensions: Underground runs with cleanouts and pop-up emitters to move roof water away fast and keep beds tidy.

Pro tip: Add gravel bands against the house and along planting beds—this protects foundations, improves evaporation, and keeps mulch from migrating.

Design Standards (So It Works the First Time)

• Laser levels to map elevations and flow paths

• Right-sized pipe runs and inlet counts for your watershed

• Fabric separation to keep native clay out of the drain field

• Clean #57 stone around pipe for reliable percolation

• Code-compliant outlets (curb core, easement daylight, or dispersion field)

• Clean restoration of turf, pavers, and beds after install

Where We Place Drains Most Often

• Side-yard corridors between homes

• Low lawn corners and under downspouts

• Along patios, pool decks, and door thresholds

• Alley/drive transitions and garage aprons

Our Process

1. Site Walk & Mapping – measure slopes, note tree roots, identify inlets/outlets

2. Hydrology Plan – pipe sizing, basin placement, discharge details

3. Proposal & Options – phased choices (good / better / best)

4. Installation – excavation, base prep, fabric + stone + pipe, tested outlets

5. Finish & Verify – surface restoration; optional hose-test; care notes

   
   
   
   

Pair Drainage with Landscape Upgrades

• Permeable pavers or gravel joints to ease runoff

• Steel/stone edging to hold beds and protect drains

• Artificial turf in muddy zones (clean, fast-draining surface)

• Low-voltage lighting to mark swales, steps, and outlets at night

FAQs

Do I need City/HOA approval?

Below-grade drains usually don’t; visible outlets or dry creek beds might. We’ll provide drawings/specs if required.

Where does the water go?

To a daylight point (curb/easement) or a designed dispersion field, per code and site conditions.

How fast is installation?

Typical systems take 1–3 days; complex lots or hardscape tie-ins can take longer.

Will the drains clog?

We use fabric separation, clean stone, and accessible cleanouts. Keep gutters clear and give the system a quick visual after big storms.

Ready to Fix Standing Water for Good?

Let’s design a University Park drainage plan that protects your home and makes your yard usable again.

📞 Call or text us  | 📩 Schedule a consultation