Case Study: Transforming a Flooded Yard and Pool Back into a Homeowner’s Oasis

The Problem: A Flooded Paradise

This spring, a Indianapolis, Indiana, homeowner faced a nightmare: her once-beloved backyard had become a waterlogged disaster. Her pristine inground pool, the centerpiece of her outdoor retreat, was filling with muddy runoff, and her garage was flooding, making it unusable. After 15 years of enjoying her property without issues, the sudden flooding was baffling and frustrating. She had already spent thousands on landscaping contractors who installed French drains around the pool, but the water kept coming. Desperate for a lasting solution, she called HCE as a last resort.

The HCE Approach: Finding the Root Cause

At HCE, we believe in solving problems, not just covering them up. Our team, led by Shawn Hicks, visited the homeowner’s property to investigate. The previous landscaping solutions were like putting a Band-Aid on a broken dam—French drains were merely storing water near the pool, not addressing where it was coming from or why it had started after 15 years.

After a few hours of grade analysis and site review, we identified two culprits:

1. Eroded Drainage Easement: An old drainage ditch, meant to channel water away from the property, had eroded over time. Multiple high spots were causing water to bypass the ditch and flow straight toward the pool.

2. Neighbor’s Modifications: The homeowner mentioned that her neighbor had recently added dirt to the corner of their yard. This alteration was redirecting water toward her garage, compounded by missing downspout extensions that failed to divert roof runoff.

Note to Homeowners: If your neighbor adds dirt or structures along your property line, it can disrupt natural drainage and cause flooding on your property. Watch for changes like raised soil, new fences, or sheds, as these may redirect water toward your home or yard. Early action can prevent costly damage—contact a drainage expert like HCE to assess your risk.

The Solution: Precision and Expertise

HCE devised a targeted plan to restore the homeowner’s yard and garage. Over a few days, our team:

• Regraded the Drainage Ditch: We excavated and reshaped the easement, correcting high spots and establishing proper grade and slope to ensure water flowed away from the property as intended.

• Added Strategic Drainage: We installed additional drainage around the sidewalk near the garage to capture runoff, addressing the neighbor’s dirt pile issue.

• Fixed Downspout Issues: We recommended and coordinated the addition of downspout extensions to direct roof water away from the garage foundation.

  
  

The Result: A Restored Oasis

In just a few days, HCE transformed the homeowner’s nightmare back into her dream backyard. Her pool is once again crystal-clear, free from muddy runoff, and she can park in her garage without wading through water. By focusing on the root causes—eroded drainage and redirected runoff—HCE delivered a permanent solution where others had failed.

Why Choose HCE?

As a Trafalgar-based, DBE/WBE-certified general contractor, HCE brings decades of experience in site preparation, utility development, and heavy hauling to every project. Unlike temporary fixes, we dig deeper to solve problems for good. Whether it’s a flooded yard, a development site, or an INDOT project, we’re committed to quality and client satisfaction.

Got a drainage or site prep challenge? Contact HCE today at 317-210-0765, or visit www.digdeephaulwide.com to learn how we can turn your nightmare into a success story. Check out our Facebook for more project updates!