8 Potential Causes of Wet Spots in Your Yard: What to Do
The only thing worse than having dry, yellow patches in your yard is having soggy spots. Unfortunately, soggy spots are usually noticed the hard way—by stepping into one.
If you’ve noticed wet spots in your yard, there are several potential causes. You could be dealing with a leak in the waterline, a leaking sprinkler system, or a leaking septic system, among others. We’ll not only help you narrow down the problem, but also share preventative maintenance tips and the best plumbing services for your needs.
Quick Diagnostic Guide
Want to hurry up and identify a possible cause for the wet spots in your yard? Check out our quick diagnostic guide to see if you need a professional on the case.
Symptoms | Likely cause | First steps | DIY or Pro |
|---|---|---|---|
Wet spot appears when sprinklers run | Irrigation leak | Walk around sprinkler zone to look for spots or bubbling | A professional needs to patch up the leak before it gets worse |
Constant soggy spot | Underground leak | Try a meter leak test and listen for hissing | A professional needs to test for pressure issues |
Pooling near downspouts | Yard runoff or yard grading | Extend downspouts and check gutter placement | Can be DIY if you have experience regrading gutters |
Wet strip near discharge lines | Dislocated sump charge | Redirect the discharge | DIY for inspecting fittings, though a pro may be helpful for a faster job |
Notice any of these issues? Contact us for a fast estimate and even faster repair job.
8 Most Common Causes of Wet Spots in Your Yard
1. Leak in the water line
Every home’s water meter should have a leak detection dial. If there is a leak, the dial will be spinning. If your home doesn’t have a leak detection dial, turn off all faucets in the house and write down the water meter number.
Wait 15 minutes, then write down the new meter number. If the numbers are not the same, you can be certain you’ve got a water leak.
2. Leaking sprinkler system
You can use a similar method to check for leaks in your sprinkler system. In your sprinkler box, turn off the ball valves to shut off the water supply to the sprinkler system.
If the leak detection dial is moving, then you know that the leak is coming from your sprinkler system.
3. Leaking septic system
If the spot has a sewage odor, then you’ve got a septic system problem. A leaking septic system will also cause the grass to be oddly green or very brightly colored.
If the leak is extensive, you might even have puddles or raw sewage on your lawn—definitely a sign of a plumbing emergency.
4. Roof Runoff (Gutters and Downspouts)
Ideally, your roof should be redirecting water away from your home to reduce the risk of puddles or soggy lawns. If you notice a constant wet spot in your yard, your gutters and downspouts may be to blame.
A few clues that you’re dealing with roof runoff may be washed-out mulch and water pooling around your splash blocks.
Fortunately, roof runoff issues are relatively easy to fix. You can extend your downspouts to direct water further from your home, clean out your gutters to reduce clogs, or seal up any problem areas.
5. Yard Grading Problems
Your yard should have a balanced soil type that enables enough water retention to help plants grow, but enough aeration to avoid drainage issues. If your yard has relatively lower spots or clay-heavy soils, your wet spot may be a yard grading issue.
You can fix low spots by filling them up with additional soil to help water drain away from your home instead of pooling.
6. High Water Table
When water has nowhere to go, it can build up and eventually cause problems for your home’s surroundings. A high water table usually emerges after storms or melting snow, requiring homeowners to take a proactive approach to avoid flooding.
There are several solutions for reducing a high water table, such as installing a French drain system, extending your downspouts, or using soil that drains more easily.
7. Sump Charge Displacement
A wet spot in your yard caused by a leaking sump pump is easy to spot since it’ll be right near the discharge point. You’ll likely notice a foul odor, to boot.
Fixing a sump charge displacement means extending the discharge point so it’s not too close to your home. You should also consider hiring a professional to inspect your sump pump for any possible leaks or damage.
8. Pool or Accessory Line Leaks
A home pool can swing from convenient to inconvenient with just one leak. If you notice persistent dampness near the hose bibs or pool equipment pad, it’s time to take action before it gets worse.
Pinpointing the leak is the easy part, while fixing it may require inspecting your fittings or monitor meter for any issues.
5 Vital Safety Tips
Before you do any inspecting or testing on an unexplained wet spot in your yard, you need to take a few safety precautions to reduce your risk of contamination. Filthy soil often harbors bacteria, insects, and fecal matter that can make you sick if you’re not careful.
Always avoid contact with potentially contaminated water (better safe than sorry).
Keep pets and children clear of the wet spot at all times.
Always use gloves and boots when inspecting an area.
If you suspect you may encounter splashing or spraying, wear a mask and goggles.
Consult a professional if you’re unsure about anything you need to do.
Plumbing is tricky on your own. When in doubt, hire a plumbing professional who will get the job done right the first time.
When Should You Call a Professional?
There’s no shame in reaching out to a professional if you can’t fix the problem yourself. While the DIY approach may seem simpler and more cost-effective, you can potentially make your issue worse if you’re inexperienced.
If you’ve noticed any of the following signs, get a professional on the case:
Wet spots in your yard that never go away
A foul odor (like that of rotten eggs) emanating from the spot
The beginnings of a flood in or near your home
Wet spots with a source you can’t narrow down
Don’t feel confident analyzing the issue on your own? Professional plumbing repair jobs not only fix the problem fast, but also provide preventative measures to keep it from coming back.
How to Prevent Wet Spots in Your Yard
Wet spots in your yard are frustrating, but with a few simple maintenance habits, they’re surprisingly easy to prevent. Even if you need to call a professional, consider doing these tasks once or twice annually to keep wet spots at bay.
Seasonal Gutter Cleaning
You should clean out your gutters twice per year to prepare for rainier seasons (mainly spring and fall). Clearing out leaves, twigs, and mud will keep troublesome clogs at bay so they can consistently redirect water from your home.
Annual Irrigation Checks
Since sprinklers are a major source of wet spots in yards, annual irrigation checks will spot small problems before they become leaks. A professional will test your systems, look for damage, and provide valuable reports to give you peace of mind.
Sewer Camera Inspections
There are some maintenance habits you just can’t do on your own. You’ll need to hire a professional for sewer camera inspections to spot cracks, leaks, or worn-out pipes deep beneath the earth.
Yearly inspections are a great way to keep an eye on older lines or root-prone areas.
Lawn Aeration and Topdressing
If grading isn’t fixing your lawn issues, new drains may be just the ticket. A professional can help you install new drain lines that will keep water from puddling around your house or on your lawn.
We’re more than happy to help you maintain your home. Schedule service with Hamilton so you don’t have to worry about wet spots ruining your yard.
Your Next Steps to Fix the Root of the Problem
What should you do if you’ve noticed any of these plumbing issues? We recommend snapping a few photos of the problem, then turning off the source of the leak to keep it from getting worse.
Some issues you won’t be able to keep at bay, however. For example, tree roots can exert serious pressure on underground pipes and cause them to crack or burst. Even small trees can cause trouble if their roots get too close to your pipes. Over time, the soil in your yard may cause old pipes to collapse, leading to low water pressure or a sewer clog.
No matter the problem, Hamilton is ready to help. We’ve been providing fast plumbing repair jobs to Kansas homeowners for over four decades.
Call Hamilton Plumbing, Heating, A/C & Rooter at (913) 227-4943 and we’ll send out an experienced team of plumbers to identify the cause of the soggy spots in your yard and make the necessary repairs.