THE SHORT ANSWER

Start by separating roof water, surface runoff, irrigation, plumbing leaks and groundwater. Clear blocked inlets and gutters, check where downpipes discharge, and observe the site during rain. The durable solution may involve correcting surface levels, repairing stormwater pipes, adding a properly designed drain or reshaping landscaping—but it must not bury damp-proofing details, undermine footings or send water onto a neighbour.

Regional note

This guide is written for South Africa, Australia, New Zealand. Always check local codes, product specifications, licences, and site conditions.

At-a-glance visual

Trace the water before choosing a drain

A puddle is the low point, not necessarily the source. Watch how it forms and how long it remains after the rain stops.

01

Roof-water overflow

Pooling starts below an overflowing gutter, downpipe outlet or stormwater grate during rain.

Next check

Clear and test the roof-water route and check downstream capacity or blockage.

02

Surface runoff

Water visibly travels across paving, lawn, a driveway or an uphill boundary toward the house.

Next check

Review levels, falls, channels and a lawful point of discharge.

03

Persistent wet ground

The area stays wet long after rain or becomes saturated even when roof water is controlled.

Next check

Investigate groundwater, subsoil conditions, irrigation and concealed plumbing leaks.

04

New problem after landscaping

Pooling began after paving, garden edging, soil, a retaining wall or a neighbouring change.

Next check

Check whether levels, drainage paths, weep openings or clearances were altered.

The method

Step by step

01

Observe one rain event

From a safe position, record where water enters, its flow direction, when the puddle forms and how long it takes to drain. Photograph gutters, outlets, boundaries and the building edge.

02

Complete simple maintenance

Clear safe and accessible surface grates, gutters and downpipe outlets, correct obvious irrigation overspray, and check for broken pipes or disconnected fittings.

03

Survey levels and building clearances

Have critical heights checked before adding soil or paving. Preserve required clearances to cladding, damp-proof courses, vents, weep openings, thresholds and timber.

04

Design a lawful drainage route

Use an appropriately qualified drainage, building or landscape professional where regrading, subsoil drains, pits, pumps, retaining walls or connections are needed. Confirm capacity and legal discharge requirements.

Before you start

Expert tips

  • Do not dig beside or below footings without competent advice.
  • Do not connect a new drain to an unknown pipe or discharge onto neighbouring land.
  • Gravel alone does not create an outlet; water can still pond beneath it.
People also ask

Common questions

Can I add soil to slope water away from the house?+

Only after checking finished levels and required clearances. Raising soil can bridge damp-proofing, cover vents or weep openings and increase moisture risk.

Will a French drain solve water pooling?+

Only if it is suited to the actual water source, soil and lawful outlet. A drain without adequate fall or discharge can simply store water beside the building.

Who should assess drainage around a house?+

The right person depends on the cause: a drainage plumber, civil or geotechnical engineer, building surveyor, foundation specialist or experienced drainage contractor may be needed.

Primary references

Sources & further reading

We link to official building-code, government and public-health material where a technical or safety claim needs authoritative context. Local rules and adopted code editions can change.

  1. South African GovernmentNational Building Regulations and Building Standards Amendment ActSouth African building-control and approval framework.
  2. Australian Building Codes BoardNCC Housing Provisions Part 3.3: DrainageOfficial requirements for diverting surface and subsoil water away from buildings.
  3. Victorian Building and Plumbing CommissionMinimising foundation movement and damage to your houseRegulator guidance on surface falls, drainage maintenance, vegetation and excavation near footings.
  4. New Zealand Building PerformanceManaging stormwaterGovernment guidance on runoff, swales, rain gardens, drainage rules and landscape changes.
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Know your limit

Stop if the work involves structural uncertainty, hazardous materials, heights, live services, gas, serious water damage, or regulated work. Local rules differ—use an appropriately licensed professional where required.