From the Desk of Bob Carr, TLC Incorporated
Every year, after a good Maryland downpour, I get the same call:
“Bob, my yard’s a swamp.” Or worse — “Bob, I’ve got water in my basement again.”
It’s a story I’ve heard hundreds of times over 42 years in this business, and it always starts the same way. Homeowners notice soggy spots, little puddles near their foundation, maybe a few patches of grass that never seem to dry out. But what they don’t realize is that standing water isn’t just a nuisance — it’s slowly eating away at the most valuable investment you own: your home.
So today, I want to explain — in plain English — why proper drainage matters, what happens when you ignore it, and how TLC’s proven drainage systems protect your foundation, your lawn, and ultimately, your home value.
The Hidden Enemy Beneath the Surface
Water is sneaky. When it rains, gravity does its job — water moves downhill. But if your property isn’t graded properly, or your gutters and downspouts aren’t carrying that water away, it starts pooling around your foundation. Over time, that leads to hydrostatic pressure — a fancy term for water pushing against your basement walls.
And that pressure always wins.
Cracks start forming, water seeps in, and before long you’re dealing with damp walls, musty odors, and mold. I’ve seen basements where you could float a toy boat after a thunderstorm — all because the yard was never drained correctly.
How Drainage Problems Devalue a Home
Let’s talk real numbers for a minute. A cracked foundation or recurring water problem can drop a home’s market value by 10–15% — sometimes more if buyers see visible moisture or damage. Real estate agents will tell you: the moment a buyer hears “drainage issue,” they picture dollar signs flying out the window.
Even minor surface water problems — like soft lawns and dead grass — give the impression of poor maintenance. When appraisers see standing water or erosion, they flag it. When inspectors find foundation moisture, it’s a red alert.
A $5,000 drainage fix today can save you from a $50,000 foundation repair or a price reduction when it’s time to sell.
The TLC Way: Fix the Cause, Not the Symptom
At TLC, we approach drainage like doctors — we don’t just put a Band-Aid on the symptom; we fix the root cause.
When our crew comes out, we start with a complete water-flow assessment. We look at:
– How your roof and gutters handle rainfall
– The slope of your property
– Where your downspouts discharge
– How the soil absorbs or sheds water
Then we design a custom system to move water away from your foundation — quietly, efficiently, and permanently.
French Drains: The Underground Lifesavers
A properly installed French drain uses a perforated pipe wrapped in filter fabric and surrounded by gravel. It collects excess groundwater and redirects it safely downhill or to a discharge point away from your home.
It’s one of the most effective and long-lasting solutions — but it has to be done right. If the pipe isn’t pitched properly or if the trench is filled with the wrong gravel, it won’t move water. At TLC, our systems are engineered with the right slope, drainage fabric, and depth for lasting performance.
Downspout Extensions: Small Fix, Big Difference
A 1,000-square-foot roof sheds over 600 gallons of water in a single one-inch rainstorm — that’s like emptying twelve bathtubs right next to your house! We custom-fit extensions — either buried or decorative — that route that water safely into a drain line or dry well far from the foundation.
Surface Drains and Catch Basins: Taming the Soggy Lawn
If you’ve got a low spot where water always collects, you’re probably dealing with surface drainage failure. That’s when a catch basin system shines. We install discreet basins that collect stormwater and send it through underground pipes to a proper outlet.
Sump Pumps: The Last Line of Defense
When gravity alone can’t move the water — for example, in a backyard that slopes toward the house — a sump pump system becomes essential. TLC installs sealed, high-capacity sump pumps that automatically activate when water levels rise, often paired with battery backups.
How Drainage Protects More Than Just Your Foundation
A good drainage system does more than keep water out of your basement. It protects:
– Your landscaping: Prevents erosion, mulch washouts, and drowned plants
– Your lawn health: Prevents fungus, root rot, and bare muddy patches
– Your walkways and patios: Stops frost heave and settling from water underneath
– Your driveway: Reduces cracking from repeated freeze-thaw cycles
– Your family’s safety: No more slippery surfaces or mosquito-breeding puddles
Real Homeowner Story: “The Lake in My Backyard”
A homeowner in Anne Arundel County called us after every storm turned his backyard into what he jokingly called “Lake Smith.” We installed a hybrid system — a series of French drains with catch basins tied into extended downspouts. Within a week of the next rain, his yard was dry, and his basement hasn’t seen a drop since.
The Cost of Doing It Right (and the Cost of Waiting)
A typical professional drainage system — designed and installed properly — runs anywhere from $3,000 to $12,000 depending on your yard size and layout. That may sound like a big investment, but compare that to $25,000+ for foundation crack repair or $10,000 in landscaping damage. A drainage system isn’t an expense — it’s an insurance policy for your home’s structure and value.
Why Homeowners Trust TLC
For more than four decades, TLC has been Maryland’s go-to name for professional drainage, lawn sprinkler, and outdoor lighting systems. When you call TLC, here’s what you get:
– Experienced crews who’ve installed thousands of systems
– Transparent estimates with no hidden fees
– Refinable options to fit every budget
– Friendly service from people who treat your home like their own
From the Desk of Bob Carr
When I drive by a home we’ve drained and see green grass where mud used to be, it’s a great feeling. But more than that, it’s knowing that homeowner’s foundation, landscaping, and investment are safe — for decades to come.
So, if your lawn squishes under your feet, or if your basement feels damp after every storm, don’t wait until it becomes a crisis. Let TLC show you how a properly designed drainage system can transform your property — and protect what matters most.
Call us today or visit TLCIncorporated.com to schedule your free drainage consultation and get your yard back on solid ground.
That’s TLC — Taking the Worry Out of Water, Since 1981.