By Bob Carr, Founder of TLC Inc. | 42 Years of Yard Drainage Experience
I’ve been solving yard drainage problems for folks in Anne Arundel and Prince George’s County for over four decades. And one of the biggest questions I get — the one that always gets people scratching their heads — is this:
“Bob, can’t we just use gravity instead of a pump?”
It’s a fair question. After all, a pump means power, moving parts, maintenance. Gravity just… works.
But here’s the truth I’ve learned after 42 years in the field:
Sometimes gravity isn’t enough. And when it’s not, you need a yard sump pump — or your lawn, basement, and foundation are going to pay the price.
In this article, I’ll break it all down for you in plain English: – When gravity drainage works great – When it falls short – Real stories from Maryland homeowners – Common misconceptions I hear all the time – And when a sump pump is absolutely, positively the best move for your home
Let’s get to it.
Gravity Drainage: The Classic Solution
Gravity drainage works when you’ve got two things: – A natural downhill slope – A place for the water to go
If your property has good pitch, we can install underground pipe to catch runoff (from gutters, yard drains, etc.) and route it to a lower exit point — like the curb, a storm drain, or a dry well.
Pros: – No power required – Lower installation and maintenance cost – Long-lasting with fewer parts
Cons: – Requires enough natural slope – Exit point must be lower than collection point – Can freeze in winter if not buried deep enough
“If I can get the water out with gravity, I will. But in a lot of yards, that’s just not an option,” I tell homeowners.
Misconception #1: “My yard looks flat, but water should still drain if I just run a pipe out.”
That’s a big one. A pipe with no pitch is just a holding tank. It won’t move water anywhere — and may back up worse than before.
When Gravity Doesn’t Cut It
Here’s when gravity drainage just doesn’t do the job: – Flat or bowl-shaped yards with no natural exit – Backyards surrounded by neighbors that are higher up – Low points where water collects but can’t escape – Long pipe runs with minimal pitch – High water tables that back up the system
Real Homeowner Story: The ‘Dead-End Drain’ in Severn
One homeowner in Severn had installed a gravity system themselves. It “looked” like it was sloped — but it ended 4 inches above the street curb, and water just pooled at the outlet.
We pulled it out, replaced it with a sump pit and pump system, and within 24 hours of the next rain, the yard was dry.
“I couldn’t believe how much faster the water disappeared,” the homeowner said. “We were chasing this issue for three years.”
When to Use a Yard Sump Pump
A yard sump pump system lets us collect water in a pit (placed at the low point) and force it out — even when gravity won’t cooperate.
Best situations for a pump: – No downhill path to daylight – Connecting multiple downspouts in a flat yard – Isolated water traps in landscaping – Handling overflow from French drains
Misconception #2: “Pumps are only for basements, right?”
Not at all! I install exterior yard sump pumps all the time. The technology’s the same — but it’s designed to manage surface water before it becomes a basement problem.
Real Homeowner Story: The Invisible Hero in Bowie
We installed a buried pump system in a beautifully landscaped yard in Bowie. You’d never know it was there. The homeowner said:
“That thing is silent and powerful. It saved our backyard party from becoming a swamp last month.”
What a Pumping System Looks Like
My go-to setup: – A 15–18” diameter sump basin with gravel bed – 1/2 or 3/4 HP pump with float switch – Solid discharge pipe (not corrugated) – Check valve to prevent backflow – Freeze-protected outlet, often to the street or wooded area
We tie in multiple drainage lines — gutter downspouts, channel drains, yard basins — and direct them all into this central pit. When water hits a certain level, the pump kicks on automatically and pushes the water out.
Cost Comparison: Gravity vs. Pump
Gravity system – Simple run: $2,500 – $5,000 – With catch basins: $5,000 – $7,500
Pumping system – Basic pump install: $3,850 – $5,200 – Full system with tie-ins: $6,500 – $9,000 – Premium pump + restoration: $9,000 – $12,000+
Misconception #3: “Pumps always cost a fortune.”
They can be more expensive, but the value is huge. It’s not just about moving water — it’s about protecting your foundation, lawn, and peace of mind.
“Spending a little now saves you a fortune in foundation and landscaping repairs down the road.”
Real-Life Story: The Yard That Wouldn’t Drain
I had a customer in Crofton, MD. Beautiful backyard — but no slope. Every rain turned it into a pond.
They’d already tried a gravity drain… that went nowhere. The pipe just dead-ended underground. Water had no place to go.
We installed a sump pump pit near the fence line, tied in all four corners of the yard, and discharged to a curb outlet.
Next big storm? Yard stayed dry.
“Bob,” the homeowner said, “I wish we’d called you years ago.”
My 42-Year Rule of Thumb
If the water has nowhere to go naturally — it needs help. That help is a pump.
It’s not about what’s cheapest. It’s about what works.
In some cases, we install a hybrid: gravity for part of the system, and a pump for overflow.
Every yard is different. That’s why I always start with a walk-through and a conversation.
“You don’t need a guess. You need a pro who’s seen it all and knows what’ll last.”
Conclusion
If your drainage contractor tells you gravity will work — but your yard is flat, soggy, and still flooding — you need a second opinion.
I’ll shoot you straight. I’ve spent 42 years walking yards just like yours, finding the real solution, and installing systems that last.
Let’s get it done right.
Contact Us for a Free Yard Drainage Assessment in Anne Arundel