From the desk of Bob Carr, TLC Incorporated — Serving Odenton and the Surrounding Maryland Communities
If you live here in Odenton, you know what a heavy rainstorm can do to your yard. One minute, the sun’s out—and the next, water is pooling near your foundation, washing out mulch, or turning parts of your lawn into a muddy mess. Over the years, we’ve helped countless homeowners in Odenton and the surrounding Anne Arundel County communities find lasting drainage solutions that protect their homes, yards, and peace of mind.
Why Odenton Yards Flood
Odenton’s combination of dense clay soil and flat, compacted lots makes it especially prone to water retention. Many of the neighborhoods here were built before modern drainage codes were in place, meaning rainwater has nowhere to go except into low spots or toward your foundation. Add in older downspout systems, aging sump pumps, and years of landscaping buildup, and you’ve got a recipe for soggy lawns and wet basements.
At TLC, we’ve seen it all—from standing water in new developments near Piney Orchard to older homes along Waugh Chapel that experience foundation seepage after every heavy rain. Fortunately, these are problems with real, proven solutions.
TLC’s Proven Drainage Solutions
The right fix depends on your yard’s slope, soil, and structures—but here are the methods we use most often for Odenton homeowners:
1. French Drains
A properly installed French drain collects water below the surface and channels it away from trouble spots. Our systems use heavy-duty drain pipe, wrapped in filter fabric and set in clean gravel, so they stay clear and effective for years.
2. Downspout Extensions
Many drainage issues start with roof water. If your downspouts dump too close to your foundation, extensions or buried drain lines can carry that water 10, 20, even 50 feet away—right where it belongs.
3. Yard Regrading
Sometimes the problem isn’t the water—it’s the slope. TLC can regrade portions of your yard to gently redirect runoff toward safe discharge points. Done correctly, this also prevents erosion and keeps your lawn looking seamless.
4. Sump Pump Systems
For homes with persistent basement or crawlspace flooding, a sump system is the ultimate safeguard. TLC installs high-capacity pumps with properly sized discharge lines to keep water moving even during Maryland’s heaviest storms.
5. Catch Basins and Channel Drains
In driveways, patios, or other hardscaped areas, we can install discreet catch basins and channel drains to quickly collect and move water away. These systems blend right into your landscaping while doing the heavy lifting beneath the surface.
Protecting Your Yard for the Long Run
Drainage isn’t a one-time project—it’s an ongoing investment in your property’s health. Regularly check for standing water, clogged gutters, and erosion around your foundation. Small issues caught early can prevent costly damage down the road.
At TLC, we also recommend pairing drainage improvements with landscape updates—like replacing compacted soil with organic topsoil or adding native plantings that help absorb moisture naturally. These finishing touches make your property both functional and beautiful.
When to Call for Professional Help
If you notice pooling water more than 24 hours after a rain, soggy mulch beds, foundation cracks, or mildew in your basement, it’s time to call in a professional drainage evaluation. TLC’s experienced team can assess the problem, recommend the right solutions, and handle every step—from trenching and piping to cleanup and restoration.
Call to Action
If you’re seeing standing water in your yard or water pooling near your foundation, reach out to TLC today at www.tlcincorporated.com — we’ve been helping homeowners across our local community protect their yards, foundations, and peace of mind for decades.
From the Desk of Bob Carr
Here at TLC Incorporated, our mission has always been simple: help our neighbors take better care of their homes. Whether it’s sprinkler systems, outdoor lighting, or drainage solutions, we treat every property as if it were our own.
— Bob Carr
TLC Incorporated, helping homeowners across our local community.