Lake Norman gets significant rain events that expose drainage weaknesses fast. Here's how to assess damage after a heavy storm and what needs professional attention vs what resolves on its own.
What's Normal and What's a Problem
After a 2–3 inch rain event, some standing water is normal in low areas. The question is how long it stands. Water draining within 24 hours is a minor drainage inefficiency. Water still standing 48–72 hours later, or water appearing in new places, indicates an issue worth addressing. Similarly, some mulch movement after a heavy storm is normal. Deep erosion channels, soil washing onto hardscape, or retaining walls showing new movement after rain need professional evaluation.
Post-Storm Assessment Checklist
- Walk the yard 24 hours after rain — note where water is still standing
- Check the foundation perimeter — any standing water within 3 feet?
- Look for new erosion channels in lawn or beds
- Check retaining walls for new lean, cracks, or soil pushing through joints
- Check downspout outlets — clear and draining?
- Look at crawlspace vents for water entry signs
- Note any new wet spots away from normal drainage paths
What to Call a Professional About
Standing water near the foundation — address before the next rain event. New erosion channels on slopes — erosion that started in one storm accelerates with each subsequent rain. Retaining wall movement — walls don't improve on their own. Any wall that shifted or cracked horizontally needs assessment. Drainage that backed up or overflowed — existing catch basins or French drain outlets that were overwhelmed may be undersized or have a blockage.
If water is flowing toward your foundation and you're waiting for a contractor, a temporary berm of sandbags or a surface swale dug with a shovel can prevent damage while a permanent solution is scheduled.
We do post-storm assessments throughout Lake Norman — call 704-460-2019 and we'll come out, walk the property, and tell you exactly what needs attention.
Want this looked at on your property?
We give free, no-pressure on-site estimates across Denver, Mooresville, Cornelius, Davidson, Huntersville and Troutman.
