Yard drainage in Saraland, Alabama
Drainage help for the growing city north of Mobile along I-65 and Saraland Boulevard.
Saraland is a city in northern Mobile County, about nine miles up U.S. 43 from downtown Mobile. It grew from 13,405 residents in 2010 to 16,171 in 2020. The city sits around 30 feet above sea level and is drained by Bayou Sara, which flows east into the Mobile River, with Big Bayou Canot just to the east.
Why do Saraland yards stay wet?
Much of Saraland sits on low, gently sloping ground that drains toward Bayou Sara and the river bottoms. With little elevation to work with, a yard that loses even a small amount of slope can start holding water. Newer subdivisions add their own issues: settled backfill around slabs, sod laid over compacted construction soil, and shared rear-lot swales that get cut off by fences and sheds.
Saraland has its own permit office
Saraland isn't part of the City of Mobile, so permits go through the Saraland Building Department. Its land disturbance permit application asks for a site grading and drainage plan with an erosion control plan, and engineering calculations for stormwater discharge where applicable. It notes projects can't encroach within 10 feet of wetlands. The city also requires a permit to remove, trim or relocate significant trees, including live oaks 18 inches or larger.
Before you hire
Check your plat for drainage easements and read any HOA rules about fences, ponds and grading before anyone pipes water across a lot line. If your house is new, find out whether a grading problem is covered by the builder's warranty, and take photos during a storm.
Common jobs
- Reopening blocked side and rear-yard swales
- Downspout lines to emitters or the curb
- French drains in back yards that never dry out
- Patio and pool deck drains
Common questions
Does Saraland need a permit for regrading?
Possibly. Saraland's land disturbance application calls for a grading, drainage and erosion control plan. Ask the Saraland Building Department about your project.
Can I remove a big oak to run a drain line in Saraland?
Check first. Saraland requires a permit to remove, trim or relocate significant trees, including live oaks 18 inches or larger.
Services in Saraland
- French drainsStone-and-pipe trenches that pull water out of soggy ground and carry it to a real outlet.
- Downspout drain linesBuried solid pipe that moves roof water away from the slab, crawl space and driveway.
- Yard grading and swalesReshape the yard so surface water flows away from the house instead of toward it.
- Catch basins and channel drainsGrated drains that catch runoff at low spots, patios, pool decks and driveways.
- Crawl space drains and sump pumpsGet standing water out from under raised and crawl space homes, and stop what feeds it.
Nearby areas
Back yard still a pond after the last Gulf storm?
Call the number above and get connected with an independent drainage contractor who works in Mobile County.