Yard drainage in Semmes, Alabama
Drainage help for one of Mobile County's newest cities, northwest of Mobile along Moffett Road.
Semmes was incorporated in 2011 and had 4,941 residents at the 2020 census. It covers about 14.6 square miles in west-central Mobile County, roughly 15 miles northwest of downtown Mobile, with U.S. 98 (Moffett Road) as its main highway. At about 190 feet, it sits much higher than the bayfront parts of the county.
Higher ground, different problems
On higher, rolling ground, water doesn't sit still as much as it runs. Heavy storms can send runoff down long driveways, across lawns and into garages, and wash soil off slopes and out from under slabs. Homes on bigger lots often have room to send water away, but the drain has to be designed for fast-moving surface flow, not just soggy spots.
Larger lots, longer runs
Many Semmes homes sit on bigger lots than in-town Mobile, and some are set back from the road with long gravel or concrete drives. That means longer pipe runs to the ditch, more chances to catch water before it reaches the house, and more opportunities for a swale along the property line. It can also mean a private well or septic system in the yard, which a contractor has to route around.
Who handles permits?
Semmes is its own city, so ask the City of Semmes about permits before grading or adding fill. For a ditch or culvert along a county-maintained road, the county may be the right contact.
Common jobs
- Channel drains across long, sloped driveways
- Swales and berms that turn runoff away from the house
- Downspout lines carried out to roadside ditches
- Erosion repair on slopes and around slabs
Common questions
I have a septic system. Can a French drain go near it?
A drain should be routed to avoid the tank and field lines. Tell the contractor where your septic system and any well are before they lay out the job.
Is Semmes part of the City of Mobile?
No. Semmes incorporated as its own city in 2011, so permit questions go to the City of Semmes.
Services in Semmes
- 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.