How can I get rid of the water run off from my neighbor's over-watering?

Question

My neighbor overwaters his yard, and as a consequence, the water floods part of my yard, which is dirt. The dirt gets moldy and smelly when it's real hot, like in summer, and when it's not real hot the ground just gets really mushy and you can't walk around. I've asked the neighbor to stop watering so much, which has made him really angry so he won't have anything to do with me. How can I get rid of the water inexpensively?

Answer 1

Time to lay some sandbags, make the water go back where it came from

Answer 2

I was just speaking with my husband about this and outside of calling in the local authorities to see if anything can be done, such as a citation or fine if there are any ordinances he is breaking, You didn't really specify where the dirt part was, either a driveway or part of your actual yard. If you have any slope near the area, you could dig a small ditch in between the areas and the water would run down into the road.

If you don't have a slope, maybe you could plant some grass, then flowers or something that would soak up the excess and top them off with mulch. Hey, if he doesn't mind using all of that water, let him use his water while you enjoy a nice view without worrying about having to take care of your plants.

You could always build a deck in that area and the first time you were setting on it and the water starting covering you or your deck began to settle farther and farther - just may have to sue (I mean see) him for any damages to your property. Good luck!

Answer 3

I agree with the prior comment of elevating your back yard by to be higher than your neighbors. Take that a step further by making sure that your newly elevated back yard slopes downward towards your neighbors property.

If you wished to take it a step further, dig a trench and lay drainage tile (of course, with the plastic laid down below it and surrounded by gravel before covering it back over with yard) that slopes down the back of your property (at a grandual decline) and have it drain right back into his yard. - Of course, that is overtly rude. - Then again, he's being a jerk. Why not give him back that precious water he feels his yard needs so much of.

You could also consider investing in a lovely privacy fence, to enclose your now higher elevated back yard - just along his side of your property, of course.

Saddly, none of these routes are cheap. But, you have to decide, is it worth the cost to improve the quality of living for your home. Not to mention those improvements will actually raise your property value.

Answer 4

Get yourself a shovel and dig a small drainage between both of your yards. That way when he waters his yard it will be diverted and not come all over your side. Dont dig it too deep but make sure it leads to somewhere safe

Answer 5

Call the building dept. Normal run-off from rain is one thing but man made run off is another and your nieghbor will have to prevent this from entering your property. Other wiseyou need to dig a swale to capture the water and grade it to another area.

Answer 6

Get someone to dig a drench or a ditch all the way to back of your property, lucky we found a man that had a tractor with an attachment, he did it in his spare time and it cost us like $50.00 which was cheaper than a load or two of dirt. hOPE THIS WORKS OUT FOR YOU , IT IS SO AGGRAVATING BECAUSE YOU FEEL LIKE THEY JUST HAVE NO RESPECT FOR YOU.

Answer 7

You can install a drain in between your properties to divert the water. Here's some info on french drains:

http://www.bobcats4hire.com/drainage_systems.htm

Answer 8

Complain to the Township you live in. You have a right to live without your neighbor intruding on your rights of home ownership and maintenance.

Answer 9

Add a lot of dirt to your lawn and make it a higher elevation.

Answer 10

plant some grass & enjoy the free irrigation