Great Lakes Waterproofing is a big fan of underground yard drain systems but the cheap undersized plastic pipe we find at most home stores can be a challenge if not properly maintained.  This Burnsville, MN Homeowner spent thousands fo dollars putting this underground water pipe drainage system in but over a few years it filled with dirt, preventing the water from draining.

This lead to water pooling up at the foundation causing significant basement water damage.  We recommend these pipes need to be much larger in diameter, minimum 6" of diameter and properly cleaned at least once a year to get all the dirt and leaves out.