Question
We have a big problem and are not sure where to go for help.  During the fall, winter and spring months our yard is very wet and a ton of water collects in our basement sump pump.  The pump turns on every hour and appears to pump out gallons of water at a time.  My first question is, what can we do to dry up our yard and divert the water away from the house? Is there a drainage system we can put in to keep the ground from getting so saturated?  Also, our pump now empties onto the street so the water freezes when it is cold outside and ices over for most of the winter. Should we install drywells to catch the pump water, and if so, how big and deep would they have to be, and how far from our foundation should we dig?  Finally, should we work with a landscaper, plumber, or some kind of engineer on this issue?  We have no idea where to start.  We live in Connecticut.
Thank you for your time.

Answer
Hi Lisa, A good landscape/drainage contractor is where I would start.  There may be some plumbing issues he'll sub out to a plumber, but most of the work he can do.
I think you'll need a dry well installed downhill from your house for the sump pump.  It should be at least 20' from the house but the size will depend on the water volume and the percolation rate of your soil type.  He should know that.
You may need French drains or at least catch basins where surface water can be collected and taken by pipe underground to where it would run off naturally.  Possibly some light excavation work to route water differently may help.
Once surface and basement water is addressed, he'll probably recommend some plants like Virginia sweetspire that will grow in wet areas and help dry the soil.  
Check with your Better Business Bureau for a reputable firm.  The only thing worse than a drainage problem is fixing work done wrong. Jim