Drainage

Drainage projects are not “pretty” but they serve a huge purpose.  Below are some solutions to common exterior and interior drainage problems.

Downspout Extensions:

Although we do not install gutters, we highly recommend them to redirect water run off from the roof into the downspouts. If you let these downspouts drain water close to your house’s foundation then you are defeating much of the purpose of the gutters.

We recommend connecting 4 inch solid or flexible piping (depending on the situation) to your downspouts and burying them underground to a location further away from your home.

Exterior Foundation (French) Drains & Foundation Sealing:

Sometimes it is impossible to redirect all water away from the house (especially if there is a high water table) and water may be coming up from the ground and getting into your basement. We can help with exterior perimeter drainage (French drains) as well as properly sealing certain areas of your foundation.  The foundation work typically involves digging down about 8ft or so to the bottom of your foundation, installing certain sealing products, and placing a membrane.  Foundation drainage projects can vary and we will assess your specific water situation and come up with our recommendations for the ideal foundation drainage plan.

Interior Foundation (French) Drains with Sump Pumps:

Sometimes it is impossible to keep water out of the basement and the best solution is to install interior pipes along the perimeter or even through the middle of your basement’s concrete floor.  Perforated pipes surrounded by gravel under the concrete will collect water and lead that water into a basin with a pump.  The pump will then help to ejected the water into a pipe that will lead through your foundation into buried exterior pipes that will lead this basement water away from your house.

Drainage Chambers:

Shown in the photos, drainage chambers are installed quite deep in the ground (7f -10ft depending on the size/capacity of the chamber) with a lot crushed stone surrounding the chamber.  These chambers are often used when there is a large amount of water that has no place to go in someone’s yard.  The yard may be surrounded by higher land which results in significant pooling and an unusable yard.  The yard may be small and does not have the ability to carry water away across the back yard and into the woods.  These drainage chambers work very well when installed correctly.  

Driveway Drainage:

There are a variety of solutions to driveway drainage problems especially when driveways are sloped towards the house.  Channel drains and catch basins can be a great solution.  Underground drainage pipes will be connected into these channel drains and catch basins and lead the driveway water run off away from the house and help prevent icy conditions in the Winter.

Catch Basins & Channel Drains:

These can also be used in patios or pathways when it is not possible for water to naturally run off these surfaces.  Catch basins and channel drains can be installed in a pathway or patio had help to capture this water run off and lead it underground away from the house and foundation. 

Every property is different and we can assess and suggest the best drainage solution for your house and yard.