Common drainage problems
- Downspouts that empty right next to the slab
- Yards that slope toward the house instead of away from it
- Flower beds with edging that traps water against the foundation
- Low spots where water stands after rain
- Leaking plumbing or irrigation lines near or under the house
Solutions we install
- French drains to collect and move water away from the house
- Underground downspout lines that carry roof water to the street or a safe outlet
- Regrading so the ground slopes away from the foundation
- Surface drains and catch basins for low spots
- Root barriers where large trees pull moisture from under the slab
Drainage after foundation repair
If we lift a slab or level a pier-and-beam home, drainage is part of making the repair last. Piers stop the house from settling, but managing water reduces stress on the foundation and on the rest of the house, like sheetrock and brick.
Dry spells matter too
Long dry spells can shrink the clay and cause the edges of a slab to drop. In very dry periods, keeping the soil around the foundation evenly moist, for example with a soaker hose set back from the slab, can help limit movement. We'll give you simple guidance based on your yard and soil.
What drainage work costs
Simple fixes like extending downspouts or adding splash blocks cost very little. Buried downspout lines and French drains depend on length, depth and where the water can be discharged. Regrading depends on how much soil needs to move. We'll walk the property with you, show you where the water is going, and give you a written price for the options, starting with the simplest fix that will actually work.
Drainage questions
Will a French drain fix my foundation? It won't lift a slab that has already settled, but it can stop the water problem that's causing movement. Many houses need only drainage work; others need piers and drainage together.
Where does the water go? Usually to the street, a ditch or a low part of the yard well away from the house, depending on your lot and local rules.