Exterior Drainage

Water intrusion into basements and crawl spaces often indicates inadequate exterior drainage. Look for water stains on basement walls, efflorescence (white mineral deposits), musty odors, or visible moisture after heavy rain. Cracks in your foundation, particularly horizontal cracks, can indicate hydrostatic pressure from water buildup around your foundation. Soggy or eroded soil near your home’s perimeter, standing water in your yard, or a sump pump that runs constantly are also warning signs. If you notice any of these issues, a professional drainage assessment can identify the root cause and appropriate solutions.

A French drain is a strategically designed trench system that intercepts groundwater and surface water before it reaches your foundation. We install perforated pipe in a gravel filled trench, typically along your foundation’s exterior. As water tries to migrate toward your foundation, it enters the drain, flows through the perforated pipe, and is directed away to a safe discharge point such as a dry well or storm drain. This prevents water from accumulating against your foundation walls, eliminating hydrostatic pressure and the risk of water intrusion into your basement or crawl space.

A comprehensive exterior drainage solution typically includes multiple components working together. This might include French drains around your foundation, proper grading to direct surface water away from your home, sump pump systems to handle groundwater, discharge lines that carry water to appropriate termination points, and possibly interior drainage systems for additional protection. Every property is unique, so our technicians evaluate your specific situation and recommend a customized system. We consider soil conditions, existing drainage patterns, and your home’s vulnerabilities to design the most effective solution.

A sump pump is only as effective as its discharge system. If water is pumped out of your basement but discharged too close to your foundation, it simply re enters the ground and comes right back into your home. Proper discharge lines must extend at least 10 to 20 feet from your foundation and terminate in a location where water can drain safely away. We ensure your discharge line is properly sized, sloped, and protected from freezing in winter. In some cases, we connect discharge lines to dry wells or French drains for additional water management.

Regular maintenance keeps your drainage system functioning optimally. Keep gutters and downspouts clean and free of debris so water flows properly to your drainage system. Check that grading around your home slopes away from the foundation, and regrade if necessary. Inspect French drain trenches for signs of settling or erosion. If you have a sump pump, test it regularly and ensure the discharge line isn’t blocked. Schedule professional inspections periodically to identify any issues before they become problems. Proper maintenance extends your system’s lifespan and ensures continuous protection.