Stormwater & Drainage: A Common Headache for Homeowners
- South Central Landscapes
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
The Takeaways:
Water always wins: When left unchecked, unmanaged water causes erosion and foundation damage.
Grading comes first: Directing water away from structures is the best solution – and is often a simple fix.
Complex solutions require expertise: When a site presents complications, a more involved solution like underground drainage systems and basins might be required.
Stormwater management isn't an exciting subject for homeowners; a brand new, shiny kitchen surely takes the crown. And, it's not a problem until it is – and it can wreak havoc quickly.
The culprit? Gravity.
A yard's slope (or lack of it) determines where water naturally flows. If the soil's grade is off, water might head towards the home's foundation instead of away from it.
The fix? It's often a simple grading project.
Often, the most appropriate solution is simply correcting the grade of the land to redirect water elsewhere. No complicated drainage systems required. But sometimes, complex site conditions require a professionally designed solution. Here's a few common examples:
French drains: A sub-grade trench containing a perforated pipe that collects water runoff and redirects it. Something similar to a French drain-style system is also what's used behind retaining walls to alleviate the buildup of hydrostatic pressure, too.
Buried downspouts: If gutters dump water right at the home's foundation, it's an invitation for basement water intrusion. Extending the downspouts further away from the home's footprint allows for water to discharge at a safer location.
Catch basins: These are buried plastic or concrete barrels with a grade-level grate on top. They catch surface water and use a system of underground pipes to discharge water to another location. They're often used in combination with French drains.
How much does this cost?
Like anything, it depends. Cost depends on many factors – equipment access (or lack thereof), complexity of the project scope, custom design elements and more.
Because of this, it's challenging to provide exact pricing without professional assessment as each job is unique. But, it's a common question that many ask.
A typical investment might range from $5,000 to upwards of $15,000.
Does this require a professional?
Oftentimes, yes. These systems must be sized and placed correctly for each individual property's unique characteristics. If the system is too small, it'll overflow. Too flat, and water will remain stagnant. To steep, and erosion becomes an issue.
An experienced professional will have the demonstrated experience to assess, diagnose and professionally manage water runoff in the landscape. Identifying the right solution is only half of the battle. Finding an experienced pro to execute the plan is equally as important.
About South Central Landscapes LLC
We're a landscape contractor serving the greater Madison, Wisconsin area with a specialty focus on hardscapes, outdoor living & water management solutions.
We're an NDS Certified Drainage Contractor with real-world expertise in identifying water management challenges, evaluating potential solutions and implementing systems that effectively manage stormwater runoff and erosion.
Backed by over two decades of hands-on experience, our drainage pros combine the technical knowledge and installation know-how to provide solutions for even the toughest drainage problems.
What does this mean for you?
We've got training & experience in proper drainage design principles, including soil grading, slope requirements, flow rates & stormwater infiltration methods.
We know how to evaluate, select & install tailor-made solutions that are most appropriate for each individual site, including catch basins, channel drains, French drains, grade correction, flo-wells, pop-up emitters, solid-wall PVC drain tile & more.
We can design solutions that meet required performance standards, reducing risks like water pooling, flooding, soil erosion & foundation damage.
Need a pro evaluation on a drainage problem? Learn more about us & request a quote here: www.sclandscapeswi.com/virtualquote
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