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French Drain Installation & Drainage Solutions

Grade correction, underground drainage solutions, french drains & rain gardens. Our experts have the demonstrated experience assess, diagnose & professionally manage water runoff in the landscape. 

Professional French Drain Installation in Dane County

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Water damage is one of the most expensive problems a homeowner can face—and one of the most preventable. At South Central Landscapes, we specialize in french drain installation and comprehensive drainage solutions that protect your property from water pooling, erosion, foundation damage, and soggy landscapes.

 

As an NDS Certified Drainage Contractor with over two decades of hands-on experience, we combine technical knowledge with proven installation practices to solve even the toughest drainage problems. From simple grade corrections to complex underground drainage systems, our team diagnoses the root cause and implements solutions that work permanently.

 

What does this mean for you?

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  • We've got training and experience in proper drainage design principals, 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. 

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Identifying the right solution is only half of the battle.

Finding an experienced contractor to execute the plan is equally as important.

 

Signs You Need Drainage Solutions

If you notice any of these warning signs, professional drainage assessment is recommended:

 

  • Standing Water - Puddles that remain 24+ hours after rain in your yard or near your foundation

  • Soggy, Muddy Areas - Persistently wet lawn areas that never fully dry out

  • Basement Water Intrusion - Water seeping through foundation walls or floor

  • Erosion - Soil washing away from slopes, foundations, or landscape beds

  • Ice Formation - Water pooling that freezes in winter, creating safety hazards

  • Gutter Overflow Impact - Downspouts discharging too close to the foundation

  • Retaining Wall Problems - Water seeping through or undermining wall structures

  • Dying Plants - Waterlogged root zones causing plant stress or death

French Drain Pricing & Investment

French drain installation costs depend on length, depth, site conditions, and discharge requirements:

 

  • French Drain: $40 - $80 per linear foot installed (includes excavation, pipe, gravel, fabric, and restoration)

  • Catch Basin Installation: $800 - $2,500 each (depending on size and depth)

  • Channel Drain: $50 - $100 per linear foot installed

  • Grade Correction: $5 - $15 per square foot (depending on volume of soil moved)

  • Complete Drainage System: $3,000 - $15,000+ (depending on scope and complexity)

 

Factors affecting cost include depth of excavation, soil conditions, access challenges, discharge distance, and restoration requirements.

Why Professional Drainage Installation Matters

DIY drainage attempts often fail because:

  • Insufficient slope - Water won't flow without proper grade (minimum 1% throughout)

  • Wrong pipe type - Corrugated flex pipe crushes, clogs, and separates at joints. We use solid-wall PVC.

  • Missing filter fabric - Without it, soil fills the gravel and pipe within a few years

  • Inadequate depth - Too shallow and the system won't intercept the water table

  • Poor outlet design - Nowhere for the water to go defeats the entire purpose

 

Our professional installations address all of these common failure points with proper engineering and quality materials.

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