What You Need to Know About Yard Drainage
Drainage Assessment
Drainage problems have specific causes, and the fix starts with finding them. We walk your property during or after rain when possible, identify where water collects and where it flows, check downspout discharge points, evaluate soil percolation rates, and assess grade relative to your foundation. Many drainage issues in the Twin Cities trace back to heavy clay subsoil that holds water instead of letting it pass through. Our assessment pinpoints the source so we install the right solution--not just a band-aid.
System Components
We use commercial-grade drainage materials rated for Minnesota conditions. Corrugated and solid-wall drain pipe in 4″ and 6″ diameters, woven and non-woven geotextile filter fabric, clean washed drainage aggregate, catch basins and channel drains with grates, pop-up emitters, and dry well chambers. Every component is selected for long-term performance--no thin-wall pipe that crushes under soil pressure and no cheap fabric that clogs in two seasons.
Pricing
Drainage project costs depend on the type of system, total linear footage of pipe, depth of excavation, and site accessibility. A simple downspout extension with a pop-up emitter is the most affordable fix. French drain systems, channel drains across driveways, and full yard regrading are larger investments that solve bigger problems. We provide detailed estimates that break down materials, labor, and restoration (sod or seed) for the disturbed areas so you know the full cost upfront.
Installation
We excavate trenches to the proper depth and slope (minimum 1% grade toward the discharge point), line them with geotextile fabric, and lay perforated or solid pipe on a bed of washed stone. The trench is backfilled with drainage aggregate and wrapped in fabric to prevent soil intrusion. Catch basins are set at low points to collect surface water. All pipe connections are sealed and all discharge points are positioned to move water away from structures and toward approved drainage areas. After the system is installed, we restore disturbed turf with sod or seed and put your yard back together.
