Drainage that keeps water away from your house and out of your yard
Pooling lawns, wet crawlspaces and soggy side yards are the most common calls we get between October and March. We find where the water is coming from and give it somewhere to go: French drains, perimeter drain replacement, catch basins and proper downspout connections.
Much of the Tri-Cities sits on compact glacial till and clay that water can't soak through quickly. Add long wet winters and runoff from the slopes above, and water collects against foundations and in low spots. A lot of homes built in the 1970s and 80s also still have their original perimeter drain tile, which can be crushed, root-filled or clogged with silt after 40-plus years.
We start by figuring out the source: surface runoff, a high water table, a failed perimeter drain or downspouts dumping next to the foundation. Then we fix that cause rather than patching symptoms. For perimeter drain work we can camera-inspect existing lines before recommending a full replacement. Where water can't drain away by gravity, such as low lots and basements below the storm connection, we install sump pumps with sealed pits so collected water is pumped to a proper discharge point.
What we build
- French drains and interceptor (curtain) drains
- Perimeter drain tile replacement
- Sump pump installation and replacement
- Downspout and rain leader tie-ins
- Catch basins and area drains
- Yard regrading and swales
- Drainage behind retaining walls
How the job runs
Find the source
We look at grading, downspouts and where water sits after rain. For perimeter drains we can scope the existing lines.
Plan the route
We map where the water will be collected and where it will discharge, following City connection rules.
Dig and install
Trench to grade, filter cloth, clean drain rock and perforated pipe laid with continuous fall.
Restore
Backfill, compact and put lawn, beds or hardscape back so the yard looks finished.
Our drainage & French drains work
What clients say
Me & my demolition company worked with Premier Grounds Contracting on a large outdoor project and were extremely impressed. They handled excavation, grading, drainage, concrete work, retaining walls, fencing, and premium artificial turf installation, all completed to a very high standard. The team was professional, well organized, and clearly experienced in landscape construction and contracting, not just basic landscaping.
Premier Grounds Contracting exceeded my expectations. Love my new artificial turf and river rock landscaped garden! Not only does it look great, there has been no more pooling of water even with the heavy rain recently! My dog also loves it, no more digging but lots of zoomies!
Premier Grounds was able to start work right away. They are professional and very knowledgeable. I highly recommend them for your landscaping and drainage needs.
Questions we get asked
What's the difference between a French drain and a perimeter drain?
A French drain is a gravel-filled trench with a perforated pipe that collects water in the yard. A perimeter drain runs around the base of your foundation to keep water away from the basement or crawlspace. Many wet properties need both.
How do I know if my perimeter drain has failed?
Warning signs include water in the basement or crawlspace, damp walls after rain, efflorescence on concrete, and downspouts that back up. A camera inspection confirms it before any digging.
Do you install sump pumps?
Yes. When a perimeter drain or basement sits below the storm connection, we install a sump pit and pump to lift the water out, and we replace old or failing pumps. We size the pump to the inflow and route the discharge away from the foundation.
When is the best time to fix drainage?
Fall and winter, when you can see exactly where the water goes. We work through the wet season.
Do you connect to the city storm system?
We connect to your existing storm service where one exists and follow the municipality's requirements for the connection.