Drainage and grading are part of Landscaping & Outdoor Systems. For hardscape surfaces affected by water, see Hardscape, Concrete & Pavers; for exterior building repairs, compare Exterior Remodeling & Repairs.
What Drainage & Grading Covers
Drainage and grading work begins with where water comes from, where it collects and where it can move safely. Low spots, slope, downspouts, hardscape and soil conditions should be understood together before selecting a drain or surface correction.
Standing water or erosion can be a symptom of a broader site pattern. Adding one drain without considering grade and discharge location may not address the cause.
Before the Work
Photograph the area when dry and, when practical, after rain. Show the house, downspouts, slopes, hardscape, low spots and the route water currently follows.
Mark where water enters or collects and note how long it remains. Approximate elevations or a simple site sketch can be helpful on larger areas.
What Can Change the Scope
Slope, soil, existing drains, discharge options, trench access, buried utilities, hardscape and connections to roof drainage can change the work.
Projects that affect a large area or neighboring drainage patterns may require more formal site planning than a localized correction.
What to Send With Your Request
- Wide photos of the affected area.
- Photos showing water paths or ponding after rain.
- Approximate dimensions and slope direction.
- Locations of downspouts, drains and nearby hardscape.
Describe the conditions that trigger the problem and whether previous drainage work has already been tried.
Common Questions
Will adding a drain always solve standing water?
No. The cause may involve grade, soil, discharge limitations or water coming from another area. The site pattern should be understood first.
Can grading be changed next to a patio or deck?
Potentially, but transitions, drainage and the relationship to existing structures need to be planned together.
Related Services
Use Landscaping & Outdoor Systems for the full group. Hardscape, Concrete & Pavers covers affected surfaces, while Exterior Remodeling & Repairs is relevant when water has damaged the building exterior.