Yard drainage problems are more than just an eyesore. Pooling water, soggy lawns, and basement leaks are signs of a deeper issue that, if left unaddressed, can lead to costly damage to your foundation, landscape, and even your health. Whether you’re battling water in your basement or trying to keep your yard from becoming a swamp after every rainfall, professional yard drainage installation can make a world of difference.
At Valley View Excavating, we believe in solutions that last. With decades of experience in excavation and water management across Connecticut, we know how to identify the source of drainage issues and install the right systems to fix them—permanently. In this guide, we’ll walk you through some of the most effective drainage installations we offer: French drains, channel drains, downspout extensions, foundation waterproofing, foundation crack repair, and sump or dewatering pump systems.
If you’re ready to take your yard back and protect your home from water damage, here’s what you need to know about how these drainage systems are installed—and why they work.
Installing French Drains: Subsurface Water Control Done Right
French drains are one of the most common and effective solutions for addressing subsurface water problems. If your yard never seems to dry out, or you’re constantly battling water in your basement, a French drain may be the answer.
The installation process starts with identifying the low points or problem areas in your yard. We carefully plan a trench that follows the natural slope of the property, allowing gravity to carry the water away from the problem area. The trench is typically 12-18 inches deep, although depth can vary depending on the site conditions.
Once the trench is dug, we lay down a layer of landscape fabric to prevent sediment from clogging the drain. Then we place a perforated pipe at the bottom and surround it with clean gravel. The gravel helps filter water into the pipe, and the perforations allow that water to be captured and redirected. After the pipe is installed and tested, we wrap the fabric over the gravel and backfill the trench, either with more gravel or topsoil and sod.
What sets Valley View Excavating apart is our attention to detail—we don’t just install a French drain and hope for the best. We ensure it’s pitched correctly, discharges in the right location, and is installed with durable materials that last. The result? A reliable, low-maintenance system that prevents water from pooling in your yard or seeping into your foundation.
Channel Drain Installation: Managing Surface Runoff Effectively
Surface water is another major culprit when it comes to drainage issues, especially on driveways, patios, and walkways. If you’ve noticed water sheeting across your concrete and flooding your garage or basement entry, a channel drain might be the best solution.
The installation of a channel drain involves cutting a trench into your existing hardscape or building it into a new one. We install a long, narrow trough—usually made of PVC or heavy-duty polymer—flush with the surface. The drain includes a slotted grate that allows surface water to flow in.
Once the channel is in place, we connect it to underground drainage piping that leads to a suitable discharge location, like a storm drain, dry well, or daylight outlet. Concrete is poured around the channel to secure it, and the surface is finished to match the surrounding area.
A properly installed channel drain handles a large volume of runoff quickly and efficiently. Whether you’re dealing with water pooling on a patio or flooding near a garage, this system provides both functionality and a clean, low-profile appearance. Our team ensures that every channel drain is installed with the right slope and structural support, so it performs well under pressure—literally.
Downspout Drain Installation: Directing Roof Runoff Where It Belongs
Your gutters may be in great shape, but if your downspouts are dumping water right next to your foundation, you’re asking for trouble. Downspout drainage installation is a straightforward but critical solution that keeps roof runoff from saturating the soil around your home.
To install downspout drains, we begin by digging a trench that starts at the base of your existing downspout and extends to a safe discharge location—usually 10 to 20 feet away from the house. We use smooth, solid pipe (not perforated) to carry water away quickly and efficiently, ensuring it doesn’t infiltrate the soil near your home.
We can also install pop-up emitters at the end of the system, which remain closed until enough water pressure forces them open, allowing for a clean and controlled release. Once everything is in place, the trench is backfilled and the lawn restored to its original appearance.
At Valley View Excavating, we make sure your downspout extensions are not only functional but also discreet. When properly installed, this simple system prevents thousands of gallons of water each year from collecting near your foundation.
Foundation Waterproofing: A Long-Term Barrier Against Moisture
When water is consistently getting into your basement or crawl space, surface-level solutions may not be enough. That’s when it’s time to consider foundation waterproofing—a comprehensive approach that involves sealing your home at the source.
Exterior waterproofing is a multi-step process that starts with excavation. We carefully dig down along your foundation walls to expose the concrete. Once the area is cleaned and inspected, we apply a waterproof membrane—often a rubberized asphalt or polymer coating—that forms a watertight seal. In some cases, we add a drainage board over the membrane to further guide water down to a footing drain.
The footing drain itself is similar to a French drain, installed at the base of the foundation and surrounded with gravel and filter fabric. This system captures water that collects near the foundation and redirects it away from the structure.
Once the waterproofing layers are in place, we backfill with clean soil and restore the landscape. The result is a waterproof barrier that shields your basement from outside moisture, keeping it dry and protected for decades.
This process requires excavation expertise, waterproofing knowledge, and careful execution—something our team has refined over years of hands-on work across Connecticut homes.
Foundation Crack Repair: Sealing Leaks Before They Get Worse
Cracks in your foundation may seem minor at first, but they can quickly become a major problem when water finds its way in. Foundation crack repair is a fast and effective way to prevent leaks, reduce humidity, and stop structural issues from developing.
We start by assessing the crack to determine its cause and severity. If it’s a structural crack, we may recommend additional reinforcement. For non-structural cracks, especially those caused by settling or hydrostatic pressure, we typically use injection methods to seal the opening from the inside out.
Epoxy or polyurethane resins are injected into the crack through a series of small ports. These materials expand and bond with the concrete, creating a permanent, watertight seal. The process is quick, non-invasive, and highly effective for preventing future leaks.
In some cases, exterior crack repair may be necessary, especially if the crack is part of a larger drainage issue. In those situations, we combine sealing with excavation and waterproofing for a complete solution.
The key is early intervention. At Valley View Excavating, we take crack repair seriously—because small leaks today can lead to serious damage tomorrow.
Sump Pump and Dewatering Pump Installation: A Safety Net for Your Basement
Sometimes, no matter how good your exterior drainage is, water still finds a way inside—especially during extreme weather or in homes located below the water table. That’s where sump pumps and dewatering systems come in.
The installation of a sump pump begins with the creation of a sump pit in the lowest area of your basement or crawl space. This pit is where groundwater naturally collects. Once the pit is in place, we install a submersible or pedestal sump pump inside, connect it to a discharge line, and route the water safely away from your home.
The discharge line often includes a check valve to prevent backflow and may terminate in a dry well or daylight outlet, depending on your property. For extra protection, we can install a battery backup system that kicks in if the power goes out during a storm.
Dewatering systems may include additional pumps or specialized configurations for properties with persistent flooding issues. In new construction, we can also install under-slab drainage systems that collect water before it even reaches the basement floor.
We only use high-quality, reliable pump systems and offer maintenance services to keep them operating at peak performance. A properly installed sump pump is your last line of defense—and it can make the difference between a dry basement and a disaster.
Choosing the Right System for Your Property
Every yard, home, and drainage problem is different. That’s why at Valley View Excavating, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. We start each project with a thorough on-site assessment to understand how water flows across and under your property. From there, we develop a customized installation plan using the right combination of systems for long-term success.
Whether it’s a simple downspout extension or a full perimeter French drain paired with foundation waterproofing and a sump pump, we install every component with care, precision, and an understanding of how the entire system works together.
We also believe in educating our customers. We’ll explain every option, walk you through the installation process, and make sure you understand how to maintain your drainage system moving forward. Our goal isn’t just to solve your drainage problem—it’s to give you peace of mind knowing it won’t come back.
Trust Valley View Excavating with Your Drainage Installation
We’ve spent years helping homeowners across Connecticut protect their properties with expert yard drainage installation. From design to excavation to final installation, we’re committed to doing the job right the first time. We don’t cut corners, and we don’t offer temporary fixes. We deliver long-term drainage solutions that protect your investment, increase your home’s value, and give you confidence during every storm.
If you’re seeing water where it doesn’t belong—on your lawn, near your foundation, or in your basement—don’t wait until the damage gets worse. Contact Valley View Excavating today for a drainage consultation. We’ll assess your property, recommend the right solution, and handle the entire installation with professionalism and care.
Let us help you reclaim your yard, protect your foundation, and enjoy a dry, healthy home all year round.