Water is essential for your lawn and landscape, but when it starts pooling in the wrong places—along your foundation, in low-lying areas of the yard, or flooding your basement—it’s a sign that something isn’t working as it should. Drainage problems can be frustrating and even overwhelming, especially when they lead to damage to your property or affect your ability to enjoy your outdoor space.
That’s where a yard drainage contractor comes in. A qualified drainage professional doesn’t just install pipes and grates—they analyze your property, understand how water moves through it, and implement custom solutions that solve your problem at its source.
At Valley View Excavating, we specialize in helping homeowners across Connecticut protect their property and preserve their landscape with expertly designed and professionally installed drainage systems. In this article, we’ll break down the different types of yard drainage solutions available, explain how a drainage contractor approaches each project, and help you understand why hiring a professional makes all the difference.
What Does a Yard Drainage Contractor Do?
A yard drainage contractor is more than just someone who digs trenches or installs pipes. We’re water management experts who assess the topography, soil conditions, and runoff patterns on your property to design drainage systems that solve existing water problems and prevent new ones from developing.
As experienced excavation professionals, we also bring the tools, equipment, and expertise to install these systems properly—from grading and trenching to pipe installation and surface restoration. And most importantly, we know how to make drainage systems work together—combining surface drainage, subsurface drainage, and foundation protection into a seamless system.
Now let’s explore the key yard drainage solutions we implement and how each one works to protect your home and landscape.
French Drains: Solving Subsurface Saturation
One of the most common and versatile solutions we install as yard drainage contractors is the French drain. This system is ideal for properties where water seeps into basements, saturates soil, or causes soggy lawn areas that never seem to dry out.
A French drain consists of a perforated pipe placed at the bottom of a gravel-filled trench, usually lined with landscape fabric to prevent clogging. Water from the surrounding soil flows into the gravel, enters the pipe through small holes, and is redirected to a safe discharge point—far away from your foundation or problem area.
As drainage contractors, we take great care when designing French drains. We analyze the slope and layout of your property to ensure the trench has the proper pitch, select the right materials to withstand freeze-thaw cycles, and install the system in a way that maximizes performance and minimizes disruption to your yard. When installed properly, a French drain is a powerful, passive system that quietly keeps your yard dry year-round.
Channel Drains: Handling Surface Runoff
For hardscaped areas like driveways, patios, walkways, or pool decks, surface water can be a persistent issue. Water that doesn’t drain properly can cause erosion, damage paving materials, or even seep into garages and lower-level entries. That’s where channel drains come in.
Channel drains, also called trench drains, are long, narrow drains set into the surface of hardscaped areas. Water flows into the drain through a slotted grate, then travels through an underground pipe to a discharge location. These systems are ideal for handling large amounts of runoff and preventing water from pooling on surfaces.
Installing a channel drain requires careful planning and precise execution. As drainage contractors, we evaluate your existing hardscape to determine the best location and orientation for the drain. We then cut or form a trench, install the drain body and grate, and connect it to an appropriate drainage pipe. Once everything is in place, we restore the surface to its original condition or better.
Done right, a channel drain not only prevents water problems—it enhances the look and function of your outdoor space. And because we tailor every system to your property, you can trust it to perform in even the heaviest rain.
Downspout Drains: Redirecting Roof Water
Your home’s gutters and downspouts are the first line of defense against water damage—but only if they’re properly configured. If your downspouts empty too close to the house, they can cause serious problems: saturated soil, foundation cracks, and basement leaks, just to name a few.
A downspout drain is a simple but highly effective solution. We connect a solid pipe to the base of your downspout and bury it underground, extending it away from your home to a safe discharge point like a dry well or pop-up emitter. The water is channeled far from the foundation, reducing the risk of infiltration.
As professional contractors, we go beyond the basics. We check the grade of your yard to ensure the pipe flows downhill, verify that connections are watertight, and choose materials that won’t crack or clog over time. We can also install multiple downspout extensions and integrate them with larger drainage systems, creating a comprehensive solution that manages roof runoff without a second thought.
It may seem like a small fix, but properly managing roof water can have a massive impact on your home’s long-term health.
Foundation Waterproofing: Protecting Your Home at Its Core
When water starts finding its way into your basement, the solution isn’t always outside the house. In some cases, the foundation itself needs attention. That’s where foundation waterproofing comes in—a service that separates an experienced yard drainage contractor from a basic handyman.
Foundation waterproofing involves sealing the outside of your basement walls to prevent moisture from entering. This can include applying waterproof membranes, installing drainage boards, and setting up a perimeter drain system at the base of the foundation.
This is no small task. It typically requires excavating the soil around your foundation, applying multiple layers of protection, and restoring the landscaping after the job is complete. But when done properly, it provides one of the most effective and long-lasting defenses against basement flooding and structural damage.
As drainage contractors with excavation expertise, Valley View Excavating is uniquely qualified to handle this work. We understand both the technical and practical aspects of foundation waterproofing and use only top-grade materials designed for long-term performance.
Foundation Crack Repair: Sealing Leaks at the Source
Not all water issues stem from large-scale drainage problems. Sometimes, a single crack in your foundation wall is enough to let water in. As part of our drainage services, we also offer professional foundation crack repair.
Depending on the nature of the crack, we may use epoxy or polyurethane injection to fill and seal the opening. These materials bond with the surrounding concrete and create a watertight seal, preventing further water intrusion and halting the crack’s progression.
While this process may seem simple, it requires a trained eye to assess the severity of the crack and choose the right approach. We don’t just patch the visible damage—we investigate what caused it and ensure it won’t come back. In many cases, we also recommend complementary drainage improvements to prevent new cracks from forming.
Foundation crack repair is another area where having a dedicated yard drainage contractor pays off. We take a comprehensive view of your home’s water management system and deliver solutions that address the problem completely.
Sump Pumps and Dewatering Systems: Managing Internal Water Accumulation
In situations where water continues to find its way inside—even after external drainage improvements—an interior sump pump system can be the final piece of the puzzle. Sump pumps are especially useful in homes with basements located below the water table or in areas prone to heavy flooding.
A sump pump system includes a basin installed in the basement floor, which collects water from the surrounding area. When the water level rises, the pump activates and discharges the water through a pipe leading away from the home. More advanced systems can include backup pumps, battery-powered options, and high water alarms.
At Valley View Excavating, we install sump pump systems that are tailored to your specific water issue. We determine the best location for the pit, ensure the discharge line is properly routed, and use pumps rated for your home’s needs. We also offer maintenance and inspection services to keep your system running reliably year after year.
If you’re experiencing recurring basement water problems, a sump pump could be your best insurance policy.
Why Hire a Professional Yard Drainage Contractor?
There’s a big difference between a DIY fix and a professional drainage installation. While it’s possible to install a simple drain yourself, most drainage problems involve multiple factors—topography, soil composition, runoff patterns, and even your home’s construction—that need to be understood and addressed holistically.
Here’s what sets a professional yard drainage contractor apart:
Expert Evaluation: We begin with a detailed site assessment to determine what’s causing the issue and where water is coming from. We don’t just treat symptoms—we find the root cause.
Custom Design: No two properties are the same, and a one-size-fits-all solution won’t cut it. We tailor every drainage system to your unique layout, elevation, and usage.
Proper Installation: From digging trenches and connecting pipes to sealing foundations and restoring landscaping, we do it all to the highest standards.
Code Compliance: We ensure all work is performed according to local building codes and drainage regulations, protecting your investment and avoiding future headaches.
Peace of Mind: With a contractor like Valley View Excavating, you can rest easy knowing your drainage problem is fixed correctly—the first time.
Get the Right Solution for Your Yard
Yard drainage issues aren’t something to ignore. Whether it’s soggy spots in your lawn, standing water near your foundation, or a leaky basement, the damage can worsen quickly and lead to bigger, more expensive problems.
At Valley View Excavating, we’re committed to helping homeowners across Connecticut solve their drainage issues once and for all. We combine years of excavation expertise with modern water management practices to design and install drainage systems that really work.
If you’re struggling with water problems around your home, don’t wait for the next storm to make it worse. Contact us today for a consultation. We’ll inspect your property, explain your options, and provide a clear plan of action tailored to your needs.
Let Valley View Excavating be your trusted yard drainage contractor—and get your yard (and peace of mind) back for good.