Drainage Correction Services

Reviewed 2026-07-30

Water pooling near the foundation, in the yard, or entering the basement due to poor grading, clogged drains, or inadequate downspout routing.

Symptoms drainage correction solves

Water pooling near the foundation for hours after rain
Soggy or spongy areas of lawn that never fully dry out
A basement or crawl space that gets damp specifically after storms
Downspouts that discharge water within a few feet of the foundation
Erosion channels or bare soil patches where water runs across the yard
Mosquito activity concentrated around standing water spots
Mulch or soil washing away from foundation planting beds after rain

When to book drainage correction

After noticing pooled water within 10 feet of the foundation following rain
Before finishing a basement in a house with any history of dampness
When a neighbor's regrading or new construction changes runoff patterns onto your property
If a sump pump has started running significantly more often than in previous years

What happens during drainage correction

Contractor evaluates the site during or right after rain to see how and where water actually moves
Grading is measured near the foundation — code recommends a minimum 6-inch drop over the first 10 feet away from the house
Downspouts are traced to confirm they discharge well away from the foundation, not just at the wall
A drainage plan is designed: regrading, French drains, catch basins, or a combination, based on the volume and source of water
Trenches are dug and perforated pipe wrapped in filter fabric and gravel is installed with a slope toward a discharge point or dry well
Surface soil is regraded and reseeded or sodded as needed
System is tested with a hose test or observed during the next rainfall

Drainage Correction methods and approaches

Regrading

Reshaping the soil slope around the foundation to move surface water away by gravity — often the cheapest and most durable fix when grading has settled or was never correct.

French drain (perimeter or yard)

A gravel-filled trench with perforated pipe that intercepts and redirects subsurface water before it reaches the foundation or low spots in the yard.

Catch basins and dry wells

Grated basins that collect surface water at a low point and pipe it to a dry well or daylight discharge — used where regrading alone can't solve a persistent low spot.

What drives drainage correction pricing

Regrading around foundation: $1,000–$3,000 depending on area
Yard French drain: $10–$25 per linear foot installed
Catch basin with piping to daylight: $1,500–$4,000
Downspout extension and burial: $150–$500 per downspout
Dry well installation: $2,000–$5,500 depending on soil percolation and capacity needed
Soil type — clay requires larger drain capacity and may need amendment
Accessibility for equipment and existing hardscaping in the drainage path

See the full cost guide →

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Questions to ask your drainage or grading contractor

Have you observed how water actually flows on my property during or after rain?
Will the plan include correcting grading, not just adding a drain pipe?
Where will the water ultimately discharge, and is that legal in my municipality?
What size pipe and gravel bed are you using, and is it sized for my roof and yard area?
Is there a warranty on the drainage system's performance, not just materials?
Will downspouts be tied into the new drainage system or left separate?

Drainage Correction safety and licensing

Call 811 before any digging to have utility lines marked — this is required by law in all US states.
Redirecting water onto a neighbor's property can create legal liability; discharge points should stay on your property or into an approved storm system.
Standing water for more than a few days can become a mosquito breeding site and a slip hazard on slopes.

Drainage Correction questions homeowners ask

How much slope do I need away from my foundation?

Building codes and InterNACHI inspection standards call for a minimum drop of 6 inches over the first 10 feet of grade moving away from the foundation.

Will a French drain alone fix a wet basement?

A yard-level French drain intercepts surface and shallow groundwater before it reaches the house, but if water is already entering through the foundation wall, an interior or exterior waterproofing system is also needed.

Where should downspout water go?

At minimum, 5–10 feet from the foundation, ideally tied into a piped drainage system that discharges to a storm drain, dry well, or daylight well away from the house and neighboring property.

Problems that lead to drainage correction

Sources for this drainage correction guide

InterNACHI, Foundation and Grading Inspection Standards
IRC Section R401.3, Drainage
EPA, National Menu of Stormwater Best Management Practices