French drains and yard drainage in Abbotsford

A lawn that turns to swamp every November, puddles that sit for days, a side yard that never dries. In Abbotsford, clay soil is usually the reason. It holds water instead of letting it soak away, so rain has to be directed somewhere.

Common fixes

French drains

A trench lined with filter fabric and filled with drain rock around a perforated pipe. It collects water from a wet area and carries it to an outlet. Good for long soggy strips and slopes where water runs toward the house.

Catch basins and area drains

A grated box set at the low point of a yard, patio or driveway, piped to the storm connection. Good for spots where water pools in one place.

Downspout connections

Downspouts that dump onto the ground next to the foundation pour roof water exactly where you do not want it. Running them into a solid pipe that carries the water away is often the cheapest improvement you can make.

Regrading

Soil around the house should slope away from the foundation. Over the years it settles, and water starts running back toward the walls.

Runoff from next door

When a neighbouring lot is built up or regraded, its water can end up on yours. A French drain or swale along the property line can intercept it before it reaches your house.

Yard water and the basement

Surface water and a failing perimeter drain often go together. If your yard is wet and your basement is damp, have the perimeter drain inspected too.

Common questions