Drainage and Grading: When Standing Water Means Real Money
French drains, dry wells, and re-grading — what each solves and what it costs.
Standing water in the yard isn't just inconvenient — it's the leading cause of foundation problems and basement leaks. Drainage and grading work runs $1,500-$8,000 for typical residential fixes and pays back many times over in avoided foundation repair.
Common solutions and costs
Yard re-grading (the first 6-10 ft around foundation): $1,500-$4,500 depending on volume of fill needed. Should slope at minimum 6" of drop over 10 ft away from the house.
French drain (50 ft typical run): $1,250-$3,000. Intercepts surface and shallow groundwater, channels to daylight or dry well.
Dry well: $1,800-$4,500. Underground gravel chamber that disperses water into soil. Best where you can't reach daylight.
Catch basins and storm drain connection: $2,500-$8,000 depending on city tap-in fees.
When to invest
Any sign of basement seepage during heavy rain. Pooling within 10 ft of the foundation that takes more than 4 hours to clear. Soil that stays saturated days after rain. Visible erosion patterns leading toward the house.
$5,000 in drainage work routinely prevents $25,000+ in foundation repairs.