One downspout can drop thousands of litres of water next to your foundation in a single storm. If the ground slopes toward the house, all of that water heads for the basement wall.
Outside drainage is the lowest-cost waterproofing there is. We look at where water goes on your lot and move it away from the house before we suggest anything inside.
Signs
What you might be seeing
- Downspouts that empty right at the wall
- Soil or a patio that slopes toward the house
- Puddles that sit near the foundation for days
- A wet spot in the basement under one downspout
- A low spot in the lawn that never dries
- Window wells that fill with water
Honest sorting
Simple fix or full system?
- A short downspout: add an extension
- A garden bed piled against the siding: pull it back and regrade
- A clogged gutter overflowing in one spot
- A whole side of the lot draining toward the house
- Water running in from a neighbour's yard
- Heavy clay soil that holds water against the wall
Rough guides from our inspections, not engineering rules. We measure before we tell you which side yours is on.
Not sure which group yours is in?
A free inspection measures it. You get the readings and the answer in writing, even if the answer is "leave it alone."
Method
How we fix it
-
01
Extensions and buried lines
We carry roof water 2 to 3 m away with extensions, or bury solid pipe to a pop-up outlet in the lawn so nobody trips over it.
-
02
Regrading
We build up soil along the foundation so it slopes away from the house, about 15 cm over the first 2 m, then reseed or lay new sod.
-
03
French drains and swales
A gravel trench with perforated pipe, or a shallow grassy channel, catches water crossing the yard and leads it away.
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04
Window well care
Clear drains, a gravel base and a fitted cover keep window wells from filling up and leaking at the frame.
Prices
Price ranges
Planning ranges in Canadian dollars for typical Ottawa-area homes, HST extra. Your written quote after the inspection is a fixed price.
| Job | Range (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Downspout extension Per downspout, above ground | $120–$300 |
| Buried downspout line Per downspout, up to 6 m, with a pop-up outlet | $550–$1,100 |
| Regrading along the foundation Per side of the house, new soil and seed | $1,200–$3,500 |
| French drain With stone and perforated pipe | $45–$90 per ft |
| Window well cover Per well, made to fit | $180–$400 |
Typical total
Many drainage jobs cost $500 to $3,500, and some of them make a $12,000 interior system unnecessary.
Honesty note
We book utility locates before we dig. Interlock, decks and narrow side yards can add cost, and the quote shows it.
Warranty. Drainage and grading: 5-year workmanship warranty. Read the terms
Questions
Questions about yard drainage
Will fixing my downspouts really stop a basement leak?
Sometimes, yes. If the leak sits under one downspout or only shows after heavy rain, the outside fix often solves it. If water comes up through the floor, it will not.
When can you do yard work?
From the spring thaw until the ground freezes, usually April to November.
Can I drain water toward my neighbour's yard or the street?
Rules vary by city, and draining onto a neighbour's land usually is not allowed. We design drainage to stay on your lot.
More answers on the FAQ page, or call (613) 555-0148.