Source of water
Roof runoff, neighbouring grades, groundwater, irrigation, compacted soil and surface depressions can create different symptoms and require different solutions.
Solve the water before finishing the yard
Residential Drainage & Grading
Site grading and practical landscape drainage solutions for wet yards, poor runoff and new residential installations.
The scope
Built as a complete system.
Coastal rainfall quickly exposes low areas, poor transitions and compacted ground. We assess how water moves across the property, then coordinate grading and appropriate drainage with the landscape above it.
- Existing grade assessment
- Swales and surface drainage
- Catch basins and solid pipe
- French drains where appropriate
- Growing soil and finish grading
- Preparation for lawns, gardens and hardscape
Planning the work
What we account for before construction.
Drainage work must identify where water comes from, how it crosses the property and where it can be directed. A useful quote considers elevations, soils, outlets and the restoration required after underground work.
Suitable outlet
Collection is only useful when water has a practical and lawful place to discharge without creating a new problem.
Elevation and soil
Slope, soil permeability and final surface depths determine whether grading, swales, basins, solid pipe or subsurface drainage are appropriate.
Surface restoration
Sod, gardens, gravel, pavers and irrigation disturbed by the work are included clearly so the finished property is complete.
The RiverCity difference
Preparation before appearance.
Drainage should direct water safely without creating a new problem at the home, property edge or finished landscape. Grades and collection points must be planned together.
Our process
Clear from first walk to final review.
Follow the water
We review low areas, downspouts, surface flow, soil conditions and the elevations around structures.
Build the drainage
The selected grading changes, collection points and drainage runs are installed and connected appropriately.
Restore the landscape
Disturbed areas are finish-graded and prepared for lawn, planting or the next stage of landscape construction.
Preparing an accurate quote
Information that helps us understand the real scope.
Good early information reduces assumptions and helps identify the right site visit, measurements and construction approach for your drainage & grading project.
Start your project request- Photos during or shortly after rainfall
- Locations where water appears or remains
- Downspout and drain information
- Approximate elevations if available
- Known buried services or irrigation
- Desired lawn or landscape restoration
Common questions
Good to know.
Can grading fix a wet yard?
Sometimes grading is the main solution; other sites also need collection or subsurface drainage. The correct approach depends on elevations, soils and a suitable outlet.
Can drainage be installed before a new lawn?
Yes. That is the appropriate time to correct grades and install below-ground drainage before soil preparation and lawn installation.
Do you repair areas disturbed by drainage work?
We can include soil, finish grading, sod, hydroseed, garden or hardscape restoration as part of the complete landscape scope.
Vancouver Island service areas
Local work from Campbell River to Central and North Island.
Start a project
Planning a drainage & grading project?
Tell us what you want to build and where the project is located. We’ll help define the right next step.