What drainage Systems covers
Drainage moves water away from a building before it has a chance to get in. It is frequently the cheapest fix available, because a great deal of damp is caused by water being held against a structure rather than by the structure being permeable.
Drainage moves water away from a building before it has a chance to get in. It is frequently the cheapest fix available, because a great deal of damp is caused by water being held against a structure rather than by the structure being permeable.
Getting water away from a building, which is usually cheaper and more effective than sealing it out.
Waystar carries out this work on residential and commercial property in Brooklyn and across New York City. Every project starts with a look at the building, and the scope, the materials and the figures are written down before anything begins.
When might you need it?
These are the signs owners usually notice first.
- Water pooling against the building after rain
- Downspouts discharging straight onto a wall or a path
- A yard or path that falls back towards the building
- Recurring basement damp that follows heavy rain exactly
- An existing drain that is blocked, collapsed or was never connected
What the work involves
- Survey of levels, existing drainage and where water actually goes
- Downspout discharge points checked and rerouted
- Surface falls corrected to carry water away
- Channel drains, gullies or French drains installed as required
- Connection to an appropriate outfall
- Existing runs cleared, tested and repaired where possible
How the process works
Watch where the water goes
Levels and discharge points explain most damp before any digging happens.
Fix the obvious first
A downspout emptying against a wall is the cheapest problem you will ever solve.
Install the drainage
Falls, channels and collection points are set out to an appropriate outfall.
Test the run
Water is put through the completed system to confirm it flows and discharges properly.
What you get
- Water taken away from the structure before it can enter
- Often a cheaper answer than waterproofing the same problem
- Less load on any waterproofing that is already installed
What affects the scope
- Available fall between the collection point and the outfall
- Ground conditions and how much excavation is needed
- Whether an existing run can be reused or must be replaced
- Hard surfaces that have to be lifted and reinstated
This is a preliminary planning range, not a quote. A property visit is required before any price is confirmed.
Frequently asked questions
Will drainage alone fix my damp?
Sometimes completely, particularly when water is simply being held against the building. Where it is not enough, it still reduces the load on any waterproofing.
Where should downspouts discharge?
Away from the building and into something that carries the water off, not onto the wall base or a path that drains back.
Is a French drain suitable everywhere?
No. It needs somewhere for the water to go. Without a viable outfall it becomes a trench that stores water beside the building.
Services often needed alongside this
This service is part of Waterproofing.
Related work
