Exterior Yard Drainage Solutions in Scarborough, Maine

Exterior Drainage Services in Scarborough

Exterior drainage problems can involve visible standing water, soil that stays saturated after the surface dries, roof runoff, or a low area that repeatedly collects water.

Different drainage methods address different parts of that problem. The appropriate approach depends on the water source, how it travels across the property and whether there is a suitable outlet.

When water keeps using the same low area

Standing water after rain is the surface picture. A yard that stays wet for days is what you feel after the puddle is gone. They can share a low area and still need different tools.

If runoff is crossing the lawn to get there, grading and swales may belong in the plan before — or with — a pipe. A catch basin at the low point only helps if the water is still on top and the outlet will take it. If a drain already in that low area used to take the water, look at French drain repair before assuming a new trench.

• A corner or swale-shaped dip that fills from upslope
• Water that you can watch travel, then stop
• Ground that stays soft in the same footprint between storms
• A grate or old drain that no longer seems to take the volume

Combining surface collection, grading, and underground drainage

Catch basins and surface drains collect the burst you can see. A French drain collects water in the soil. Yard drainage combines methods when more than one of those is in play.

A trench without a working outlet is only a wet gravel ditch. Where French drain water goes is as important as the trench itself.

How to decide what the property actually needs

Map source, travel, and stop. If water is still moving on the surface, shape and a grate are usually earlier in the conversation than a French drain. If the surface dries and the ground does not, subsurface collection becomes relevant.

French drain vs. grading is the comparison when you are choosing between reshaping the ground and installing a trench. The right method depends on what the water is doing on the property. Surface flow, saturated soil and roof runoff can require different solutions.

What to provide when you request drainage help

Describe where water starts, the path it follows and where it collects. Note how long the ground stays wet after rain and whether an existing drain or downspout is involved.

An on-site review can then consider slope, low areas, roof discharge, existing drainage and possible outlets. Call 207-870-9502 or get drainage help.

Drainage Help in Scarborough and Nearby Communities

Portland French Drains serves Scarborough and nearby Cumberland County communities including South Portland, Cape Elizabeth, Gorham and Portland.

For the complete coverage list, see the service-areas page.