Protect Your Property with Expert Drainage & Exterior Solutions

It depends on where the water problem starts.

• Water is flowing toward the foundation
   
• The soil around the house slopes inward
   
• You have shallow puddling near the foundation
   
• Downspouts discharge too close to the house
   

Regrading fixes surface flow problems.

• The yard stays soggy days after rain
   
• Water seeps up from the ground
   
• You have a low area that never dries
   
• Neighbor runoff flows into your yard
   
• You’ve already regraded and it didn’t solve it
   

In North Jersey, many properties actually need both — regrading to redirect surface water and a French drain to handle subsurface saturation.

There are two main discharge options:

• Drain pipe exits on a slope
   
• Water flows out naturally
   
• Low maintenance
   
• Most reliable long-term
   

This is ideal if the property has a natural downhill area.

• Installed in flat yards
   
• Water pushes up through a cap when flowing
   
• Good for tight suburban lots
   

In many Fort Lee / Bergen County properties, pop-ups are common because lots are flat and tight.

For a typical Northern NJ yard:

• 1–2 days → Standard 50–100 ft French drain
   
• 2–3 days → Larger systems or complex grading
   
• 3+ days → Combined drainage + regrading + sod restoration
   

Weather and access (tight side yards, fences, utilities) affect timeline.

It can — if installed incorrectly.

• No filter fabric
   
• Poor-quality pipe
   
• Not enough stone
   
• Clay soil intrusion
   
• Improper slope

• Use non-woven geotextile fabric
   
• Use washed drainage stone
   
• Use perforated SDR-35 or solid PVC for transport lines
   
• Proper pitch (minimum 1% slope)
   
• Cleanout ports if system is long
   

A properly installed system can last 20–30+ years.

Yes — but it depends on the cause.

• Groundwater pressure is pushing against foundation walls
   
• Surface water is saturating soil around foundation
   
• Basement leaks occur after heavy rain
   

However:

• If foundation cracks exist → sealing may also be needed
   
• If hydrostatic pressure is severe → interior drain + sump may be required
   

In clay-heavy North NJ soil, exterior foundation drains are very effective when done correctly.

Pricing varies by depth, access, soil, and discharge location.

• Basic French drain (50–100 ft):
  $3,500 – $7,500
   
• Larger / deeper systems:
  $7,500 – $15,000+
   
• Full perimeter foundation drain:
  $10,000 – $25,000+
   
• Regrading only:
  $1,500 – $6,000 depending on scope
   

Clay soil and tight access in Bergen County typically push costs toward the higher end.

Yes — but repairs depend on failure type.

Common repair scenarios:

• Collapsed pipe
   
• Root intrusion
   
• No fabric (stone clogged with soil)
   
• Improper pitch
   
• Clogged discharge
   

Sometimes sections can be repaired.
Often, older systems (especially 10–20 years old) need partial or full replacement.

A professional installation should include:

• Proper backfill
   
• Topsoil replacement
   
• Seed or sod restoration
   
• Regrading to blend trench
   

However:

• Sod costs more but looks instant
   
• Seed is cheaper but takes weeks
   
• There will be a temporary visible trench until grass establishes
   

In spring and fall, restoration is easiest in NJ.