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Drainage & Grading Solutions
Comprehensive Water Management Systems to Protect Your Toronto Property

Expert drainage and grading services in Toronto & GTA. French drains, catch basins, downspout systems, landscape grading. Stop water problems permanently. Call: (437) 545-0067
Drainage & Grading Solutions in progress
⚠️ Licensed & Insured
⚡ Fast Response
Foundation crack Wall damage Basement leak Structural damage

Why Toronto Homeowners Trust DrySpace

25+ Years in Business
12,847 Projects Completed
$5M Insurance Coverage
24/7 Emergency Response

WSIB Certified

Full workplace safety insurance coverage for all workers

CSA Approved

Canadian Standards Association certified materials & methods

ISO 9001:2015

International quality management system certification

BBB A+ Rating

Better Business Bureau accredited with highest rating

Drainage & Grading - Permanent Water Management Solutions

Poor drainage is the #1 cause of foundation problems and basement flooding. Our comprehensive drainage and grading solutions direct water away from your home, protecting your foundation and creating usable outdoor space.

Signs You Need Drainage Solutions

Foundation & Basement Issues

  • Water in basement after rain
  • Foundation cracks from hydrostatic pressure
  • Efflorescence on basement walls
  • Musty basement odors

Yard Problems

  • Standing water/soggy lawn
  • Erosion and washouts
  • Ice buildup in winter
  • Dead grass from oversaturation
  • Mosquito breeding areas

Structural Concerns

  • Settling walkways/driveways
  • Retaining wall failure
  • Deck/patio water damage
  • Garage flooding

Our Drainage Services

Surface Drainage

French Drains

  • Perimeter foundation drains
  • Yard drainage systems
  • Driveway channel drains
  • Window well drains

Catch Basins & Dry Wells

  • Storm water collection
  • Proper sizing and placement
  • Connection to storm sewers
  • Overflow management

Swales & Berms

  • Natural water diversion
  • Erosion prevention
  • Landscape integration
  • Low maintenance design

Downspout & Gutter Systems

  • Extensions: 10+ feet from foundation
  • Underground Drainage: Hidden downspout connections
  • Rain Barrels: Water conservation
  • Splash Blocks: Prevent erosion

Grading Solutions

Positive Grading

  • 6" drop in first 10 feet
  • Proper slope away from home
  • Fill low spots and depressions
  • Maintain landscaping aesthetics

Regrading Services

  • Remove negative slopes
  • Build up foundation perimeter
  • Create drainage paths
  • Sod or seed restoration

Specialized Drainage Solutions

Basement Window Wells

  • Proper sizing and depth
  • Gravel drainage base
  • Well covers and grates
  • Connected to weeping tile

Driveway Drainage

  • Trench drains
  • Permeable pavers
  • Proper slope design
  • Heated drain options

Backyard Water Management

  • Sump pump discharge lines
  • Pool deck drainage
  • Patio water diversion
  • Garden bed protection

The Drainage Design Process

1. Site Assessment

  • Topographical analysis
  • Water flow patterns
  • Soil percolation testing
  • Existing system evaluation

2. Custom Design

  • CAD drainage plans
  • Capacity calculations
  • Integration with landscaping
  • Municipal compliance

3. Professional Installation

  • Minimal landscape disruption
  • Proper pipe sizing and slope
  • Quality materials
  • Clean, filtered connections

4. System Testing

  • Flow rate verification
  • Connection inspections
  • Stress testing
  • Final grading check

Drainage System Components

Pipes & Materials

  • PVC Drain Pipe: Smooth interior, high flow
  • Corrugated Pipe: Flexible installation
  • Perforated Pipe: Water collection
  • Solid Pipe: Water transport

Drainage Aggregate

  • Clear Stone: Around perforated pipes
  • Filter Fabric: Prevents clogging
  • Pea Gravel: Window wells
  • River Rock: Decorative drainage

Investment & ROI

Typical Project Costs

  • Basic Yard Drainage: $2,000-$5,000
  • Foundation Drainage: $5,000-$15,000
  • Complete Regrading: $3,000-$8,000
  • Downspout System: $1,500-$3,500

Return on Investment

  • Prevent $20,000+ foundation repairs
  • Eliminate basement flooding damage
  • Increase property value
  • Lower insurance premiums
  • Create usable yard space

Why Choose DrySpace?

✓ Comprehensive Solutions

Address root causes, not just symptoms

✓ 25+ Years Experience

Experts in GTA soil and climate conditions

✓ Engineered Designs

Proper sizing and slope calculations

✓ Quality Materials

Commercial-grade components

✓ Lifetime Warranty

On foundation drainage systems

Seasonal Considerations

Spring

  • Snow melt management
  • Catch basin cleaning
  • System inspection
  • Erosion repair

Summer

  • Heavy rain preparation
  • Drought-resistant design
  • Irrigation integration
  • Landscape coordination

Fall

  • Leaf guard installation
  • Gutter cleaning
  • Winter prep
  • Final grading touch-ups

Winter

  • Frozen drain prevention
  • Ice dam solutions
  • Snow melt routing
  • Emergency thawing

Municipal Compliance

We ensure all drainage work meets local codes:

  • Proper setbacks
  • Storm sewer connections
  • Grading permits
  • Environmental protection

Maintenance Programs

Annual Inspection

  • System functionality check
  • Cleaning and flush
  • Minor adjustments
  • Preventive repairs

Emergency Service

  • 24/7 flood response
  • Drain clearing
  • Pump repairs
  • Temporary solutions

Get Your Free Drainage Assessment

Stop water problems at the source with professional drainage solutions.

📞 Call Now: (437) 545-0067

✉️ Email: drainage@dryspacewaterproofing.ca

Spring Special: Free sump pump with complete drainage system installation

Related Services

Complete Solutions for Your Basement

Since we're already working on your basement, consider these complementary services that save time and money when done together.

The Science of Water Management in the GTA The Science of Water Management in the GTA results

The Science of Water Management in the GTA

Effective drainage in Toronto requires understanding our unique geography and climate. The GTA sits on a complex mix of clay soils, sand deposits from ancient Lake Iroquois, and varying bedrock depths. This geological diversity means drainage solutions must be customized for each property. Our region receives an average of 831mm of precipitation annually, but it’s the intensity that matters – summer storms can dump 50mm in an hour, while spring snowmelt can release months of accumulated water in days.

Modern Toronto faces additional drainage challenges from increased urbanization. As more land is paved, natural water absorption decreases dramatically. A typical suburban lot that once absorbed 90% of rainfall may now shed 60% as runoff after development. This increased water volume, combined with aging municipal storm systems, puts tremendous pressure on individual property drainage. Professional grading and drainage design must account for not just your property, but the entire neighborhood’s water flow patterns.

ROI and Property Protection Value ROI and Property Protection Value results

ROI and Property Protection Value

Proper drainage is the most cost-effective foundation protection available. Industry data shows that every dollar spent on preventive drainage saves $8-10 in water damage repairs. A comprehensive drainage system costing $5,000-$15,000 prevents foundation repairs averaging $25,000, basement flooding cleanup at $10,000 per incident, and landscape replacement costs of $5,000-$20,000. Toronto insurance companies report that homes with professional drainage systems file 75% fewer water damage claims.

Beyond damage prevention, quality drainage adds immediate property value. Toronto real estate appraisers consistently note that proper grading and visible drainage improvements can add 2-5% to home value. For a typical $1.2 million Toronto home, that’s $24,000-$60,000 in equity. More importantly, homes with drainage issues often sit on the market 45-60 days longer than comparable properties, and sell for 5-10% below asking price. Our drainage solutions come with transferable warranties that become selling features during real estate transactions.

Integrated Drainage System Design Integrated Drainage System Design results

Integrated Drainage System Design

Our drainage solutions begin with comprehensive water flow analysis using topographical surveying and digital modeling. We map every water source affecting your property: roof runoff (calculating exact volumes from roof area), surface flow from neighboring properties, groundwater levels, and municipal storm sewer capacity. This data drives engineered solutions that handle both average conditions and extreme weather events.

Installation follows strict standards exceeding Ontario Building Code requirements. French drains use 3/4" clear stone wrapped in non-woven geotextile fabric, with perforated pipe sloped at minimum 1% grade. Catch basins are sized using rational method calculations to handle 100-year storm events. Downspout extensions run minimum 10 feet from foundations, often connecting to underground systems that daylight to safe discharge points. Every system includes cleanouts for maintenance access and overflow provisions for extreme events. We coordinate with landscapers to ensure drainage improvements enhance rather than detract from your property’s aesthetics.

Testimonials

What Our Customers Say

4.9/5 Average Rating
2800+ Happy Customers
Lifetime Warranty
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to common questions about drainage & grading solutions.

  • Common signs include water pooling near your foundation after rain, basement dampness or flooding, soggy areas in your lawn that never dry out, erosion patterns or soil washout, and ice buildup against your home in winter. Less obvious indicators include cracks in your foundation, doors and windows that stick seasonally, efflorescence (white powder) on basement walls, and increased insect activity around your foundation. If you notice water within 6 feet of your home 24 hours after rain, you have a drainage problem. Our free assessment uses moisture meters and level measurements to identify issues before they become expensive problems.
  • Surface drainage manages water running over the ground through grading, swales, and catch basins. It’s visible and handles roof runoff and rain that falls directly on your property. Subsurface drainage deals with water in the soil using French drains, weeping tile, and drainage pipes below ground. It manages groundwater, prevents soil saturation, and relieves hydrostatic pressure on foundations. Most Toronto properties need both: surface drainage for storm management and subsurface drainage for groundwater control. Our integrated approach ensures both systems work together, with surface water directed away from subsurface systems to prevent overloading.
  • Drainage costs vary significantly based on property size, problem severity, and solution complexity. Basic lot regrading runs $3,000-$8,000 for an average Toronto property. French drain installation costs $50-75 per linear foot, with typical homes needing 100-200 feet ($5,000-$15,000). Complete drainage systems including regrading, French drains, catch basins, and downspout management range from $8,000-$25,000. Factors affecting cost include soil type (clay costs more than sand), access limitations, disposal fees for excavated soil, and restoration requirements. While the investment seems significant, remember that one basement flood can cause $20,000+ in damage.
  • While simple downspout extensions or minor grading adjustments might be DIY projects, professional drainage requires expertise in hydraulic engineering, soil science, and local codes. Improper drainage can worsen problems by concentrating water in new areas or overwhelming municipal systems. Toronto bylaws require permits for significant grading changes and connections to storm sewers. Our licensed installers ensure proper pipe sizing, correct slope calculations, appropriate materials for soil conditions, and legal compliance. We also provide warranties and handle utility locates to prevent dangerous strikes. The cost difference between DIY and professional installation is often offset by avoiding mistakes that require expensive corrections.

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