Complete Drainage System Installation and Grading Project in Winnetka

Effective drainage requires more than fixing a single wet area—it requires understanding how water moves across the entire property. On this project, drainage concerns existed on the east, west, and south sides of the home, each presenting unique challenges that needed to be addressed to improve water management and protect the foundation.

Project Goals

• Move water away from the home’s foundation.
• Improve overall yard drainage and water flow.
• Correct grading issues around the property.
• Reduce standing water and soil saturation.
• Protect the home during periods of heavy rainfall.

East Side Drainage Improvements

• Installed approximately 50 feet of solid PVC drainage pipe.
• Routed water beneath existing walkways and around site obstacles.
• Directed runoff efficiently toward the street drainage outlet.
• Improved water movement away from the home’s foundation.

West Side Drainage Solutions

• Removed dense clay soil that was restricting drainage.
• Constructed a drainage swale to help direct surface water.
• Installed a perforated drainage system designed to collect and transport excess groundwater.
• Routed collected water toward the front of the property for improved discharge.

South Side Grading Corrections

• Lowered soil levels where grades had become too high against the foundation.
• Regraded critical areas to establish proper drainage away from the home.
• Improved surface runoff and reduced the risk of water infiltration.

Why a Whole-Property Drainage Approach Matters

Drainage problems are often interconnected. Water issues in one area can impact other parts of the property, making comprehensive solutions essential.

Common factors that contribute to drainage problems include:

• Improper grading around the foundation.
• Heavy clay soil that prevents water infiltration.
• Inadequate drainage systems.
• Surface runoff that has no clear path away from the home.

By addressing drainage and grading throughout the property, this project created a more effective water management system designed to perform during both everyday weather conditions and heavy rain events.

Project Highlights

• Foundation drainage improvements.
• Solid PVC drainage pipe installation.
• Perforated French drain system installation.
• Drainage swale construction.
• Yard grading and regrading services.
• Clay soil remediation.
• Surface water management solutions.
• Long-term foundation protection.

As you browse through the photos, you’ll see the drainage installation process, grading corrections, swale construction, and drainage routing improvements that helped create a safer and more effective path for water throughout the property.

The result: a property that drains more efficiently, protects the home’s foundation, minimizes water-related issues, and provides long-term performance during heavy rainfall.

 

---

Please call 847.698.6868 or Contact Us

Tommy Pollina Landscape Company – serving Chicagoland since 1982.