Drainage Systems That Prevent Recurring Flooding
Stormwater & Drainage in Lakewood for properties with standing water, erosion channels, or inadequate runoff control
Standing water after storms signals drainage failures that worsen with each rain event, eroding soil, undermining foundations, and creating saturated zones that kill landscaping. Rhino Excavating LLC installs stormwater systems and drainage infrastructure designed to capture runoff at high points, route it through underground pipes or graded swales, and discharge it away from structures at controlled rates. Lakewood properties on slopes or with clay soils face specific challenges—clay sheds water instead of absorbing it, and slopes concentrate flow into erosive channels that carve through yards and destabilize retaining walls.
Drainage excavation involves cutting trenches for underground stormwater systems, installing catch basins or channel drains where water pools, and grading surfaces to direct sheet flow toward collection points. The system includes perforated pipe for subsurface drainage, solid pipe for routing concentrated flows, and outlet structures that prevent erosion at discharge points.
Request a property evaluation to identify drainage problem areas and map effective routing for stormwater control.
What Changes After Drainage Infrastructure Is Finished
Stormwater infrastructure installation removes water from problem areas by intercepting runoff before it accumulates and moving it through graded paths or buried pipes to safe discharge locations. Drainage preparation includes reshaping ground surfaces so water flows predictably toward inlets rather than ponding in low spots or flowing toward building foundations. Excavation also addresses subsurface saturation by installing French drains or curtain drains that lower the water table in persistently wet zones.
Once the system operates, you no longer see standing water after storms, erosion gullies stop widening, and saturated areas dry out enough to support healthy turf or plantings. Basements stay dry because water is diverted before it reaches foundation walls. Driveways and walkways stop developing washouts, and soil remains stable around retaining walls or slope edges.
Underground stormwater systems require inlet grates kept clear of debris and periodic flushing to remove sediment that reduces pipe capacity. Surface grading alone needs less maintenance but may require regrading if settlement or landscaping changes alter flow paths. Both approaches work, but underground systems handle higher volumes and preserve surface aesthetics better than open swales on smaller lots.
Common Questions About This Service
Drainage problems vary widely depending on lot topography, soil type, and existing site grading. These questions address the concerns property owners raise most often.
What causes drainage systems to stop working after installation?
Inlet grates clog with leaves and debris, pipes fill with sediment washed in during storms, or settlement changes surface grades so water no longer flows toward inlets. Regular cleaning and inspection after heavy rains prevent most failures.
How does Lakewood's clay soil affect stormwater system design?
Clay's low permeability means water runs off instead of soaking in, increasing surface flow volumes that drainage systems must handle. Systems in clay soils require larger pipe diameters, more frequent catch basins, and outlets designed to manage higher peak flows without erosion.
When should stormwater excavation happen relative to other site work?
Drainage work typically occurs after rough grading establishes final elevations but before landscaping, hardscaping, or structure work that would be disrupted by trenching. Installing drainage early prevents water problems during construction and ensures the system integrates with final site grades.
What permits or approvals does drainage installation require?
Work within drainage easements, connections to municipal storm systems, or projects that alter natural drainage patterns may require permits from Lakewood or Jefferson County. Residential systems contained entirely on private property and discharging to the street or an alley typically do not, but verifying with local authorities prevents compliance issues.
How is stormwater routed if the property has no downhill discharge point?
Drainage systems can tie into municipal storm drains where available, or use dry wells and infiltration basins to disperse water underground in areas with permeable subsoils. Properties with high water tables or impermeable clay may require pumped discharge systems that lift water to an acceptable outlet elevation.
Drainage excavation and stormwater infrastructure from Rhino Excavating LLC addresses recurring water problems with systems designed for Lakewood soil and weather conditions. Schedule a site visit to map drainage issues and discuss solution options.