Drainage systems sometimes have obvious problems such as when your basement floods, however, other problems may be less obvious. Listed below are some common drainage system problems that can be resolved by a drainage systems contractor:
- Puddles around your foundation: This can occur when your soil is improperly pitched away from your home or your downspouts do not point far away enough. Whatever the cause is, if you notice puddles forming around your foundation, it may be time to contact a drainage system professional.
- Basement water stains: Before your basement gets flooded, chances are that you would have started noticing water stains appear on your basement walls and floor. If the stains fail to disappear over time, it may be due to improper drainage. Consider hiring the services of a professional drainage systems contractor
- Persistent yard puddles: It is normal for puddles to form on your property after heavy rain. However, it fails to dry off after a few hours, you should consider contacting a qualified person to handle it.
- Overflowing gutters during rain: Although simply cleaning a gutter that overflowed during rain may be the solution to restoring the gutter, it could also be the sign of gutters that are too small or improperly pitched. Hiring a drainage system professional to confirm the cause and fix the problem can go a long way in saving you money.
How Much Does a Drainage System Cost?
Every residential drainage project is unique due to the different myriad of challenges posed by each project. The cost of installing or repairing drainage systems depends on the scale of the project, the kind of system proposed, and pre-existing site conditions. For instance, retrofitting a drainage system into an existing landscape requires a huge amount of excavation and piping. Hence, retrofitting costs more than fresh installations.
Installing drainage systems cost homeowners between $1,800 and $5,600 with an average cost of $3,750. Small drainage solutions could be as low as $800, while more complicated solutions could go as high as $8,000. For instance, french drains cost about $20 to $30 per linear foot or between $1,000 and $1,500 in exterior applications and $45 to $60 per linear foot or $5,000 to $6,000 for internal ones. Other drainage system costs are:
Average costs for some drainage systems are listed below:
Perimeter or weeping tile drainage systems are very expensive, often costing above $10,000 due to the amount of digging and materials required. Most local building codes require this type of drainage system with every home build. It involves perforated piping and gravel around the whole foundation to help remove moisture away from the foundation.
What are the Factors That Affect the Cost of Drainage System Contractor?
The following are the crucial factors affecting the cost of a drainage system job:
- The kind of drainage system required: There are different types of drainage systems, common among which are french drains, surface drains, trench channels, storm drains, or downspouts. Generally, French systems cost more than the other types.
- Repair, replacement, or installation: A fresh installation of a drainage system may involve site analysis, excavation, plumbing works, and procurement of several materials for use. Typically, that would be more expensive when compared to repair or replacement jobs. The cost for repair work will also depend on the severity of damage done to the existing drainage system.
- Location: A drainage system job may cost higher or lower depending on how much wage is charged per hour in a locality. Also locations far from the contractor and the market for materials may add to the cost. Hence, it is recommended that you hire contractors near you.
What Qualifications Should Drainage System Contractors Have?
Drainage system contractors are many times involved in designing drainage systems, analyzing environmental impacts, aesthetics, and project costs. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, drainage systems contractors are required to have a degree in civil or environmental engineering. Other key skills required of them include advanced plumbing skills, mathematical and analytical skills, project management, knowledge of construction materials, soil science, and AutoCAD.
Do You Need a Handyman or a Drainage System Contractor?
When something goes wrong with the drainage system in homes or workplaces, many people turn to any handyman near you for quick fixes. Although hiring a handyman can save you money upfront, it will likely end up costing you more down the line when the problem reappears or continues to get worse. Professional drainage system contractors have specific training in handling drainage problems, unlike handymen who do not have specialized training. Handymen are also unlikely to have experienced complex drainage situations as much as professionals have. A handyman troubleshooting a drainage problem can take several hours while a professional can quickly find the source of a drainage problem. A drainage system contractor is also highly likely to be certified, insured, and bonded which can save you from potential financial liabilities.
What Are the Common Post Drainage System Expenses?
Demolition of existing structures, or support structures and excavation can leave a lot of debris such as broken concrete or unused construction materials after installing or repairing a drainage system problem. Clean-up can be minimal to extensive and are the most common post-job expense associated with a drainage system job. Many professional contractors will include the cost of hauling or disposing of any debris in the estimates submitted. However, it is necessary to ask your contractor who will be responsible for footing the bill for any post-job expenses before hiring.
You should also adhere to any instructions given by your contractor on periodic replacements for any parts of your drainage system. Proper maintenance will help you extend the lifespan of the system and forestall frequent problems.
Does Homeowner Insurance Cover Drainage System Expenses?
A home insurance policy is designed to protect homeowners against financial losses arising from their properties. A faulty drainage system can cost thousands in repair and a standard insurance policy may not cover you. Whether your drainage system is covered by your home insurance depends on your insurance company and the specific policy you have. Generally, most home insurance policies will cover accidental damage to your drainage system. However, damage due to old age, corrosion, or anything that seems like a natural deterioration will likely not fall under an "accidental damage" scope. External influences such as damage from excavation or tree root intrusion may be covered by your insurance.
As a guide, you should always find out the perils that an insurance company covers before you purchase a homeowners' insurance policy from them.
Can I Use Digital Payment to Pay My Drainage System Contractor?
Yes, you can. Many contractors including drainage system contractors now accept payment through electronic channels. Digit payment options such as credit cards, debit cards, and bank transfers are safer, more secure, and faster than conventional payment methods. Following lockdown measures and restrictions placed on gatherings to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, more and more people have embraced carrying out transactions digitally. However, you should ask your contractor for the preferred method of payment before making payments through digital channels.