Stop Water Before It Becomes a Problem

Drainage and water management solutions for Cincinnati, Ohio properties with pooling and runoff issues.

If water pools in your yard after rain, runs toward your foundation, or washes out landscaping, the problem usually comes from grading that slopes the wrong direction or soil that does not drain freely. In Cincinnati, where clay soils hold moisture and rain can be heavy, standing water creates soft spots, damages plant roots, and puts pressure on foundation walls. Proper drainage redirects that water before it settles.

Dave King Construction installs French drains, corrects grading, and redirects runoff to move water away from problem areas. A French drain uses a perforated pipe buried in gravel to collect water and carry it to a safe outlet. Grading correction reshapes the yard so water flows toward the street, a drainage inlet, or a dry well instead of pooling near your house. These solutions are often integrated with patio, driveway, or retaining wall projects to manage water across the entire property.

To schedule a drainage evaluation for your Cincinnati property, contact Dave King Construction.

How Drainage Systems Are Installed

The crew digs a trench along the area where water collects, sloping it toward an outlet such as a storm drain or low corner of the yard. In Cincinnati, the trench depth depends on how much fall is available and where the water needs to go. A perforated pipe is laid in the trench, surrounded by gravel, and covered with filter fabric to keep soil from clogging the system.

Once the system is in place, you will see water move off the surface faster after rain, no standing pools in low spots, and soil that stays firm instead of turning muddy. Grass grows back over the trench, and the system works without ongoing maintenance.

Grading work may be needed before the drain is installed to create the right slope. In some cases, a catch basin is added at a low point to collect surface water before it enters the pipe. The system can tie into existing downspouts, sump pump discharge lines, or other drainage features to manage water from multiple sources. Topsoil and seed are added over the trench once the pipe is covered, and the area is ready for use as soon as the grass fills in.

What Homeowners Ask About Drainage

Most questions focus on where the water goes, how long the work takes, and whether the system will clog over time. These answers help clarify what drainage work involves and what results to expect.

Where does the water go after it enters the drain?
The pipe carries it to a safe outlet such as a street storm drain, a dry well, or a low area of your yard where it can soak in without causing problems.
How long does a French drain installation take?
Most residential drains take one to three days depending on trench length and site conditions. Grading work or tying into existing systems may add time.
What keeps the drain from clogging?
Filter fabric wraps the gravel to block soil and sediment while allowing water to pass through. The gravel itself acts as a filter and gives water space to flow.
Why does grading need to be corrected?
Proper slope directs water toward the drain or away from your foundation. Without it, water pools before it reaches the system and the drain does not work as intended.
How does drainage work with other hardscape projects?
Drains can be installed before or during patio, driveway, or retaining wall work to manage water across the entire area. Coordinating the projects ensures everything slopes and drains correctly from the start.

Dave King Construction evaluates your yard slope, soil conditions, and water flow before recommending a drainage solution. Get in touch to discuss your Cincinnati property and schedule a site visit.