Foundation Drainage Solutions
Keep water away from your foundation with French drains, sump pumps, and grading from licensed drainage experts (Lic. #1092628) serving Southern California.
Expert Foundation Drainage Solutions
Most foundation damage in Los Angeles starts as a water problem. Our rain arrives concentrated in a handful of winter storms, and when it pools against the house, runs off a hillside toward the slab, or soaks into expansive clay beside the footing, the soil swells and shifts and the foundation moves with it. Hollywood Contractor Corp is a licensed general contractor (CSLB #1092628) solving drainage problems across LA County, including hillside properties in La Crescenta, Glendale, and Pasadena. We trace where the water actually goes, then move it away from the structure with grading, French drains, area drains, downspout extensions, and crawl-space vapor barriers — fixing the cause instead of repeatedly repairing the damage. See our related foundation repair services.
Signs of Poor Foundation Drainage
Drainage problems are easy to overlook until they damage your foundation. Watch for these warning signs around your home.
- Water pooling against the foundation after rain
- A damp, wet, or musty crawl space or basement
- White, chalky efflorescence on foundation walls
- Eroded soil or mulch washing away near the house
- Mildew, mold, or peeling paint at the base of walls
- New cracks from water pressure on the foundation
What Causes Drainage Problems in LA
Most drainage problems come down to where water goes when it rains. We pinpoint the source and redirect it for good.
- Yard graded toward the house instead of away
- Missing or too-short downspout extensions
- Dense clay soil that holds water against the foundation
- Hardscape and neighboring lots shedding runoff
- No French drain or surface drainage system
- Heavy seasonal rain with nowhere to go
How We Keep Water Away From Your Foundation
We design a drainage system around how water actually moves on your property — capturing it, redirecting it, and discharging it safely away from the home.
- French drains — intercept and carry groundwater away
- Surface & channel drains — capture runoff at the surface
- Sump pumps — remove water from low or wet areas
- Downspout extensions — carry roof water clear of the home
- Yard regrading — slope the soil away from the foundation
- Gutter integration — tie roof drainage into the system
Foundation Drainage Solutions Explained
The right system depends on your lot, soil, and where the water comes from. Here are the proven drainage solutions we install.
- French drain — a gravel trench with perforated pipe that collects and redirects groundwater.
- Surface & channel drains — grates and channels that capture water on patios, driveways, and low spots.
- Sump pump system — a basin and pump that actively removes water from crawl spaces and basements.
- Downspout extensions — carry roof runoff well past the foundation.
- Yard regrading — reshape the soil so water flows away from the home.
- Foundation waterproofing — membranes and coatings that keep walls dry.
Our Drainage Solutions Process
A clear, predictable process means no surprises — just water moving where it should, away from your home.
Site & Drainage Assessment
We study how water flows on your property and where it collects.
Custom Drainage Plan
You get a clear explanation and a written, fixed-price drainage plan.
Install & Grade
We install the drains, pumps, and grading to redirect the water.
Final Check & Warranty
We test the system, clean up, and back the work with a warranty.
Why Homeowners Choose Hollywood Contractor Corp
When water threatens your foundation, you want a contractor who diagnoses the real source, explains the fix in plain language, and keeps your home dry for good. Here’s what sets our drainage work apart.
- Licensed, bonded & insured (Lic. #1092628)
- Free, no-pressure on-site assessments
- Transparent, fixed-price quotes
- Solutions designed for your lot and soil
- French drains, sump pumps & regrading
- Local crews who know LA rain and clay soil
- Hundreds of completed LA-area projects
- Workmanship warranty on every job
Foundation Drainage FAQs
How much do foundation drainage solutions cost?
It depends on the system and the size of the area. Downspout extensions and minor surface drains can start around $1,000 to $3,000, while a full exterior French drain or sump pump system typically runs from about $3,500 to $12,000 depending on length, depth, and access. We provide a free on-site assessment and a clear, written, fixed-price quote.
Why does drainage matter for my foundation?
Water is the leading cause of foundation damage. When it pools against the foundation it erodes the supporting soil and builds hydrostatic pressure that cracks walls and causes settlement. Good drainage removes that water and protects everything your foundation rests on.
What are the signs I have a drainage problem?
Look for water pooling against the house after rain, a damp or musty crawl space, white efflorescence on foundation walls, eroding soil near the home, and new cracks. These all point to water that isn’t being directed away from the foundation.
What is a French drain and do I need one?
A French drain is a gravel-filled trench with a perforated pipe that collects groundwater and carries it away from your home. It’s one of the most effective fixes when water saturates the soil around your foundation or collects in a low area. We’ll tell you if it’s the right solution for your lot.
French drain or sump pump — which do I need?
They solve different problems and are often used together. A French drain redirects groundwater by gravity, while a sump pump actively removes water that collects in a crawl space or basement. After assessing your property we’ll recommend the right combination.
How long does a drainage installation take?
Most residential drainage projects are completed in one to three days, depending on the length of the drain runs and site access. We’ll give you an exact timeline with your quote.
Will fixing drainage stop my foundation cracks from getting worse?
In many cases, yes. A lot of foundation cracking and settlement is driven by water and soil movement around the home. Correcting drainage removes that driving force, which helps stop further movement — and we can pair it with any needed structural repairs.
Do drainage systems need maintenance?
Very little. We recommend keeping gutters clean, clearing drain grates of debris, and having the system checked periodically. A sump pump should be tested before the rainy season. We’ll walk you through simple upkeep when the work is done.
What Our Customers Say
Don’t just take our word for it — here’s what homeowners say about working with Hollywood Contractor Corp.
Water Pooling Around Your Foundation?
Schedule a free, no-pressure drainage assessment. We’ll trace where the water goes, explain your options in plain language, and give you a clear plan to keep your foundation dry.
Drainage Solutions Across Los Angeles County
Local crews, local permit knowledge. These communities have a dedicated page covering the work we do there.
We serve 34 cities across the greater Los Angeles area. View all service areas →