I get asked this question all the time,” says Bob Carr.
*”Is there a way to get water out of the low area that’s always trapped in my yard?”
Yes — and there’s a smart, lasting way to make that problem go away. If you’re tired of soggy grass and water pooling against your foundation, let me walk you through how I solve it — step by step.
- How I Design the System: The Big Picture
Here’s the play: we build a pump pit — a subterranean basin in the lowest part of your yard where all water can collect. Then we tie in multiple sources:
- Surface runoff from your lawn
- Downspouts or gutter overflows
- Possibly your existing foundation sump pump (if it’s dumping water back into the yard)
All that water flows to our pit. Inside the pit we install a submersible pump whose job is to carry the water up and out to a point where it can safely drain away — not just move it around your yard.
“In short, we’re not just moving the water—we’re solving the problem,” I tell folks. “We give the water an escape route that keeps your yard and foundation dry.”
- What Drives the Cost (and Why It Varies So Much)
Below are the key cost factors — and what I’ve learned from years of installs:
| Factor | Why It Matters | What I Watch Out For |
| Pit size & depth | Bigger or deeper pit = more excavation, structural support, and materials | Hitting rock, roots, wet soil |
| Pumping distance / elevation | More length or steeper climbs require stronger pumps and more pipe | Long uphill runs especially |
| Discharge destination | Where the water ends up changes how complex the system must be | Street, dry well, swale, municipal storm drain |
| Electrical work | If we need new wiring, trenching, or GFCI circuits, cost jumps | Distance to power, local code |
| Pump quality | Cheaper pumps often fail under stress; I use options built for outdoor, heavy use | Warranty, serviceability, support |
| Full restoration | After installation, we restore your yard fully (sod, gravel, planting) | Dealing with surface disruption and cleanup |
- Guideline Price Ranges (as I See Them)
Here’s how I currently break down my project estimates (which I always tailor on-site):
| Project Type | Price Range |
| Basic + short discharge | $3,850 – $5,200 |
| Mid-range (trenching, multiple collection points) | $5,200 – $8,500 |
| High-end (long run, heavy water, full restoration) | $8,500 – $12,000+ |
I always lead with full transparency — you’ll know where every dollar goes.
“Every install is custom. But the goal is always the same: Get the water out and keep it out.”
- Common Mistakes and How I Avoid Them
- Installing a pit without thinking through where the water ends up (destination matters).
- Undersizing the pump or pipe for the elevation/lift required.
- Skipping proper power setup — without a safe, dedicated circuit, the system may fail when you need it most.
- Botched restoration — I always budget to bring the yard back to (or better than) how it was before.
- What to Expect When We Work Together
- I visit your yard, map the low spots and water paths
- I sketch a plan: pit location, pipe routing, discharge point
- You see the options & costs (no surprises)
- Work begins: excavation, piping, electrical, pump install
- Full restoration: sod, stone, topsoil, blending so nothing looks “dug up”
“Water doesn’t have to win your yard,” I tell homeowners. “We’ll design a plan that gives it no place to hang out.”
Conclusion & Call to Action
If you’ve got a soggy low spot or your foundation pump is just dumping into your yard, this system can solve both. Let me come out, survey your property, and walk you through what’s possible — no fluff, no guesswork.
Contact Us for a Free Yard Drainage Assessment