Millie ExcavatingWestern New York's Excavation Specialists

Stormwater Drainage in Erie County, NY - drainage system installation

🌧️

Serving Erie County, NY

Free Estimates

Stormwater Drainage

Yard Drainage Excavation Experts — Not Landscapers Who Dabble

Erie County's yard drainage excavation experts. We own the trenching and excavation equipment to install catch basins, drainage systems, and proper grading that permanently solves flooding — not landscapers who dabble in drainage as a side service.

$2,000 - $8,000typical range

(716) 253-9275 Get a Free Quote

How much?

$2,000 - $8,000

How long?

Most stormwater drainage installations take 2-4 days depending on system complexity

Licensed?

Fully Licensed & Insured

(716) 253-9275

Why Choose Millie Excavating?

Western New York's Excavation Specialists - Trusted by homeowners across Erie County, NY.

Years Experience

500+

Projects Completed

Cities Served

100%

Customer Satisfaction

✓

Excavation Specialists, Not Generalists

We're experts in excavation and utility work, not general contractors who occasionally dig.

✓

We Own Our Equipment

No subcontractor markup means better value and faster project completion.

✓

Complete Property Restoration

We don't just dig—we restore your property to original or better condition.

✓

Local Erie County Expertise

Deep knowledge of local soil conditions, permits, and regulations.

✓Fully Licensed

✓Fully Insured

✓Free Same-Day Estimates

✓Local Family Business

✓5-Year Warranty

Transparent Pricing

What Does Stormwater Drainage Cost?

Drainage costs depend on your property size, problem severity, and solution complexity. These estimates reflect typical ranges for Erie County residential projects. We provide free on-site estimates with detailed written quotes.

Single catch basin with short drainage run

One collection point with 20-30 feet of pipe to discharge

$1,500 - $2,500

Yard regrading for drainage correction

Reshape yard slope to direct water away from foundation

$2,000 - $4,000

Multi-basin system with underground piping

2-4 catch basins connected with extensive pipe network

$3,500 - $6,000

Comprehensive property drainage system

Complete solution: grading, multiple basins, piping, discharge

$5,000 - $8,000+

Dry well installation

Underground infiltration chamber for areas without sewer access

$1,500 - $3,000

Want an accurate quote for your specific project?

Get Your Free Estimate

Signs You Need Stormwater Drainage

Watch for these warning signs that indicate you need professional stormwater drainage services.

⚠

Standing water in your yard for more than 24 hours after rain

⚠

Water flowing toward your foundation instead of away from it

⚠

Flooded or damp basement during or after heavy rain

⚠

Muddy, soggy lawn areas that never fully dry out

⚠

Erosion channels forming in your yard from running water

⚠

Ice buildup near your foundation from poor drainage in winter

The Millie Difference

Why Hire Excavation Experts for Yard Drainage?

Stormwater drainage requires proper excavation, grading, and underground pipe installation — skills that define our daily work. Here's why excavation specialists outperform landscapers and general contractors on drainage projects:

We Dig For A Living

Drainage installation requires trenching, grading, and catch basin excavation. This is what we do every day, not a side service we dabble in. Our crews are skilled in proper slope calculation, pipe bedding, and compacted backfill that ensures your system works for decades.

Own The Right Equipment

We own trenching machines, mini excavators, and full-size excavators — no renting, no subcontractors, no markup. This means faster scheduling, better pricing, and crews who know their equipment inside and out.

Understand WNY Soil Conditions

Erie County's heavy clay soil doesn't absorb water — solutions that work elsewhere fail here. We design systems that collect and convey water away rather than trying to make it soak into clay. Years of local experience means we know what works.

Permanent Solutions, Not Band-Aids

Landscapers often install surface-level fixes that fail in heavy rain. We install properly engineered systems with correct slope, adequate pipe sizing, and appropriate discharge points. Our solutions handle the worst storms Erie County can throw at them.

Common Stormwater Drainage Problems We Solve

Real-world scenarios where our expertise makes the difference.

What This Work Looks Like

Real projects and real excavation — the kind of work we'll perform on your property.

1 / 5

Stormwater Drainage in Erie County, NY - drainage system installation

Poor Yard Grading

Many Erie County properties were graded improperly during construction or have settled over time, creating slopes that direct water toward the foundation instead of away. This causes basement flooding, foundation moisture, and soggy yards. We re-grade affected areas to create positive drainage away from your home, install catch basins in low spots, and create swales or underground drainage to convey water to safe discharge points. Proper grading is the foundation of good drainage.

Overwhelmed Surface Drainage

During heavy rain or rapid snowmelt, some yards simply can't handle the volume of water. Low areas become ponds, water runs across driveways, and erosion damages landscaping. We install catch basin systems at strategic collection points, connect them with underground drainage pipes, and direct water to the storm sewer or other approved discharge. This infrastructure handles heavy flow without surface flooding, protecting your property during even the worst storms.

Clay Soil Saturation

Erie County's heavy clay soil has poor drainage characteristics. Water sits on the surface rather than soaking in, creating perpetually wet conditions. Surface solutions alone won't work - the water needs to be collected and conveyed away. We install catch basins to collect surface water, underground pipes to carry it away, and dry wells or storm sewer connections for final discharge. This approach works with the soil conditions rather than fighting them.

Driveway and Hardscape Drainage

Paved areas concentrate water flow, often directing it toward garages, foundations, or creating ice hazards in winter. We install channel drains or catch basins at critical points like garage aprons, driveway low spots, and patio edges. Underground piping carries collected water away to prevent flooding and ice buildup. Proper hardscape drainage protects your foundation, prevents slippery conditions, and eliminates the water problems that paved areas can create.

Why Choose Us for Stormwater Drainage?

Professional service backed by years of experience and the right equipment for the job.

✓

Excavation Experts

We dig for a living — trenchers, excavators, proper equipment for the job

✓

Clay Soil Solutions

Systems designed for Erie County's challenging heavy clay soil

✓

Permanent Fix

Properly engineered slope and discharge, not temporary patches

✓

Complete Restoration

Your yard restored to better condition after installation

Call to Discuss Your Project

Local Expertise

Stormwater Challenges in Western New York

Erie County's unique conditions create specific drainage challenges. Our local experience means we design solutions that actually work here, not generic approaches that fail.

Heavy Clay Soil

Challenge

Erie County clay doesn't absorb water. Rain and snowmelt sit on the surface, creating standing water and saturated yards. Infiltration-based solutions simply don't work here.

Our Approach

We design collection and conveyance systems — catch basins, underground pipes, and proper discharge points that move water away rather than expecting it to soak in.

High Water Table

Challenge

Areas near Lake Erie, Buffalo River, and local creeks have high water tables. During wet seasons, the ground is already saturated and can't accept more water.

Our Approach

We account for water table in our designs, using appropriate discharge methods and ensuring systems function even when groundwater is high.

Lake Effect Precipitation

Challenge

WNY receives intense rain events and heavy snowfall. Lake effect weather dumps significant precipitation in short periods, overwhelming inadequate drainage.

Our Approach

We size systems for heavy flow, not average conditions. Proper pipe diameter, multiple collection points, and adequate discharge capacity handle the worst storms.

Older Neighborhood Grading

Challenge

Many Erie County properties were graded toward the foundation during original construction, or have settled over time to create negative drainage.

Our Approach

We correct grading issues as part of drainage installation, ensuring water flows away from your foundation as it should have from the start.

Permits for Stormwater Drainage

Most residential yard drainage projects in Erie County don't require permits, but some situations do. We advise you on requirements and handle coordination when permits are needed.

Simple yard drainage (catch basins, grading, dry wells) usually doesn't require permits
Connecting to municipal storm sewers requires permits and inspections in most municipalities
Large drainage projects affecting property lines or easements may need review
Discharge to natural waterways may require environmental permits
We contact Dig Safely NY (811) before any excavation to mark utilities
For permitted work, we handle applications and schedule required inspections

How We Do It

Our proven 5-step process ensures quality results every time.

1 / 5

Stormwater Drainage in Erie County, NY - drainage system installation

Site Analysis

Evaluate water flow patterns on your property

Design Solution

Create custom drainage plan

Installation

Install catch basins, pipes, and grading

Testing

Verify proper water flow

Restoration

Restore landscaping and clean up

Ready to get started?

Schedule Your Project

What to Expect

Here's how the project typically goes.

🕐

Timeline

Most stormwater drainage installations take 2-4 days depending on system complexity. Simple catch basin installations can be done in 1-2 days, while comprehensive systems with multiple collection points, extensive underground piping, and grading work require 3-4 days. We work efficiently but don't rush - proper installation with correct slope is critical for long-term performance.

ℹ️

Disruption

Expect trenches across your yard where we install underground drainage pipes, excavated areas where catch basins are installed, and temporary disruption to landscaping. Equipment like excavators and trenchers will be on your property. There will be piles of excavated soil, some noise during working hours, and muddy conditions if weather is wet. We protect undisturbed areas and restore affected areas after installation. The temporary disruption is worth it for a permanently dry yard.

✅

Your Prep

Mark any underground utilities, irrigation systems, or septic components in the work area. Remove or protect landscape features you want to preserve. Clear the path for equipment access. Consider where you want water discharged - we need a legal, appropriate discharge point. If drainage problems are weather-dependent, photos or videos of flooding during rain help us understand the issues. Note where water collects, which direction it flows, and problem areas.

💬

Communication

We start with a site visit during which we observe drainage patterns, identify problem areas, and discuss your concerns. We explain our recommended solution, where components will be installed, and where water will discharge. Before work begins, we review the plan and mark installation locations. During installation, we keep you updated on progress and any unexpected findings. After completion, we show you how the system works and explain any maintenance requirements.

Our Fleet

Professional Equipment for Drainage Installation

We own the specialized equipment needed for efficient, quality drainage work. No rentals, no subcontractors — just experienced crews with the right tools.

Trenching Machine

Creates clean, consistent trenches for drainage pipe installation. Much faster than hand-digging and produces better results for proper pipe bedding.

Best For

Underground pipe runs, efficient installation

Mini Excavator

Compact machine that fits through 36-inch gates for backyard access. Digs catch basin holes, removes soil, and handles tight-space grading work.

Best For

Catch basin installation, tight backyard access

Full-Size Excavator

Handles major grading projects, deep excavations, and large-scale drainage work. Essential for comprehensive property drainage solutions.

Best For

Large grading projects, deep drainage systems

Laser Level System

Ensures proper slope throughout the drainage system. Gravity-flow systems require precise grade — laser accuracy guarantees water flows where it should.

Best For

Slope verification, proper drainage engineering

Compaction Equipment

Plate compactors and jumping jacks ensure proper backfill compaction. Prevents settling that causes future drainage problems or surface depressions.

Best For

Quality backfill, preventing settling

Stormwater Drainage FAQs

Yard flooding in Erie County commonly results from several factors: improper grading that slopes toward your home instead of away, heavy clay soil that doesn't absorb water well, high water table that becomes saturated during wet seasons, inadequate drainage infrastructure to handle stormwater volume, or downspouts dumping water too close to the foundation. We assess your specific property to identify the root cause and design drainage solutions that actually solve the problem rather than just moving water around.

A catch basin is an underground collection box, typically concrete or plastic, with a grated top that allows surface water to enter. Inside, the basin has a sump area that traps sediment and debris, preventing it from clogging drainage pipes. An outlet pipe at the top directs collected water through underground drainage pipes to a safe discharge location like the street storm sewer, a dry well, or a drainage swale. Catch basins are ideal for collecting water from low spots, driveways, or areas with standing water.

Stormwater drainage solutions typically range from $2,000 to $8,000 depending on your property size, the severity of drainage problems, and the complexity of the solution. Simple projects like installing a catch basin and short drainage run cost less, while comprehensive systems involving multiple catch basins, extensive underground piping, and grading work cost more. We provide detailed estimates after evaluating your specific drainage issues and designing an effective solution.

We design discharge solutions based on your property and local regulations. Options include connecting to the municipal storm sewer system (if available and permitted), directing water to the street gutter, installing a dry well where water percolates into the ground, creating drainage swales that carry water to a low area of your property, or discharging to a natural drainage course or pond. We always ensure discharge is legal, doesn't create problems for neighbors, and complies with local stormwater regulations.

Yes, but clay soil presents special challenges. Erie County's heavy clay doesn't absorb water well, so solutions that rely on infiltration alone often fail. We design systems that collect and convey water away rather than trying to make it soak in where it won't. This typically means catch basins, underground pipes, and discharge to a storm sewer or approved location. For areas where some infiltration is possible, we may use dry wells filled with stone to provide temporary storage while water slowly infiltrates.

Stormwater drainage systems prevent surface water from reaching your foundation, which often solves or reduces basement flooding. We install catch basins and grading to intercept water before it reaches your house, and we can connect downspouts to underground drainage away from the foundation. For groundwater problems (water coming through foundation walls or floor), a French drain or interior drainage system may be needed. We assess your specific situation and recommend the right solution.

We design systems with proper slope so water flows by gravity without standing in pipes. Catch basins trap sediment and debris before it enters pipes - these should be cleaned out every few years. We use appropriately-sized pipes (typically 4-6 inch diameter) that resist clogging. For areas with heavy debris, we install grates or filters at collection points. We also ensure pipes have cleanout access points so any future clogs can be cleared with a drain snake or jetter.

Requirements vary by municipality in Erie County. Simple yard drainage usually doesn't require permits, but connecting to municipal storm sewers requires permits and inspections. Large drainage projects or those affecting neighboring properties may need permits. We're familiar with local requirements and advise you on what's needed. For permitted work, we coordinate the permitting process and schedule required inspections.

Why Stormwater Drainage Matters

Proper stormwater drainage protects your most valuable investment - your home. Water directed away from your foundation prevents basement flooding, foundation cracks, and structural damage from hydrostatic pressure. Eliminating standing water creates a healthier, more usable yard and prevents mosquito breeding. Good drainage prevents erosion that damages landscaping and creates unsightly channels. In winter, proper drainage prevents ice buildup near walkways and foundations. Professional stormwater solutions solve problems permanently rather than just managing symptoms, adding value to your property and giving you peace of mind during every rainstorm.

📞Call (716) 253-9275 Now