How do we go about getting some excavating?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vCkY6tPWWGE

Hi Patricia, this video show how to diy a french drain

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nY91WxP6v40

https://www.hgtv.com/remodel/outdoors/how-to-install-french-drains

https://www.wikihow.com/Build-a-French-Drain

https://www.homedepot.com/c/how_to_build_a_french_drain_HT_PG_PL

If you need to hire out, I would use a licensed landscape architect or gardener or even a plumber. Here is how to hire any type of contractor.

https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0242-hiring-contractor

You'll need to hire someone with many years of French drain installations and impeccable references. You can also research a system called "Hydro-Blox", which works on hydrostatic pressure, requires a shallower trench in colder areas of the country, handles a larger volume of water faster, and is reputed to last longer and cost less, at least in zone 5b, 6a, 6b.

Why do you think you need French Drain? does water pool there? Does back yard/area surrounding slope in that direction? Did some one tell you that you needed one? Average Drainage System Prices

Total Material CostsInterior Basement Floor French$2,000-$3,000Exterior Backyard French$200-$700Yard Pipe System$50-$200Trench / Channel$100-$300Catch Basin or Storm$50-$100Downspouts & Gutter$4-$100 eachWindow Wells$800-$2,800

Simply understanding that you need proper drainage is not enough. Now, depending on the type of water problems you have or anticipate, it's time to pick a solution that matches your needs. Several common types of solutions exist:French Systems - $200-$3,000

Depending on which system you get, you could pay as little as $200-$700 for this style and as much as $2,000-$3,000. This style takes advantage of gravity. It consists of a ditch filled with gravel and a perforated pipe, which guides water away from the area susceptible to damage. French styles make the most sense in one of two areas of your home:

1. Around your home's perimeter.
2. Underneath your basement floor.

In both cases, it helps collect excess moisture and guides it away from your foundation in order to prevent damage. More on the different types of interior and exterior solutions below.Yard Drainage Pipes - $50-$200This solution involves yard inlets, which are like small catch basins with grates on top. The inlets are connected to pipes and distributed elsewhere by way of emitters, which release the flow onto the surface elsewhere in your yard.Each inlet falls within the $4 to $10 range. Piping is $25 to $100 and more, and emitters are $15 to $20. You may also choose to direct the flow into a dry well or the municipal system.Especially if your property is relatively flat, be mindful of standing water in your yard after rain falls. Your water table will rise, leading to increased risk of moisture damage to your home. In that case, a network of pipes that distribute moisture equally throughout your property can help solve your issue.Trench or Channel - $100-$300This type acts to quickly remove retained puddles from large surfaces. They are ideal for driveways or other paved expanses. The design involves a trough or channel structure with a flush grate surface, placed in a trench.The price of the trough or channel will depend on length and material. A steel driveway trench, for example, could be $100 where a concrete one could be $300.Catch Basin or Storm Drain - $50-$100This collects water when it builds up during a storm and diverts it to the municipal sewer system. For residential applications, these basins do not exceed 2’ x 2’. Options include pre-cast concrete, cast-in-place concrete, polymer or plastic. They filter water that pours into them by way of a grate and a sump to keep out as many pollutants as possible. They are best for areas where wetness would otherwise pool during a storm, to protect landscapes and gardens.The variance in price often correlates directly with size: a 10” x 10” plastic catch basin is closer to $50 and a 12” x 12” basin with a galvanized steel grate will be $60-$100, for an average range of $50-$100. Basins of 22’ x 22’ range higher, around $300-$400. If you don’t already have yard piping to direct the flow into the sewer, factor in the addition of piping materials.Downspout & Gutter Drainage - $4-$100 eachSometimes, an issue as simple as improper gutter drainage causes water problems. Make sure that your downspouts lead far enough away from your property to avoid risking damage to your foundation. If they don’t, here are a few options:

• Add downspout extensions, which can reach up to 25 feet and are $10 to $50 each.
• Connect the downspout to an underground system. If you already have one to tap into, it should only be about $20 to $50 for each underground extension. Each spout could be up to $100 if you choose a material like copper. Add to that if you have to get an underground pipe network put in your yard.Window Wells - $800-$2,800

Also known as and associated with egress windows, these do more than let in light and provide and escape. They should also work to direct moisture away from the foundation. The gravel base in the well collects moisture on its own and directs it away. If this is not efficient enough and your well forms puddles, you can add in a pipe which carries the flow to the perimeter units.

Regular wells could be $800 to $1,800, where higher-end options could range up to $2,800. For existing window wells that are retaining puddles, consult with a professional about getting a pipe.CONSULT WITH A BACKYARD DRAINAGE PROFESSIONAL