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January 5, 2025
Patrick Brown
9 min read

Drainage Solutions: Protecting Your Property from Water Damage

Common drainage problems in South Florida and how proper grading and drainage systems can protect your investment.

Drainage Solutions Guide

South Florida Rainfall Facts

50-65"
Annual Rainfall
May-Oct
Wet Season

Proper drainage is essential to handle intense rainfall events and protect your property.

Water damage is one of the most costly problems property owners face in South Florida. At SaS Broward, we've designed and installed drainage solutions for hundreds of properties throughout Broward County, protecting homes and businesses from flooding, erosion, and structural damage.

Understanding Drainage Problems

Effective drainage is crucial in South Florida due to our unique climate and geography. Heavy rainfall, flat terrain, and clay soils create perfect conditions for drainage problems.

Warning Signs of Drainage Issues

Standing Water: Puddles remaining 24-48 hours after rain
Soggy Lawns: Constantly wet or squishy grass areas
Foundation Issues: Cracks or settling due to water damage
Erosion: Soil washing away from planted areas

Common Causes

Improper Grading: Insufficient slope away from structures
Compacted Soil: Heavy clay preventing water infiltration
Blocked Systems: Clogged gutters and storm drains
Inadequate Infrastructure: Undersized drainage systems

Types of Drainage Solutions

Surface Drainage Systems

Surface drainage manages water that flows over the ground:

Proper Grading

Sloping land away from structures at 2-5% grade

Swales

Shallow channels that direct water flow

Catch Basins

Collection points for surface water

Channel Drains

Linear drains for driveways and patios

Berms

Raised areas that redirect water flow

Permeable Surfaces

Materials allowing water infiltration

Subsurface Drainage Systems

Subsurface systems handle water below ground level:

French Drains

Perforated pipes surrounded by gravel

Curtain Drains

Shallow systems intercepting groundwater

Foundation Drains

Systems protecting building foundations

Dry Wells

Underground chambers for water collection

Sump Pumps

Mechanical systems for water removal

Installation Process

1

Planning and Design

1-2 weeks

  • • Site assessment and survey
  • • Drainage system design
  • • Permit applications
  • • Material selection and ordering
2

Excavation and Installation

1-3 weeks

  • • Utility marking and protection
  • • Excavation and grading
  • • Pipe and system installation
  • • Backfilling and compaction
3

Finishing and Testing

1 week

  • • Surface restoration
  • • Landscape replacement
  • • System testing and adjustment
  • • Final inspection and approval

Investment Ranges

Understanding typical costs helps you plan your drainage solution investment:

$2K - $5K
Basic Surface Drainage
Simple grading and surface solutions
$3K - $8K
French Drain System
Subsurface drainage solutions
$5K - $15K
Comprehensive Yard Drainage
Complete property solutions
$8K - $20K
Foundation Protection
Structural protection systems
$10K - $50K+
Commercial Solutions
Large-scale commercial projects

Protect Your Investment Today

Effective drainage is essential for protecting your property investment in South Florida. Whether you're dealing with minor yard flooding or major foundation threats, the right drainage solution can save thousands in water damage repairs.

At SaS Broward, we understand the unique drainage challenges of our region and have the expertise to design and install systems that work effectively in our climate.

Solve Your Drainage Problems Today

Don't let water damage threaten your property. Contact SaS Broward for a comprehensive drainage assessment and custom solution design.