Foundation Drainage
Interior and exterior drainage systems designed specifically for Charleston's high water table and tidal influence. We redirect water away from your foundation before it becomes a problem, using precision-graded French drains and commercial sump pump systems.
Complete Service Features
Why Drainage Is Critical in the Lowcountry
Charleston sits at near sea level with a high water table, tidal rivers, and heavy seasonal rainfall. Without proper drainage, water finds its way into your crawlspace — and once it's there, the damage compounds fast.
High Water Table
Charleston's water table can be just inches below the surface. During heavy rain or king tides, hydrostatic pressure pushes water up through your crawlspace floor. Proper drainage relieves that pressure.
Tidal Influence
Homes near tidal creeks and rivers experience water intrusion that follows the tide cycle. Our systems include tidal check valves that prevent backflow during high tide events.
Foundation Protection
Standing water erodes soil around your foundation, causing settling and structural damage. Drainage systems keep water moving away from your home — not pooling against it.
Mold Prevention
Even small amounts of standing water create the humidity levels that fuel mold growth. Drainage is often the first step in a comprehensive moisture management plan.
How It Works
Moisture Source Assessment
We identify exactly where water is entering your crawlspace — groundwater, surface runoff, plumbing leaks, or tidal influence — so we can engineer the right solution.
System Design
Based on your home's specific conditions, we design a drainage system with the right combination of French drains, sump pumps, and discharge routing.
Excavation & Installation
Our team installs precision-graded drainage channels, perforated pipe, gravel beds, and sump basins — all designed for maximum water flow and long-term reliability.
Pump & Backup Setup
Commercial-grade sump pumps with battery backup systems ensure your drainage works even during power outages — when you need it most.
Testing & Commissioning
We flood-test the entire system to verify proper flow rates, pump activation, and discharge routing before we consider the job complete.
Common Questions
Do I need a sump pump if I get a French drain?
In most Charleston crawlspaces, yes. The French drain collects and channels the water, but a sump pump is needed to actively remove it from the crawlspace. They work as a system.
What happens during a power outage?
Our battery backup systems keep your sump pump running for up to 72 hours during power outages. We also offer water-powered backup options for extended outages.
Can drainage be combined with encapsulation?
Absolutely — and it often should be. We frequently install drainage first, then encapsulate over the top. This gives you both active water management and passive moisture control.
How do you handle tidal water intrusion?
We install tidal check valves on discharge lines and design systems that account for the tidal cycle. This is a Charleston-specific challenge that most national companies don't understand.
Ready to Get Started?
Schedule a free inspection and receive your personalized Crawlspace Blueprint™ with honest, expert recommendations.