Best Drainage Systems near Tacoma | TH Excavation Guide

Why Your Tacoma Property Might Need a Drainage System

If you're reading this, there’s a good chance you’ve got a soggy backyard, standing water around your foundation, or a lawn that never seems to dry out — even after the rain stops. Living in Tacoma or anywhere in Pierce County means dealing with a lot of wet months. And when the water doesn’t have anywhere to go? That’s when the problems start.

At TH Excavation, we’ve met plenty of homeowners just like you — frustrated, a little overwhelmed, and unsure if it’s worth fixing. You might be asking: Is drainage really that big of a deal? Short answer? Yes. But we’re not here to scare you.

Signs Your Drainage Is Failing (And What That Looks Like at Home)

Drainage problems aren’t always obvious at first. Sure, giant puddles are easy to spot. But what about the subtle signs?

Here’s what we see most often around Tacoma:

• Mushy, sponge-like patches of lawn — even on dry days.
  

• Water stains or mildew smells in basements or crawl spaces.
  

• Cracks in your driveway or sidewalks from soil shifting.
  

• Erosion around your house or fence posts.
  

• That one corner of your yard that refuses to grow grass.

You don’t need to be an expert to spot these things. If any of this sounds familiar, your yard’s trying to tell you something.

The Top 3 Drainage Systems That Work Best in Tacoma’s Wet Weather

Now let’s talk solutions — and not just any solutions. These are systems that actually work in Tacoma’s rainy climate and varied soils.

1. French Drains

A favorite for a reason. French drains are great at pulling water away from foundations, patios, or anywhere water likes to sit. They work underground and look clean once installed — no ugly pipes sticking out.

2. Surface Drains (Catch Basins & Channel Drains)

If water is pooling fast during storms, surface drains are your best friend. They collect water at ground level and send it away through underground piping.

3. Dry Wells or Soakaway Pits

These work well in certain Tacoma areas where soil drains slowly. They act like underground holding tanks, letting water filter into the soil over time instead of overwhelming your lawn or house.

We often combine these systems for the best results. No two properties are the same — and no single fix works everywhere.

French Drains vs. Surface Drains: What’s the Difference and Which Is Better?

This is one of the most common questions we get. Here’s how we explain it:

• French Drains: Best when the water problem is underground (like near your foundation or below a soggy yard).
  

• Surface Drains: Best when you see water rushing across the surface or pooling fast in one spot.

So which is better? That depends on your problem. Often, it’s not either/or — it’s both. We’ve installed full systems with French drains to catch deep water and surface drains to manage runoff. It’s not about picking the flashiest option — it’s about picking what solves your issue.

How Much Should a Drainage System Cost in Pierce County?

Let’s talk money. Because this matters — and we know the fear of being overcharged or sold something you don’t need.

Here’s a ballpark based on real jobs we’ve done:

• Basic French Drain (one area): $3,500–$6,000
  

• Surface Drain System (driveway/patio runoff): $2,500–$5,000
  

• Full Yard Drainage System: $7,000–$15,000+
  

• Custom Solutions with Landscaping Work: $10,000–$25,000 depending on grading, access, and complexity.

The biggest cost factors are:

• How big the area is
  

• How deep we need to dig
  

• Soil conditions
  

• Whether we’re working around structures, decks, or fences

You don’t need to guess. We’re happy to walk the property with you and give you clear numbers, not vague estimates.

Real Homeowner Mistakes: What Happens When Drainage Gets Ignored

We’ve seen too many cases where people put off fixing their drainage — and it costs them way more later. Here are just a few real-world examples:

• Mold in crawl spaces that led to full floor replacements.
  

• Foundation cracks from years of soil erosion.
  

• Dead lawns and trees that got overwatered every winter.
  

• Driveways that sank or buckled from shifting wet soil.

The biggest mistake? Doing nothing. The second biggest? Hiring someone who doesn’t specialize in drainage — like a landscaper who doesn’t know how water moves underground.

How We Customize Drainage Solutions for Tacoma Yards

We’re not a cookie-cutter kind of company. Every yard in Tacoma has its own slope, soil, and runoff issues — so we treat each one like a puzzle.

Here’s what our process usually looks like:

1. Walk the property with you to understand your concerns.
   

2. Check elevations and how water currently flows (or doesn’t).
   

3. Dig test holes if needed to check soil drainage rates.
   

4. Map out a drainage plan that fits your goals and budget.
   

5. Install the right system, not the most expensive one.

We’re not here to upsell you on something flashy. We’re here to fix the problem — for good.

Choosing a Local Drainage Expert: What to Ask Before Hiring

Not all contractors understand drainage. And not all of them will take the time to explain it.

Here’s what you should ask anyone before signing a contract:

• Have you worked on drainage in Tacoma before?
  

• Will you check soil and grading first?
  

• Do you use perforated pipe with proper filter fabric?
  

• Will I need a permit? (Sometimes you will — we can help.)
  

• How deep will the system be installed?
  

• Can I see photos of similar jobs you’ve done?

You don’t need to be an expert to ask smart questions. You just need someone willing to answer them honestly.

Why Homeowners Trust TH Excavation (Without Us Needing to Say It)

We’re not here to brag. But we are proud of the way we work. What matters to us most? That you get a solution that actually works, and that you feel comfortable asking questions along the way.

We’re based right here in Kitsap County, and we work across Pierce, Mason, and Thurston. We know the rain, the soils, and the neighborhoods. We’re not some national franchise. We’re your neighbors. And when we fix a drainage issue — we want it to stay fixed.

In Closing: It’s Your Yard. You Deserve to Enjoy It.

Standing water, mushy lawns, and foundation damage don’t have to be part of life in Tacoma. Whether you need a simple fix or a full system, the first step is learning your options — and now, you’ve done that.

If you’re ready for honest advice and a solution built for your property, we’re here to help.