Black corrugated drain with PVC couplings and fabric in WNY backyard

Stormwater Drainage

Catch basins, drainage systems, and grading that fix yard flooding for good.

(716) 253-1527

Serving Erie County, NYFree Estimates$2,000 - $8,000 typical range

Yard Drainage Experts. Not Landscapers Who Dabble.

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) 253-1527

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

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Excavation Specialists, Not Generalists

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

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We Own Our Equipment

No subcontractor markup means better value and faster project completion.

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Complete Property Restoration

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

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Local Erie County Expertise

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

✓Fully Licensed

✓Fully Insured

✓Free Same-Day Estimates

✓Local Family Business

✓Serving Erie County Since 2019

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

Full 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

Do You Need Stormwater Drainage?

Common signs to look for:

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

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Water flowing toward your foundation instead of away from it

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Flooded or damp basement during or after heavy rain

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Muddy, soggy lawn areas that never fully dry out

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Erosion channels forming in your yard from running water

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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: approaches 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 Systems, 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.

What Stormwater Drainage Problems Do We Solve?

What This Work Looks Like

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

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Two green PVC sewers in narrow Buffalo duplex trench by foundation

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?

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Excavation Experts

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

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Clay Soil Systems

Systems designed for Erie County's challenging heavy clay soil

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Permanent Fix

Properly engineered slope and discharge, not temporary patches

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Complete Restoration

Your yard restored to better condition after installation

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 Does Stormwater Drainage Work?

Here's how it works.

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Case excavator and dump truck at commercial Erie County excavation site

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.

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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 larger 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

Improper grading, heavy clay soil, high water tables, or downspouts dumping water too close to your foundation are the most common causes in Erie County. We assess your specific property to identify the root cause and design a drainage solution that permanently redirects water: not just moves it around. Call (716) 253-1527 for a free evaluation.

A catch basin is an underground collection box with a grated top that captures surface water. A sump inside traps sediment before it can clog pipes, while an outlet directs water through underground piping to a safe discharge point: like a storm sewer, dry well, or drainage swale. They're ideal for low spots, driveways, and anywhere water pools.

Most projects range from $2,000 to $8,000. A single catch basin with a short drainage run costs less, while systems with multiple basins, extensive piping, and grading work cost more. We provide free on-site estimates with detailed written quotes after evaluating your property. Call (716) 253-1527 to schedule.

Collected water is directed to a municipal storm sewer, street gutter, dry well, drainage swale, or natural drainage course: depending on your property layout and local regulations. We ensure every discharge point is legal and won't create problems for neighbors.

Yes, but clay requires the right approach. Erie County's heavy clay doesn't absorb water, so infiltration-only solutions often fail. We design systems using catch basins and underground pipes that collect and convey water to a storm sewer or approved discharge point. Where some infiltration is possible, stone-filled dry wells provide temporary storage.

Surface drainage systems often solve or significantly reduce basement flooding by intercepting water before it reaches your foundation. We install catch basins, correct grading, and route downspouts underground away from the house. If groundwater is coming through walls or the floor, a French drain or interior system may be needed instead: we'll assess and recommend the right fix.

Proper slope ensures water flows by gravity without standing in pipes. Catch basins trap sediment before it enters the system. Just clean them out every few years. We use 4-6 inch pipes that resist clogging, install grates at collection points, and include cleanout access so future clogs can be cleared easily.

Simple yard drainage usually doesn't require permits in Erie County, but connecting to municipal storm sewers does. Larger projects or those affecting neighboring properties may also need permits. We know local requirements, advise you on what's needed, and handle the permitting process and inspections for permitted work.

What Our Customers Say

Real reviews from homeowners and businesses we've worked with across Erie County.

Why Does Stormwater Drainage Matter?

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 keeping your home dry during every rainstorm.

📞Call (716) 253-1527 Now