Foundation Drainage in Memphis, TN
Memphis clay soil holds water against foundations for days after rain, driving hydrostatic pressure that cracks walls and lets water in. Shelby Yard designs and installs foundation drainage systems that intercept water before it reaches your home.
Exterior foundation drainage keeps hydrostatic pressure off the footing and moisture out of the crawlspace.
What Is Foundation Drainage?
Foundation drainage systems intercept groundwater and surface runoff before it reaches your foundation walls, using perimeter drain pipe, drainage aggregate, and proper grading to redirect water to a safe outlet.
- Prevents hydrostatic pressure buildup against foundation walls
- Stops basement flooding and wall cracks caused by soil expansion
- Protects foundation footings from erosion in Memphis clay
- Extends foundation lifespan significantly
- Qualifies for lower homeowner insurance rates in some cases
Memphis Clay Problem
Our Installation Process
Every foundation drainage project follows a proven four-step process built for Memphis conditions.
Foundation Assessment
Inspect existing grading, identify water entry points and soil conditions
Excavation
Excavate perimeter to footing depth to expose the foundation wall
Drain & Gravel Bed
Install drainage composite board and perforated drain pipe in a gravel bed
Backfill & Grade
Backfill with drainage aggregate, restore grade sloping away from foundation
Pricing Options
Transparent ranges — your final quote depends on linear footage, depth, and site conditions.
Exterior Perimeter Drain
Weeping tile system at footing level around affected walls
- Perforated pipe in gravel trench
- Tied to daylight or sump
- Clean drainage gravel backfill
Full Perimeter Drainage System
Drain board + perimeter pipe + regraded backfill — the most permanent solution
- Drainage composite board
- Continuous perforated collection pipe
- Clean backfill with drainage gravel
Downspout & Discharge Integration
Ties roof runoff and sump discharge into the perimeter system
- Buried downspout lines
- Sump discharge routed to daylight
- Single outlet clear of the structure
Why Choose Shelby Yard?
Memphis-Specific Expertise
We've worked in Memphis clay for years and design systems that account for local soil behavior, rainfall patterns, and foundation types common in this area.
Honest Assessments
We tell you when surface grading and downspout work is sufficient and when perimeter excavation is truly needed — no upselling work your foundation doesn't require.
Complete Water Management
Foundation drainage is just one part of the picture. We integrate it with grading, downspout routing, and yard drainage for a total solution.
Service Areas
Serving Memphis and surrounding Shelby County communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Stop Water from Threatening Your Foundation
A free site visit is all it takes to find out which system your home needs. We typically schedule assessments within a few business days.
Other Drainage Services We Provide
Most Memphis yards need more than one fix. Our free assessment tells you which of these your property actually needs.
French Drain Installation
Intercept water moving across a slope or spread over a broad wet area.
Catch Basin Installation
Collect standing water from a defined low spot and pipe it away.
Catch Basin Replacement
Cracked, sunken, or clogged basin replaced with a commercial-grade unit.
Downspout Drainage
Move roof runoff away from the foundation instead of dumping it at the wall.
Landscape Grading
Reshape the yard so water runs away from the house on its own.
Sump Pump Discharge
Route pump discharge to a safe outlet so it stops recycling back to the house.
Areas we serve
Serving Memphis and Shelby County — find drainage help near you: