Foundation Drainage in Corpus Christi, TX
Notable recent landfall: Hurricane Harvey (August 2017) struck the Coastal Bend as a Category 4. Hail-storm season runs March through May.
Coastal plain with expansive clay soils inland (Calallen, Northwest) that swell and contract with moisture. Sandier soils closer to the bay and on Padre Island.
For foundation drainage, the service area covers roughly 50 miles from central Corpus Christi.
Common reasons to call
- Water pooling against the slab after rain
- Downspouts dumping near the foundation
- Muddy side yard or standing water by the fence
- Cracks, sticking doors, or foundation movement concern
- Need French drain, catch basin, or grading plan
- Expansive clay soil movement in Calallen or Southside
- Neighbor runoff or subdivision drainage problem
- Post-storm drainage repair before more rain
Typical work
- Drainage walk-through with slope and water-flow review
- French drain install
- Catch basin and solid-pipe discharge routing
- Downspout extensions and underground drain lines
- Swale shaping and minor grading
- Sump basin or pump coordination where gravity drainage will not work
- Foundation watering and soil-moisture plan coordination
Typical turnaround
Simple drainage corrections can be scheduled within a few business days after site review. Larger systems depend on utility locates, rain, slope, access, soil conditions, and permit needs.
Materials and equipment
- Solid PVC drain pipe and fittings
- Perforated pipe, filter fabric, and washed drainage rock
- Catch basins, grates, channel drains, and cleanouts
- Downspout adapters and pop-up emitters
- Soil, sod, mulch, and erosion-control materials
- Laser level, transit, or slope-measuring tools
- Sump basin and pump where gravity discharge is not possible
Job sizes
Minor
Downspout extension, small catch basin, minor grading, or short drain run
Standard
French drain or solid-pipe system along one side of the house
Major
Multi-side drainage system, sump solution, swale work, or yard regrading
Replacement
Engineered drainage plan, major grading correction, or drainage paired with foundation repair
Final pricing comes from the on-call provider after on-site assessment, with a written estimate before any work starts.
What to expect
- ✓Slope, discharge point, gutters, soil, and access reviewed before quoting
- ✓811 utility locate coordination before trenching
- ✓Engineer involvement recommended where structural or public-drainage design is involved
- ✓Drainage plan matched to expansive clay soil and Gulf Coast rainfall
Drainage and grading experience, 811 utility locate coordination, Texas professional engineer involvement where structural or engineered drainage design is required, general liability insurance.
Common questions
Why is water pooling by my foundation?
Usually it is slope, gutters, downspouts, compacted clay, fence-line grading, or a low side yard. The fix is to move water away from the house without sending it where it causes another problem.
Is drainage work licensed in Texas?
Texas does not have a general drainage contractor license. If the work affects structural design, public drainage, or engineered grading, a licensed engineer or local permit may be needed.
Do I need a French drain or a surface drain?
It depends on where the water is coming from. Surface water needs catch basins or grading. Groundwater and soggy soil may need a French drain. Many yards need both.
Can drainage stop foundation movement?
Good drainage helps control moisture swings, which matter in expansive clay soil. It is not a magic foundation repair, but it can reduce one of the common causes of movement.
Where does the water discharge?
That has to be planned. Water should not be dumped against a neighbor, into an easement improperly, or into a place that erodes the yard. Gravity, slope, and local rules decide the outlet.
Should gutters be part of the drainage plan?
Yes. Gutters and downspouts are often the cheapest first fix. If roof water lands next to the slab, a yard drain will be fighting the same problem over and over.
Can you work around sprinkler lines?
Yes, but mark what you know and expect surprises. 811 marks public utilities. Private sprinkler, lighting, and low-voltage lines may not be marked unless you point them out.
Coastal Bend seasons
Spring (March - May)
Heavy rain makes drainage problems obvious. Good time to document pooling before the yard dries out.
Summer (June - August)
Clay soil shrinks and cracks in heat. Foundation watering and drainage balance both matter.
Fall (September - November)
Hurricane-season rain can overwhelm low yards and side yards. Fix known pooling before named storms.
Winter (December - February)
Good time for planned drain installs, grading, and gutter tie-ins when soil is less saturated.