Backyard Drainage System and Grading Improvements Project in Des Plaines

This project in Des Plaines, IL focused on eliminating standing water and improving drainage throughout the backyard with a comprehensive underground drainage system. The work combined French drains, a catch basin, underground PVC piping, grading improvements, a timber retaining structure, and lawn restoration to protect the home’s foundation and improve long-term water management.

Project Goals

• Eliminate standing water in the backyard.
• Improve surface and subsurface drainage.
• Manage roof runoff more effectively.
• Establish positive grading away from the foundation.
• Stabilize the landscape with a retaining structure.
• Restore disturbed lawn areas.
• Backyard Grading and Site Preparation

The project began by removing approximately 250 square feet of existing lawn in the northeast portion of the backyard.

The soil was roto-tilled and carefully regraded to establish positive drainage toward a newly created collection point, improving water movement throughout the property.

Catch Basin Installation

A 12-inch catch basin was installed at the lowest point of the yard to collect surface runoff before directing it into the underground drainage system.

This collection point helps prevent water from pooling in low areas while improving overall drainage performance.

French Drain Installation

Approximately 35 linear feet of French drain was installed in an L-shaped configuration to intercept subsurface groundwater while preserving space for a future fire pit area.

The system was constructed using perforated PVC pipe, filtration fabric, and clean drainage stone to promote efficient water movement and long-term reliability.

Underground PVC Drainage System

Approximately 100 linear feet of solid 4-inch PVC piping was installed to transport collected surface water and roof runoff to a designated discharge location away from the home.

The existing downspout at the southeast corner of the house was connected directly into the underground drainage network to improve roof water management.

Retaining Structure and Grading

A treated timber retaining structure was installed near the rear stoop to help establish proper grade while supporting drainage away from the home’s foundation.

Additional grading improvements around the home created positive pitch to encourage efficient water flow.

Lawn Restoration

Following installation, disturbed lawn areas were restored with approximately 30 rolls of new sod to stabilize the soil and provide a clean, finished appearance.

Why Comprehensive Drainage Matters

Proper drainage systems manage both surface runoff and groundwater.

French drains intercept subsurface water.

Catch basins collect surface runoff.

Underground PVC piping transports water away from the home.

Grading improvements direct water away from the foundation.

Together, these solutions help reduce standing water, improve lawn conditions, and protect the property’s long-term structural integrity.

Project Highlights

• Backyard drainage improvements.
• 12-inch catch basin installation.
• L-shaped French drain installation.
• Perforated PVC drainage system.
• Underground solid PVC piping.
• Downspout drainage connection.
• Timber retaining structure installation.
• Foundation grading improvements.
• Backyard regrading.
• Sod restoration.
• Surface and subsurface water management.

As you browse through the photos, you will see the excavation, French drain installation, catch basin placement, underground piping, grading improvements, and the completed landscape restoration as the project came together.

The result is a property in Des Plaines, IL featuring a professionally designed drainage system that improves water management, protects the foundation, and provides a healthier, more functional backyard for years to come.

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Tommy Pollina Landscape Company – serving Chicagoland since 1982.