Barrington Backyard Drainage & French Drain Project

Water problems rarely come from just one source.

On this property, water was entering the backyard from multiple areas, including roof downspouts, low spots throughout the lawn, and natural surface runoff moving across the yard. Rather than treating a single symptom, this drainage project was designed to address the entire water management system and create a clear path for water to move safely through the property.

The goal was simple: give the water a place to go.

• Backyard Drainage & Water Management Improvements Included
• Installation of approximately 60 feet of French drain system
• Connection of multiple roof downspouts into underground PVC drainage piping
• Installation of surface collection basins in problem areas
• Backyard grading corrections to improve water flow
• Surface water management improvements
• Storm structure connections for controlled water discharge
• Water collection and conveyance system installation
• Lawn restoration and final site cleanup
• Long-term drainage and saturation reduction improvements
• French Drain Installation & Drainage Solutions

A major component of this project was the installation of approximately 60 feet of French drain designed to intercept and collect excess groundwater before it could saturate the lawn or create standing water problems.

The French drain system helps:

• Collect subsurface water
• Reduce lawn saturation
• Improve drainage performance
• Protect usable backyard space
• Move water away from problem areas

When combined with proper grading and collection points, the system creates a more efficient path for water movement throughout the property.

Downspout Extensions & Surface Water Collection

Roof runoff can contribute a significant amount of water during heavy rainfall.

To address this issue, multiple downspouts were connected to underground PVC piping and integrated into the overall drainage system.

Additional surface collection points were installed to:

• Capture standing water
• Collect surface runoff
• Improve drainage in low areas
• Reduce pooling after storms
• Direct water into the drainage network

These improvements help prevent roof runoff from becoming a recurring drainage problem.

Grading Corrections & Backyard Water Flow

Many drainage issues occur because water has nowhere to go.

Proper grading plays a critical role in directing water toward collection points, drainage piping, and storm structures.

Grading improvements included:

• Correction of low areas throughout the backyard
• Improved surface water flow
• Better drainage system efficiency
• Reduced standing water concerns
• Improved usability after heavy rainfall

The grading, collection basins, French drain, and downspout extensions were all designed to function together as one complete drainage system.

Backyard Drainage Transformation

As you go through the project photos, you will see:

• French drain excavation and installation
• Underground PVC drainage piping
• Downspout connection work
• Surface collection basin installation
• Grading and elevation improvements
• Lawn restoration and site cleanup
• The completed drainage system once everything came together

The result is a backyard that now provides:

• Better water management
• Reduced lawn saturation
• Improved drainage performance
• Fewer standing water issues
• Better functionality during heavy rainfall
• Long-term protection against recurring drainage problems
• Why Complete Drainage Planning Matters

Many drainage issues are not caused by one major problem.

They are often the result of several smaller issues working together:

• Roof runoff
• Low spots in the yard
• Surface water accumulation
• Poor grading
• Inadequate drainage pathways

That is why the most effective drainage solutions address the entire property as one system rather than treating one symptom at a time.

Projects like this succeed because every component works together.

The grading directs the water.

The collection points capture the water.

The French drain intercepts the water.

The downspout connections manage roof runoff.

Together, they create a drainage system designed to move water efficiently, reduce saturation, and perform reliably during heavy rainfall for years to come.

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Please call 847.698.6868 or Contact Us

Tommy Pollina Landscape Company – serving Chicagoland since 1982.