Spring melt on frozen ground is what fills Twin Cities basements. We fix the grade, carry roof and sump water away, and pick a drain that suits sand or clay.
Wet basements are the most common drainage problem in the Twin Cities. Heavy spring rain, fast snowmelt on frozen ground and decades of settling around older foundations send water toward basement walls. We start outside: regrade the soil so it slopes away from the house, extend downspouts underground, and shape swales between houses so water reaches the street or a storm drain.
Soil decides what else works. On sandy ground in Richfield, Brooklyn Park and parts of Minneapolis, water soaks in fast once it is away from the house, so a rain garden or an infiltration trench can handle roof runoff. On clay till in Plymouth, Minnetonka and Eden Prairie, water has to be carried away by pipe. Near lakes and creeks, high groundwater may call for footing drains and a sump.
Sump pump discharge is a common issue here. Pumps that empty right next to the house just recycle the water back to the basement, and many cities do not allow sump water in the sanitary sewer. We bury discharge lines to a safe outlet with enough slope that they do not freeze, and we plan every outlet so water does not land on a neighbor's yard.
Drainage solutions in Minneapolis: common questions
Can a sump pump discharge into the sanitary sewer here?
Most cities in the metro do not allow it. We run sump discharge lines to the yard, a rain garden or the street where allowed.
Will a rain garden work in my yard?
On sandy soil that drains well, often yes. On heavy clay it needs an underdrain or a different approach.
Why does my basement leak in spring?
Snowmelt and spring rain soak the soil next to the walls when the ground is still frozen below. Grading and downspout work help most.
How it works
- Free estimate: Call, text or book online. We walk the site with you.
- Written quote: Scope, equipment and price in writing.
- Utility locate & plan: We have utilities marked and plan access, haul-off and erosion control.
- Dig, grade & clean up: We complete the work, grade the site and haul away spoil.