Standing water after rain? Start with where the water comes from—and where it can safely go.
Water pooling beside the house, a yard that stays saturated, or runoff washing gravel out of the driveway needs more than a guess at which drain to install. Baxter’s Excavation helps property owners assess the problem and scope practical grading, surface drainage and drainage pipe work.
Based in Burlington, serving Skagit, Snohomish and Pierce County, including Roy. Tell us what happens when it rains and we’ll discuss the next step.
Call (360) 899-8468Text us · Request a free field-work estimate
Drainage problems we can help assess
- Standing water: puddles that linger in low spots after rain.
- Water moving toward foundations: surface runoff flowing toward the house instead of away from it.
- Saturated yards: soft, muddy ground that limits access or makes the yard hard to use.
- Driveway washouts and runoff: water cutting channels, carrying away gravel or collecting along the drive.
- Drainage after clearing or site work: changed grades or water paths that need a closer look.
If water is near electrical equipment, the ground is unstable, or a washout makes access unsafe, stay clear. Take photos only from safe, stable ground.
The right approach depends on the site
We start with the water’s source, the slope of the ground, soil conditions, equipment access and a suitable, permitted outlet or infiltration approach. A pipe is not a complete solution if there is nowhere appropriate for the water to go.
- French drains: where intercepting shallow subsurface water fits the soil, elevations and discharge plan.
- Surface drainage and swales: shaping a route for runoff before it collects where you do not want it.
- Grading corrections: addressing low spots or slopes that direct water toward structures or across access areas.
- Drainage pipe work: installation or repair as part of an assessed drainage layout.
The scope should account for downstream effects—not simply send the problem onto a neighbor’s land or the road. Utility locations, local drainage and permit requirements, and any wetland, ditch or right-of-way constraints need checking before digging. Where engineering or other specialist input is needed, that should be identified before the work is agreed.
Tell us what happens when it rains
- Describe the problem. Include your town, where water starts, where it collects and how long it stays after rainfall.
- Share safe photos. Text a wide view and a closer view, plus any visible water path. Do not enter floodwater, open a utility structure or approach power lines to get a picture.
- Agree on the scope. We’ll discuss access, whether a site visit is needed, the proposed work and an estimate before you authorize field work.
Estimates for defined Baxter field work are free. If you want broader property planning or advice before deciding what to build, our optional paid Land & Site Consultation is a separate service. Any paid consultation must be agreed to first; requesting a work estimate does not book one.
Yard drainage is not sanitary side sewer
This page covers rainwater, surface runoff and wet-ground problems. A sanitary side sewer carries wastewater from a building to the public sewer. These are different systems: yard runoff should not be routed into a sanitary sewer.
For wastewater line installation or repair, see our side sewer and storm drain services. Planning a larger property project? See land clearing and discuss drainage before changing the site’s water paths.
Drainage questions
How much does drainage work cost?
Cost depends on the cause, length and depth of the work, soil, access, materials, disposal and the discharge approach. Permits or specialist design may also affect scope. Request a free estimate for defined Baxter field work rather than choosing a system from a price alone.
Is a French drain always the answer?
No. Surface runoff may need a swale or grading correction instead. Soil, slope and a suitable outlet matter; installing a drain without checking them may not solve the problem.
Is stormwater drainage the same as sewer work?
No. Stormwater is rain and runoff; sanitary sewer carries wastewater. Tell us whether the problem is outside after rain or involves wastewater backing up so we can discuss the appropriate service.
Is an estimate different from a paid consultation?
Yes. A free field-work estimate concerns Baxter doing a defined job. The optional paid Land & Site Consultation is for broader planning and advice. We keep those separate and agree on any consultation fee in advance.
Where do you offer drainage work?
We are based in Burlington and serve Skagit, Snohomish and Pierce County, including Roy. Share your town and project details so we can confirm access and scheduling for your location.
Will drainage work keep my property dry in every storm?
No contractor can promise that. Results depend on rainfall, soil, groundwater, maintenance and conditions beyond the property. The goal is a site-appropriate improvement with a clear scope and realistic expectations.
Let’s look at the water problem before choosing the fix
Tell us where the water collects, what it affects and where your property is located.
Text your drainage photos · Request a free field-work estimate
