As summer comes to an end and temperatures begin to drop, many Pittsburgh homeowners start thinking about winterizing their homes, putting away outdoor furniture, and preparing for snow and ice. But there’s another part of your property that shouldn’t be overlooked: your drainage and the condition of your yard. Fall is an excellent time to …
Category Archives: Press Room
Retaining Walls: More Than Just a Beautiful Addition to Your Property
Why Do You Need a Retaining Wall? Retaining walls are commonly used to solve several different property challenges. Controlling Erosion Sloped properties can experience significant soil erosion, especially during heavy Pittsburgh rainfall. As water moves down a slope, it can carry soil with it and gradually change the shape of your property. A properly designed retaining wall …
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Why Your Basement Leaks After Heavy Rain
The Real Problem Often Starts Outside When it rains, thousands of gallons of water can collect around your property. If that water isn’t directed away from your home, it naturally seeks the path of least resistance—and that often leads directly to your foundation. Over time, water builds up in the soil surrounding your home. This creates hydrostatic …
How to Determine the Right Drainage System for Your Yard
1. Standing Water in Low Spots The Problem If water collects in certain areas of your yard after rain and takes hours, or even days to drain, you likely have a low-lying area where water naturally pools. The Solution Catch basins and drainpipes are typically the best option here. These systems collect water at the surface and redirect it away …
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The Best Time of Year to Install a French Drain in Pittsburgh
Site Conditions Effecting French Drain Installation Clay-Heavy Soils Much of the Pittsburgh area has clay-heavy soil. Clay drains slowly and holds onto water, which is exactly why many homeowners struggle with: Standing water in low spots Soft, spongy areas after rain Water is working its way toward the foundations and basements. From an installation perspective, …
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Where Should a French Drain Exit Pipe Go? Best Locations for Proper Drainage
What Is a French Drain and Why Does the Exit Pipe Matter? A French drain is a trench filled with gravel containing a perforated pipe. It redirects water away from problem areas such as soggy lawns, foundation walls, or basement floors. These systems are designed to move water efficiently, but the final discharge location determines …
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French Drain Installation Pittsburgh: Can You Install a French Drain in Clay?
If your yard has poor drainage, especially due to heavy clay soil, installing a French drain can be an effective solution. However, clay soil presents unique challenges that require careful planning and the right installation techniques. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about French drain installation in Pittsburgh, including …
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Why and When You Need a French Drain
What is a French Drain? A French drain is a simple yet effective drainage system designed to redirect water away from your property. It typically consists of a trench filled with gravel and a perforated pipe that helps guide water away from problem areas, such as the foundation of your home or your yard. …
Exterior French Drain Types Explained By A Civil Engineer
Hi my name is Mike Isbir and I’m the owner of Isbir construction and landscape located in Elizabeth Pennsylvania just south of Pittsburgh. French Drains Are Our Specialty Our company specializes in exterior drainage solutions. Our goal is to keep water from getting into your house, building or foundation rather than pumping it out once …
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Avoid These Common French Drain Mistakes
Water management around your home can often be a matter of the hidden systems being the most crucial. A classic example is the French drain, a simple trench filled with gravel or rock that redirects surface water and groundwater away from an area. Despite its simplicity, this unassuming drainage solution can make all the difference …