Drainage Solutions in McLean, VA

Drainage Solutions for McLean Homes

Drainage problems are common across McLean. Thin topsoil over red clay absorbs water slowly, and summer downpours and tropical storm remnants send heavy runoff across sloped lots. Many custom homes have basements, so water that pools near the foundation can cause problems. Rebuild lots with compacted fill often drain poorly, and older lots in Chesterbrook and Kent Gardens may have grades that settled over decades.

Solutions depend on the source of the water. French drains collect groundwater and surface water in a gravel trench with perforated pipe and carry it to a safe outlet. Yard regrading reshapes the ground so water flows away from the house. Downspout drainage carries roof water underground to a safe discharge point instead of dumping it next to the foundation. Rain gardens and dry creek beds can slow and soak in runoff where space allows.

Every plan considers where the water goes. On lots that slope toward Bull Neck Run, Dead Run, Pimmit Run or other streams, land near the water may fall within a county Resource Protection Area where the wooded buffer is protected, so check the county map before grading. Rocky ground near the Potomac ravines can affect trench routes. On new custom homes, the best time to fix drainage is before final grading, sod and terraces go in. Before digging, crews contact Virginia 811. Call to schedule a drainage assessment.