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Drainage in Lorraine: what we see on the ground
Lorraine is a garden city: generous lots, lots of greenery and backyards facing woods. Water coming down from the wooded areas often ends up in the backyards.
In Lorraine the water often comes from behind, not from the roof. A grassed swale or a surface drain at the back of the yard, catching the water before it reaches the house, fixes many damp basements.
Signs it is time to act
- Puddles that take more than 24 hours to disappear.
- A damp basement, a seeping wall, a musty smell or white powder on the concrete.
- Spongy lawn, or grass that always yellows in the same spot.
- Ice building up in the same corner every winter.
What we do, from cheapest to biggest
- Downspouts: extend them, disconnect them from the foundation drain and send the water at least one metre from the house. Often that is all it takes.
- Grade: the Code requires a 2% minimum, the APCHQ recommends about 10% over the first six feet around the foundation. We top up and recompact where the backfill has settled.
- Surface drain or swale: to intercept water coming from the neighbour or the back of the yard.
- French drain: trench down to the footing, clean stone, 4 inch perforated pipe, geotextile and a real outlet.
- Dry well: only if the percolation test allows it.
- Sump, pump and backwater valve: when there is no gravity outlet or the sewer can back up.
Rénoclimat: up to $38,500 against flooding
Since October 1, 2026, Québec helps owners protect their homes: a pump with battery backup, a backwater valve and, in a recognized flood zone, major work covered up to 75%. Golden rule: start nothing before the assessment. Altitude Services is not affiliated with the government and does not guarantee the grant.
How it works
- You text us photos at 514 775-1988, or request a callback below. Often we can already tell you whether it is worth a visit.
- Jonathan comes to your place in Lorraine, looks at the yard with you and sends a written quote, normally within 24 hours.
- We do the work with our own machinery, ground protection mats, and leave you a clean yard. Work guaranteed 1 year in writing.
Our drainage work is guaranteed in writing
If the water comes back, so do we. It is written in the quote, not just said. $2,000,000 liability insurance.
Frequently asked in Lorraine
Do you really travel to Lorraine?
Yes. Our base is in Sainte-Dorothée (Laval), about 25 minutes from Lorraine. We go regularly and group our jobs by area to keep travel costs low.
Does a dry well work in Lorraine?
It depends on your lot's soil, not the town. On clay, a well with no outlet fills up and never empties. On sand, it can work very well. We run a percolation test before recommending one, never after.
How much does a French drain cost?
It depends on the length, the depth, the soil and where the water can exit. Two neighbouring lots can need very different work. We come over, take a look and give you a firm written price. The visit is free.
Do I need a permit from the City of Lorraine?
For a drain or grade correction on your own property, usually not. A connection to the storm sewer or a municipal ditch, or work in the street right-of-way, may require one. We tell you in the quote, before we start.
Our other services in Lorraine
- Excavation and grading in Lorraine
- Pavers in Lorraine
- Site preparation with the Harley Rake
- Online estimator
Drainage in nearby towns
We also serve: Blainville, Boisbriand, Sainte-Thérèse, Rosemère, Bois-des-Filion, Mirabel. See every town in Greater Montreal.