When Madison homeowners ask about yard drainage & french drains
- Water standing against the foundation
- Downspouts that dump at the wall
- A yard that stays soggy for days
- Runoff arriving from the lot next door
Outside fixes are often the first and cheapest step. In Madison, sump pumps, downspouts and yard drains may tie into a nearby City storm sewer, but only with an Excavation in the Right-of-Way Permit. Don't redirect water onto a neighbor's lot.
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What Madison Engineering says
Where a Madison sump pump can discharge. City Engineering says sump discharge to the sanitary sewer, such as a basement floor drain, isn't allowed. Its listed options are discharging onto the property, directly to a storm sewer if one is available (typically within 100 feet), to the curb, or to an infiltration bed. A pump that runs often should go to the storm sewer if at all possible, which reduces algae in summer and ice in winter (City of Madison Engineering, Sump Pumps).
Prices: the Madison basement cost guide collects published 2026 ranges by job type.
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Yard Drainage & French Drains questions
What will yard drainage & french drains cost in Madison?
There is no single price. The cause, the method and the size of the job set it. The cost guide lists published 2026 ranges, and the contractor gives you a written quote after seeing the basement.
How fast can a contractor come out?
That depends on who is available. Spring melt and storm weeks fill schedules first. Send the form and we'll see who can visit.
Where can my Madison sump pump discharge?
Not to the sanitary sewer or a floor drain. City Engineering lists the yard, a storm sewer within about 100 feet, the curb, or an infiltration bed. A storm sewer hookup needs an Excavation in the Right-of-Way Permit and a contractor qualified to work there.
Are you a waterproofing company?
No. Madison WI Basement Waterproofing is a referral service. We pass your request to an independent basement contractor who works in the Madison area, and that company does the inspection and the work.