Stop Water Before It Reaches Your Foundation

McGovern Earthworks installs and repairs drainage systems for homes in Pownal, Maine.

When water pools against your foundation in Pownal or runs across your driveway after every storm, the problem is not just inconvenient—it is actively wearing down concrete, saturating soil around your septic system, and creating conditions for basement seepage. Drainage systems redirect surface runoff and subsurface water away from structures before the ground becomes oversaturated, and they work year-round without requiring you to monitor weather or move hoses. McGovern Earthworks installs perimeter drains, catch basins, French drains, and surface swales for residential properties across Pownal.

Drainage installation involves grading the site to direct water flow, excavating trenches or channels, placing perforated pipe in a bed of clean stone, and routing the discharge to a safe outlet like a drywell or the edge of your property. Subsurface systems handle groundwater that migrates through soil, while surface systems manage runoff from roofs, driveways, and slopes. Repairs address crushed pipes, clogged outlets, and sections where settling has reversed the slope and trapped water.

If water is pooling near your home or driveway in Pownal, get in touch to review drainage options and schedule an evaluation.

How drainage systems protect your property long-term

McGovern Earthworks starts by identifying where water enters your property, where it accumulates, and where it can be safely discharged in Pownal. Trenches are dug along problem areas, perforated pipe is laid in clean stone to allow water entry, and the system is sloped so gravity pulls water toward the outlet. Surface inlets or catch basins are added where runoff concentrates, and the entire system is backfilled and graded to restore the lawn or driveway.

After installation, you will notice water no longer sits against your foundation or floods low areas after heavy rain. Driveways stay dry, septic systems are not surrounded by saturated soil, and basements remain free of seepage that previously appeared during spring thaw or extended wet periods.

Drainage work integrates with grading and excavation projects, so if you are reworking your driveway or adding a retaining wall, the drainage can be built in at the same time. Systems do not require power or moving parts, but outlets need to stay clear of leaves and sediment, and pipes should be inspected every few years to confirm they are still flowing freely. McGovern Earthworks also handles repairs when an older system stops draining due to root intrusion, pipe collapse, or improper slope.

What homeowners want to know about drainage work

Most questions about drainage focus on where the water will go, how deep the system needs to be, and whether the work will disrupt landscaping or hardscaping. These concerns are valid, and the answers depend on your property layout and the type of drainage being installed.

Where does the water go after it enters the drainage system?
Water is routed to a drywell, the edge of your property, or a natural drainage path where it can soak in without affecting structures. McGovern Earthworks selects the outlet based on slope, soil conditions, and local requirements.
How deep does a French drain need to be installed?
French drains typically sit eighteen to twenty-four inches deep, below the root zone but above the frost line. Depth increases if the system has to daylight downhill or tie into an existing drain.
Will drainage installation damage my lawn or driveway?
Trenching will disturb the surface temporarily, but McGovern Earthworks restores grade and compacts backfill so grass can be reseeded and pavement can be patched. Most lawns recover within one growing season.
Can you repair a drainage system that has stopped working?
Yes, McGovern Earthworks excavates the affected section, removes debris or damaged pipe, and reinstalls the line with proper slope and stone bedding. Repairs are common when roots clog perforations or settling reverses the grade.
How do drainage systems prevent foundation problems?
Drainage keeps water from saturating the soil around your foundation, which prevents hydrostatic pressure, frost heave, and basement seepage. A dry perimeter protects concrete and reduces the risk of cracks or leaks over time.

Drainage systems in Pownal prevent ongoing damage to foundations, driveways, and septic systems by moving water off your property before it has a chance to pool or saturate the ground. McGovern Earthworks handles installation and repair with attention to slope, outlet placement, and integration with your existing site conditions. Learn more about drainage options by reaching out today.

Areas We Serve

  • Scarborough, ME
  • Cape Elizabeth, ME
  • Portland, ME
  • Falmouth, ME
  • Yarmouth, ME
  • North Yarmouth, ME
  • Freeport, ME
  • Brunswick, ME
  • New Gloucester, ME
  • Gray, ME
  • Windham, ME
  • Durham, ME
  • Westbrook, ME