Featured Project Spotlight: Solving Patio Flooding in Shoemakersville, PA with a French Drain & Drywell System

At Basements Love Us, we take pride in solving tough water problems for homeowners throughout Pennsylvania,  New Jersey and Delaware. This month, we’re excited to showcase one of our recent projects in Shoemakersville, PA, in Berks County, where our team tackled a serious flooding issue that was affecting our client’s outdoor living space.

The Problem: Recurring Patio Flooding

Our client’s exterior patio area was experiencing significant flooding every time it rained heavily. The issue wasn’t just occasional—it was consistent. After every storm, water would pool across the entire patio, creating standing water that took hours or even days to drain away.

Not only was this inconvenient for the homeowner, but it also posed a potential risk for water intrusion into the house, increased the chance of concrete deterioration, and made the space unusable after rain.

Upon inspection, we determined that the problem was caused by poor drainage around the patio. Water from the roofline and surrounding ground was flowing directly toward the patio, with nowhere to go.

Our Solution: French Drain + Underground Drywell System

We designed a custom exterior water management system that would collect and redirect water away from the patio before it could cause flooding. The solution included:

French Drain Installation
We installed a brand-new French drain system along the perimeter of the patio. This system uses a perforated pipe set in a trench with gravel to collect excess surface and groundwater. The French drain captures water before it can accumulate on the patio surface, preventing the recurring pooling issue.

Underground Drywell System
Instead of simply moving the water to another area of the yard, we took the next step to ensure it was effectively managed. We connected the French drain to an underground drywell system, which allows water to slowly disperse back into the ground without creating muddy or saturated areas in the yard.

This combination system ensures that even during heavy rainstorms, the patio remains dry and usable.

The Results: A Functional & Flood-Free Patio

After the installation was complete, we tested the system by simulating heavy rain conditions. The water was quickly collected by the French drain and routed to the drywell without any pooling on the patio.

Now, the homeowner can enjoy their patio year-round without worrying about post-storm flooding. They have peace of mind knowing the system is working even when they’re not home to monitor it.

Why This Project Matters

Water issues like this are more than just an inconvenience – hey can cause structural damage, lead to mold growth, and reduce the value of your property. By installing this French drain and drywell system, we not only solved an immediate flooding problem but also provided a long-term waterproofing solution that will protect the home for years to come.

Our Expertise in Water Management

At Basements Love Us, we specialize in both interior and exterior water management and waterproofing. Whether it’s a basement leak, foundation water damage, or exterior flooding like this Shoemakersville project, we have the knowledge, tools, and experience to get the job done right.

Our services include:

Interior basement waterproofing systems

Exterior French drains and yard drainage solutions

Foundation crack repair

Sump pump installation and maintenance

Crawl space encapsulation

Walkout basement and Bilco door installations

We’ve worked on thousands of homes, and each project is customized to meet the specific water challenges the property faces.

Free Estimates & Professional Service

If you’re a homeowner dealing with flooding, leaks, or any type of water problem, don’t wait until the damage gets worse. We offer free, no-obligation estimates so you can understand your options and get a professional solution to your water management issues tailored to your needs.We specialize in interior and exterior water management, sump pumps, french drains, and waterproofing. 

Contact Basements Love Us today to discuss your project and see how we can help you protect your home from water damage – inside and out.