How to Start a Backyard Drainage Business

French drains, grading for drainage, and water management

Drainage work is a specialized grading niche with strong residential demand. Skid steer work bills at standard rates ($85-$250/hr), but complete French drain installations run $25-$50/linear foot or $2,000-$6,000 per project. Spring is peak season in most regions. Combines well with general grading and landscaping services.

$25-$50

Per linear foot

$2K-$6K

Typical project

Apr-Oct

Peak season

$200-$350

Trencher rental/day

Common Drainage Jobs

French Drain Installation

$2,000-$5,000

50-100 feet typical. Includes trenching, pipe, gravel, and landscape fabric.

Yard Grading for Drainage

$500-$2,500

Regrading to slope away from foundation. Half-day to full-day job.

Swale/Channel Creation

$400-$1,500

Shallow drainage channel to direct surface water. Simple but effective.

Catch Basin Installation

$500-$1,500 each

Including excavation, basin, and connecting pipe work.

Why Specialize in Drainage?

Advantages

  • + Higher per-project margins than hourly grading
  • + Repeat referrals (neighbors see results)
  • + Less competition (specialized knowledge)
  • + Urgency factor (wet basements sell work)
  • + Pairs well with landscaping services

Considerations

  • - Seasonal in freeze zones
  • - Requires understanding of drainage principles
  • - Utility locate delays can affect scheduling
  • - Some projects need permits
  • - Material costs add working capital needs

Equipment Requirements

Base Machine (Compact Preferred)

Residential backyard work often requires compact machines for gate access.

Bobcat S570 ($22K-$35K) Bobcat T450 ($22K-$32K) Kubota SVL65-2 ($28K-$40K) Cat 239D3 ($26K-$38K)

Trencher Attachment

Much faster than bucket trenching for drain lines.
Rental: $200-$350/day.
Purchase: $3,000-$8,000 used.

Materials (per project)

Perforated pipe: $1-$3/ft.
Drainage gravel: $40-$60/yard.
Landscape fabric: $0.50-$1/ft.
Catch basins: $50-$150 each.

Total Startup Cost

$40,000 - $70,000

Compact skid steer + trencher + trailer + tow vehicle

Province-by-Province Guides

Alberta

Spring melt demand | 5% GST

British Columbia

High rainfall areas

Ontario

Clay soil challenges | WSIB

Quebec

Freeze-thaw considerations

Manitoba

Flat terrain challenges | RST exempt

Saskatchewan

Prairie drainage | 11% GST+PST

Related Guides

Drainage Rates by City

Detailed pricing data

Grading & Landscaping

Core related service

Best Compact Skid Steers

Equipment buying guide

Equipment Financing

Finance your machine

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