Who does drainage work
| Who | Typical work |
|---|---|
| Drainage specialists | French drains, interceptor drains, catch basins, repairs, camera inspection |
| Landscape contractors (C-27) | Yard drains, grading for landscapes, swales, dry creek beds, restoration |
| Earthwork contractors (C-12) | Trenching, grading, cuts and fills |
| General engineering contractors (A) | Larger site and grading work, storm connections |
| Geotechnical or civil engineers | Assess slopes and design hillside drainage, grading and walls; they don't usually dig |
Quote checklist
A good drainage quote states:
- A drawing or marked route, with linear feet
- Trench depth and width
- Pipe type and size, rock type, filter fabric
- Outlet type and exact location
- Cleanouts and where they go
- Catch basins, channel drains or downspout connections included
- Restoration: lawn, plants, irrigation, pavers or concrete
- Permits: needed or not, and who pulls them
- Who files the 811 ticket
- Workmanship warranty and what it covers
- Deposit, payment schedule and start date
Red flags
- No license number, or a license that doesn't match the name on the quote.
- A price with no linear feet, depth or outlet.
- "We'll just run it to the side yard" with no plan for where the water ends up.
- A large cash deposit before any work or materials.
- Pressure to sign today, or claims that a hillside will "never move again."
Check the license
Search the contractor's name or license number on the CSLB license lookup. Confirm the license is active, the classification fits the job, and there is workers' compensation coverage if they have employees. Since January 1, 2025, a license is required for jobs over $1,000 in labor and materials (CSLB bulletin on AB 2622).
When you need an engineer
New cracks in the ground, tilting walls or fences, sticking doors and bulging slopes are signs to call a geotechnical engineer before anyone digs. See hillside drainage and the warning signs guide.
Before you call
Have photos or video of the water, the downspout locations, your rough lot slope, and any HOA requirements ready. Blackhawk, for example, requires architectural approval for exterior and landscape changes (Blackhawk HOA). Know your budget range from the cost guide.
Questions homeowners ask
Who do I call for yard drainage?
A drainage contractor. Many hold a landscape (C-27), earthwork and paving (C-12) or general engineering (A) license. For ground movement, cracking or structural wall problems, start with a geotechnical engineer.
What license does a drainage contractor need?
How do I compare drainage quotes?
Put them side by side on the same items: linear feet, depth, materials, outlet, cleanouts, restoration, permits, warranty and payment schedule. Differences usually come from what one quote leaves out.