Finding and fixing clogged, crushed or missing drains and saturated backfill that push on walls.
Water is the leading enemy of retaining walls in many cases, and a blocked or missing drain is often the hidden cause. Wet soil is heavier and pushes harder, and freezing and thawing can add more stress. Homeowners in Nashville call us when they see weeping stains, mud at the base or standing water above a wall.
We begin with a Free Estimate and trace water paths with a careful inspection, including downspouts, grading and weep holes. We may expose the drain, flush it, camera it where possible, replace broken pipe, add cleanouts and outlets and install new gravel and filter fabric. We redirect surface water with swales, drains and grading, and we explain how to keep outlets clear and how drains should perform after storms. Many drain problems are easy to prevent. Keep weep holes and outlets clear of leaves and mulch, make sure downspouts discharge well away from the wall, and avoid piling soil or mulch against the face. We can add cleanouts so you or a professional can flush the drain from time to time. After storms, take a quick look at outlets and the base of the wall. Catching a clog early can save a great deal of trouble later.
We follow runoff and groundwater to find where it enters and where it should leave.
A drain without a clear outlet is just a pipe that holds water.
Clean stone and fabric help drains work for years.
Downspouts, grading and swales reduce water reaching the wall.
Drag the handle to compare.
BeforeAfterPaths and outlets traced.
Pipe and gravel reviewed.
New drain installed.
Maintenance access added.
Grading corrected.
Performance verified.
Every topic has its own page with what to expect and how we approach it.
Comparison guideWall Drainage ExplainedHow drain pipe, clean stone, filter fabric and outlets work together to keep water pressure off a retaining…Learn more 
Comparison guideSoil Types and SlopesHow clay, silt, sand, rock and fill behave behind a retaining wall and why slope angle, water and…Learn more 
ResourceTensarA maker of geogrid and soil stabilization products used in reinforced walls, slopes and pavements.Learn more Enter up to three proposals and score scope, drainage, engineering, communication, schedule and fit with your own weights.
You tell us what is wrong or what you want to build, and we set a visit that fits your day.
We walk the site, measure heights and lengths, look at soil and water paths and talk through what you want the space to do.
You receive a plain written scope with materials, drainage, engineering needs and the schedule before work begins.
We locate utilities, stake the wall line, excavate and build a compacted base that will carry the wall.
We build the wall course by course, add reinforcement as designed, install drains and place and compact clean backfill.
We add caps, steps and planting, clean up, restore the site and walk through the finished wall with you.
Stains, mud at weep holes, standing water and wall movement are clues.
Sometimes. If crushed or buried in silt they may need replacement.
Most do. We tell you what your wall needs.
Downspouts are a common source of excess water, and we redirect them.
They stop a major cause, and we check for other issues.
Retaining Wall Drainage SystemsPerforated drain pipe, clean gravel, filter fabric and clear outlets that keep water pressure off your wall.Explore 
Waterproofing Behind WallsMembranes, drainage boards and sealants that keep moisture out of concrete walls and basement spaces.Explore 
Stormwater and Swale ManagementSwales, grading and catch basins that move storm runoff around walls, homes and slopes without causing erosion.Explore 
French Drain InstallationGravel-filled trenches with perforated pipe that collect and carry away groundwater and runoff.Explore Tell us about your project and we will call you back to set up a visit.
Or call (615) 357-7797 to talk now.
