Commercial Property Drainage: Finding Cost-Effective Solutions in Lancaster
Double B Excavations & Grade LLC
Smart Solutions Within Budget
REAL-WORLD DRAINAGE SOLUTIONS FOR REAL-WORLD BUDGETS
Not every drainage project has an unlimited budget.
Sometimes, the perfect solution isn't possible - but that doesn't mean we can't solve the problem effectively.
This morning in Lancaster, we tackled exactly that kind of challenge: a commercial property dealing with serious water issues, a tight budget, and some tricky property limitations.
What we found wasn't surprising - water from a parking lot was flooding straight into a commercial building.
It's the kind of problem we see all the time, but every situation needs its own solution.
Today, I want to walk you through how we handled this one, because it shows that good drainage work isn't just about knowing the perfect solution - it's about finding the right solution that works within real-world constraints.
Welcome to Double B!
Project Overview
When we pulled up to the Lancaster site at 8 AM, we already knew we had our work cut out for us. The problem was clear: water from the parking lot was taking the path of least resistance - right into the commercial building. Not ideal, but not uncommon either.
We were looking at a project that needed three main components:
- 200 feet of drainage pipe to handle the water flow
- A 130-foot swale to direct water away from the building
- Integration with existing downspouts to manage roof runoff
The catch? The property line limited our options, and the budget wouldn't allow for connecting everything to the nearby catch basin. This is where experience comes in handy - knowing how to work with what you've got while still delivering results that protect the property.
Understanding the Challenges
Let me break down what we were dealing with here. Water's pretty simple - it flows downhill and takes the easiest path. In this case, that path led straight to a commercial building, which is never good news. The parking lot was higher than the building, so every rain was becoming a potential problem.
Here's where it gets interesting: we had a catch basin nearby that could've been the perfect solution. Tie everything into that, and problem solved, right? But here's the reality check - that would've required extensive grading work and a lot more materials. When you're working with a set budget, sometimes you have to think differently.
Developing Practical Solutions
This is where experience really counts. Instead of forcing an expensive solution that wasn't in the budget, we looked at what we could do with what we had. The property had enough space for a natural leeching solution - basically letting the water spread out and absorb naturally, well away from any structures.
We designed a system that would:
- Catch water from the parking lot using a swale
- Direct it away from the building
- Let it disperse naturally in a safe area
- Handle downspout runoff separately
The Installation Process
By 8 AM we were already getting after it. First up was laying 200 feet of drainage pipe - this gives the water a clear path to follow instead of making its own. Then we cut in that 130-foot swale, which is basically a gentle valley that catches and directs water flow.
We tied in two downspouts from the building, running them underground to a culvert. This keeps roof runoff from adding to the parking lot water problems. But here's something extra we did that makes a big difference: instead of leaving bare dirt (which could cause erosion problems), we hydroseeded everything. In about 10-15 days, they'll have grass growing, which helps prevent erosion and makes everything look finished.
Results and Benefits
At the end of the day, we delivered exactly what this property needed - not the most expensive solution, but the right one. The water from that parking lot isn't heading toward the building anymore. Instead, it's being caught by our swale and directed to where it can safely disperse.
Let's talk about why this solution works so well:
- No more water threatening the building's foundation
- The system works automatically - no pumps or mechanical parts to maintain
- Grass will be growing in just a couple weeks, making everything look natural
- Property owners got the protection they needed without breaking the budget
Closing
Here's what I want you to take away from this Lancaster project: drainage problems always have solutions, even when the "perfect" answer isn't in the budget. Sometimes the best fix isn't the most complicated or expensive one - it's the one that works reliably within your constraints.
Looking Forward
If you're dealing with water issues at your commercial property, don't wait until you're dealing with foundation damage or flooding. We're happy to come out, look at your situation, and figure out what makes sense for your property and your budget. Because at the end of the day, the most expensive solution isn't always the best one - but doing nothing usually costs more in the long run.
Want to learn more about practical drainage solutions for your commercial property in Lancaster or central Ohio? We're always ready to take a look and share honest recommendations that work with your budget.
