Top 5 Drainage Problems Homeowners See in Montreal

Is your property crying out for help? We’ve got you.

If water is pooling where it shouldn’t, it’s not “just annoying” — it can quietly damage your lawn, flowerbeds, hardscapes, and even your foundation.

At Lavé-Uni Montréal, we design and install drainage solutions built for Greater Montreal conditions (heavy rain events, clay soils in many areas, and freeze-thaw cycles). We also rely on NDS products and proven drainage methods to solve the most common issues we see on residential properties.

Important: every property is different. The right drainage system depends on:

• Runoff volume (roof size, slope, paved surfaces)

• Soil type and infiltration rate

• Lot grading and low points

• Existing landscaping and hardscapes

Below are the top 5 drainage issues homeowners run into — plus what to look for and how we typically fix them.

1) Pooling Under a Downspout

What to look for

• Water collecting at the base of the downspout

• Erosion around the downspout (a real threat to your yard — and potentially your home)

  
  

How we solve it

• If you have trees overhanging the roof, we often use the Downspout Defender® Grate paired with a low-profile adapter or a catch basin and filter to reduce clogs and control flow.

• If there are no trees above the roofline, we typically use a downspout adapter with an overflow cleanout for easier maintenance.

  
  

2) Standing Water on the Lawn

What to look for

• Yellowing turf (faded color, grass no longer looks lush)

• A musty smell (often a sign of fungus, disease, or decay)

• Thinning turf (roots struggle; bare patches appear)

How we solve it

We install area drains (round or square grates) to collect surface water at the low points. When infiltration is possible, we add a Flo-Well® dry well to temporarily detain water and let it soak back into the soil.

3) Flooded Flowerbeds

What to look for

• Yellowing or dying plants (waterlogged soil deprives roots of oxygen)

• A musty smell (can indicate fungus, disease, or decay)

• Water that lingers more than 24 hours after a rain

How we solve it

We collect water in a catch basin with an atrium grate, then convey it downstream with pipe and discharge it using a pop-up emitter — keeping your flowerbeds healthier and your landscaping cleaner.

4) Water Encroaching on the Home

What to look for

• A damp basement (groundwater isn’t draining away and may seep through foundation walls or floors)

• Oversaturated areas near the home (water stains, damp spots, erosion)

• Signs of structural risk (excess water increases pressure on foundation walls)

How we solve it

We install an EZflow® gravel-free French drain system to collect and redirect water away from the home, then release it downstream using a pop-up emitter.

5) Standing Water on Hardscapes (Driveways, Patios, Walkways)

What to look for

• Stained or slippery surfaces (mold and mildew can become safety hazards)

• Debris buildup in low points (mud, silt, and sediment collecting)

• Cracks or shifting (standing water can worsen damage and lead to costly repairs)

How we solve it

We install a channel drain to intercept and collect water, convey it with drain pipe, and direct it to a proper discharge point downstream.

Why Montreal drainage problems need a real plan (not a quick patch)

Drainage issues often stack. A single downspout dumping water in the wrong spot can lead to:

• Lawn flooding

• Flowerbed washouts

• Hardscape settling

• Foundation moisture

That’s why we focus on a complete approach: collection + conveyance + discharge, designed around your property’s grading and soil.

Need help diagnosing your drainage issue?

If you’re seeing pooling, soggy turf, or water near the foundation, we can help you identify the cause and recommend the right fix.

• Service area: Montreal, Laval, West Island, and the North Shore

• Built for local conditions: freeze-thaw, heavy rain, and challenging soils

Request a drainage assessment / quote with Lavé-Uni Montréal — and let’s protect your home while transforming and preserving your outdoor space.