
Drainage Solutions in Central Illinois
Yard, lot and field drainage that moves water away from homes, driveways and buildings, from regrading and swales to drain tile and culverts.
Drainage Work Built for Central Illinois Clay
Heavy clay soil and flat ground mean water in Central Illinois often has nowhere to go. We look at where water collects, where it needs to go and the simplest way to get it there, then do the dirt work to make it happen for homes, farms and commercial properties.
Depending on the site, the fix can be regrading the ground, cutting a swale or ditch, installing drain tile or a French drain, or setting a culvert under a driveway. We will walk through the options with you during a free on-site estimate.

Drainage Services We Offer
Yard & Lot Drainage
Fixing wet spots and standing water around homes and buildings.
Drain Tile & French Drains
Underground pipe that carries water away from soggy ground.
Swales & Ditches
Shallow channels shaped to move surface water where it should go.
Culverts
Pipe set under driveways and field entrances so ditches keep flowing.
Downspout & Sump Lines
Buried lines that move roof and sump water away from the foundation.
Regrading for Drainage
Re-sloping ground so rain runs off instead of sitting.
Our Drainage Process
- Free on-site look at the problem
- Find where water collects and where it can go
- Plan the fix: grading, swale, tile or culvert
- Excavate, install and backfill
- Final grade and cleanup
Ditch, Trench and Dirt Work
A few ditch, trench and grading photos from our project gallery. Every drainage job starts with a free on-site estimate, so we can see where water is going and plan the right fix.



FAQ On Drainage Solutions in Central Illinois
How Much Does Drainage Work Cost in Central Illinois?
It depends on the problem, how far the water has to be moved, the materials involved and site access. Contact us to discuss pricing and get a free quote after we look at your property.
Why Does Water Stand in My Yard?
Common causes are flat or reverse-sloped ground, compacted clay that drains slowly, and downspouts or sump lines that empty too close to the house. Central Illinois clay soil makes all of these more likely.
What Is the Difference Between a French Drain and Drain Tile?
Both carry water away underground through perforated pipe. A French drain is usually a gravel-filled trench that collects water near the surface, while drain tile usually means buried pipe that drains wet soil in yards or fields. The right choice depends on the site.
Can You Put a Culvert Under My Driveway?
Yes, culverts let a ditch line pass under a driveway or field entrance. If the culvert sits along a public road, check with your local road district first, since many have their own rules for size and placement.
Is Regrading Enough, or Do I Need Drain Tile?
Sometimes reshaping the ground solves the problem. Other times water needs an underground path or a swale to carry it off. We look at the site and recommend the simplest fix that will work.
When Is the Best Time to Fix Drainage?
Drier stretches are easiest, because wet clay is hard to dig and compact. Photos of where water sits during a heavy rain are a big help when we plan the work.
Drainage Solutions Across Central Illinois
Mowry Excavation is a Central Illinois excavation contractor based in Bethany, IL, offering drainage solutions in Decatur, Springfield, Champaign, Mattoon, Taylorville and the towns between. Drainage work often pairs with grading and land leveling, excavation and site preparation and pond construction. See every town on our service area page.
What Our Customers Say
Ready to Fix Your Drainage Problem?
Tell us where the water is going and we will set up a free on-site estimate. Contact us to discuss pricing.
