Seeing Similar Issues on Your Property?
Whether you oversee a community, manage a retail center, or maintain a municipal or industrial site, catching drainage issues early protects your property investment and prevents expensive repairs.Here are the five most common commercial drainage problems we see in the Seattle area and how to stay ahead of them before the next rainy season.
1. Poor Grading Around Structures
Improper grading directs water toward buildings instead of away from them. Over time, this can undermine foundations, walkways, and paved surfaces especially in older developments or multifamily properties with aging infrastructure. Regrading or installing surface drains quickly redirects runoff and prevents costly structural damage.
2. Inefficient Downspout or Gutter Systems
Clogged or undersized downspouts often cause water to overflow onto walkways or near building entrances creating slip hazards for residents, visitors, and employees. Extending downspouts into underground drain lines or catch basins ensures water moves safely off-site.
3. Saturated Turf or Planting Areas
Compacted soils and poor infiltration create standing water in common areas, lawns, and landscape beds. This not only harms plant health but can make outdoor areas unusable. Solutions like French drains, soil aeration, or drywells restore proper drainage and protect landscape investments for HOAs and municipalities alike.
4. Parking Lot or Hardscape Flooding
Low points in parking lots or paved areas often collect water, leading to hydroplaning hazards and surface deterioration. For retail centers, multifamily developments, and industrial sites, this can disrupt access and damage pavement. Catch basins and trench drains are long-term fixes that keep paved areas clear and safe.
5. Erosion and Runoff Control Issues
On sloped sites, heavy rainfall can wash away soil and mulch or destabilize retaining walls and slopes. Strategic grading, retaining systems, and erosion-control planting manage runoff effectively while maintaining landscape integrity.
Common Questions About Drainage on Commercial Sites
How do I know if my property needs drainage improvements?
If you see standing water more than a day after rainfall or notice soft ground, uneven turf, or flooded pathways your drainage system isn’t keeping up with runoff demands.
What’s the best drainage solution for my site?
Every property is different. The right approach depends on your soil composition, site slope, and how water moves through your landscape. Our team designs custom drainage systems tailored to the unique needs of HOAs, municipalities, and commercial sites.
Can I prevent drainage problems before they start?
Yes. Routine inspections and proactive maintenance help identify small issues before they escalate. Scheduling a drainage assessment before the rainy season is the best way to safeguard your landscape and infrastructure.
Noticing Pooling Water or Soggy Turf That Never Dries Out?
That’s your site’s drainage system warning you it’s time for attention. Don’t wait for the next storm to expose a larger problem. Let our experts at Malone’s Landscape identify the cause and create a long-term solution to keep your property dry, safe, and operational all year.
Schedule a Commercial Drainage Assessment