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New block retaining wall with drain pipe and gravel on a sloped yard

Retaining walls and drainage

Retaining walls and drainage for Philadelphia hillside yards

Walls that hold a slope and drainage that moves water away from your home. Tell us where the water goes.

  • New walls and repairs for failing walls
  • Drains, grading and downspout solutions
  • Written quotes with permit steps noted

Step 1 of 3

What do you need?

What does a retaining wall contractor in Philadelphia do?

A retaining wall contractor in Philadelphia builds walls that hold back soil on sloped yards and creates level areas for patios, lawns and gardens. Parts of the city, including Roxborough, Manayunk, Mount Airy and Chestnut Hill, sit on hills where a yard can drop several feet from house to street or neighbor.

Walls can be made from segmental block, natural stone, poured concrete or timber. The material matters less than what is behind the wall. A well built wall includes a compacted base, layers of crushed stone, drainage pipe and fabric, and a design that suits the height and the load. Many wall failures begin when water builds up behind the wall with nowhere to go.

Why do walls fail and yards stay wet in Philadelphia?

Clay soil holds water. After a heavy summer storm or a long wet spell, it can become heavy and push on a wall. In winter, freezing water expands and can push blocks out of line. Walls without drains or proper base tend to lean, crack or bulge.

Wet yards have their own signs, such as pooling after rain, damp basement walls, mud near downspouts and moss in low spots. Common fixes include regrading, French drains, downspout extensions, catch basins and dry wells. A wall can also be part of the fix, because it changes how water flows across a slope. For paved areas, see our hardscaping page.

What changes the price of a wall or drainage job?

Costs depend on the site. We do not guess at numbers online. The factors include:

  • Wall height and length. Taller walls need more material and engineering.
  • The material, from block to natural stone.
  • Access for equipment. A tight rowhouse block may require hand work.
  • How much soil must be excavated and hauled away.
  • Drainage pipe, outlets and stone behind the wall.
  • Removal of an old wall.
  • Permits or engineered plans, if required.

Drainage jobs vary just as much, depending on how far water must travel and where it can legally go. A written quote should list all of these parts, including where the drain outlet will discharge, how the old soil is handled and who restores the lawn or bed afterward. Link a wall to your plan using landscape design if you want terraces or plantings.

A short garden wall can be built in a few days. Taller walls, long runs and jobs that need engineering take longer. Wet weather slows excavation, and drainage work often waits for dry days. We give a schedule with the quote.

Permits depend on height and location. Many building codes require approval or engineered plans for walls above about four feet, and walls near property lines, sidewalks or buildings can raise extra questions. Philadelphia also has stormwater rules that can apply to larger projects. These rules change, so check with the city before work begins, and ask us what we expect to apply to your yard. We note permit steps in the quote.

When should I call, and what happens on the day?

Call when you see a wall leaning, cracking or bulging, when soil is washing out, when water enters your basement or when a slope keeps you from using part of your yard. A failing wall can get worse quickly, so do not wait for a big storm.

On the first visit, we look at the slope, the water paths, nearby trees and the condition of any old wall. On the work day, expect equipment, noise and a trench or cut across part of the yard. We protect the nearby lawn where we can and finish with grading and cleanup. After work, you may want a fresh lawn from sod installation or planting. See the home page for the full list of services.

What you can expect

  • Free written quotes

  • Local crews

  • Reliable scheduling

  • Tidy job sites

How it works

Tell us about the yard

Size, goals and any photos.

Site visit and quote

We walk the property and put the price in writing.

We do the work

Scheduled crew, cleanup included.

Step 1 of 3

What do you need?

Questions about landscaping in Philadelphia

How tall can a retaining wall be without a permit?

Many codes set the line at around four feet measured from the bottom of the wall to the top, but local rules and conditions differ. Walls that carry a driveway, building or steep slope above them may need engineering at any height. Check current rules with the city before you build.

What is the difference between block and natural stone walls?

Block walls are uniform and often less costly to install. Natural stone looks more traditional and suits older homes, but takes more skill and time. Either can hold up well if the base, drainage and backfill are done correctly. The choice often depends on your house, budget and the height of the wall.

Can you fix a leaning wall or must it be rebuilt?

It depends on how far it has moved and why. A wall that leans because of water pressure often needs to be rebuilt with drainage behind it. Minor settling may be fixed by resetting a section. We inspect the wall and explain the options in writing before work starts.

How do I stop water pooling in my yard?

Start by finding the source. Roof water, a low spot, a slope toward the house or clay soil can all be causes. Fixes include regrading, downspout extensions, French drains and dry wells. Where the water goes matters, because you cannot send it onto a neighbor's property. We look at the whole site first.

Do drains need maintenance?

Yes, a little. Keep inlets and grates clear of leaves, check that outlets run freely after storms and watch for soil washing into the system. Well built drains with fabric and clean stone last many years. If water starts pooling again, call early before the problem spreads.

Ready when you are. Call now or request a quote online.

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