How We Solved a 97-Year-Old Homeowner’s Drainage Crisis in East Vancouver
By Alex, Drainage Specialist | Vancouver Underground Drainage Experts
📍 Vancouver | East Vancouver | Kitsilano | Burnaby
📞 Need help? Call us at 604-359-5022
I’ve been doing underground drainage and waterproofing work for over 12 years now. In the last 5 years with Vancouver Underground Drainage Experts, I’ve seen everything from collapsed drain tiles in Burnaby to root-clogged French drains in Kits. But this one stood out.
Marlene reached out our office, on behalf of her mother — a 97-year-old woman still living independently in her East Vancouver home. As soon as I heard the story, I knew we had to make this project smooth, respectful, and airtight.
“She reminded me of my grandmother,” I told the team. “Let’s treat this house like our own.”
Step 1: Getting the Lay of the Land
On-site, I took a full walkthrough of the property. What stood out immediately: the sump and outgoing line were actually in decent shape — surprising for a house this age. But the real trouble was pooling water at the back — thanks to slope, alleyway runoff, and neighbor drainage issues.
At Vancouver Underground Drainage Experts, we don’t believe in “one-size-fits-all” drainage fixes. Every property tells a different story. I put together two options for Marlene and her mom — one budget-conscious and one full-scale upgrade. I told her “We do everything from French drain systems to full foundation waterproofing and sump pump installs. It’s just the matter of requirement and urgency of the property and the customer.”
Option 1: Targeted Fix, Done Right (💲$3100 + $775 materials)
For clients who need results without going all in, this was a solid plan:
- Excavated the rear zone around a temporary pump.
- Installed a 24” sump basin to attract water naturally
- Tied in accessible nearby drain tile.
- Ran trenching and pipe over 50 feet to the storm sump at the alley.
- Core drilled the retaining wall to create a clean discharge route.
- Hydroflushed everything to ensure flow.
- Reinstalled a float valve and high-grade Liberty LE51A-2 sewage pump (I actually ended up sourcing it myself when the client’s son couldn’t drop it off in time — we don’t leave people waiting).
NOTE: This is the kind of job that fixes a wet crawl space and prevents seasonal flooding without a full tear-up of your property. This pump’s rated for over a decade of use I’ve installed dozens across Vancouver and it’s never let me down.
Option 2: Full Drainage & Waterproofing Upgrade (💲$7950 + $1650 materials)
For clients who want long-term protection, I always offer the deep fix:
- Excavated along the entire rear wall — nearly 9.5 feet deep, one of our deepest digs yet.
- Installed brand new PVC drain tile and Xypex patching on visible cracks.
- Applied full asphaltic foundation waterproofing.
- Hydroflushed drain lines to confirm connection to city.
- Installed new cleanouts for future maintenance.
- Added a catch basin where the temporary pump was.
- Even handled concrete breaking, backfill, and restoration.
NOTE: This project included everything from foundation waterproofing services to advanced trenching and catch basin cleaning in Burnaby-style terrain.
Challenges? Plenty. But That’s What We’re Here For.
Here’s what made this job memorable:
- 9.5 feet deep meant serious shoring we had a full-size excavator on-site.
- The garden had to be restored exactly as we found it and we did.
- Their son couldn’t bring the pump that my team was looking forward to, so I picked it up myself from Andrew Sheret but didn’t charge extra.
We’re not just technicians. At Vancouver Underground Drainage Experts, we’re your neighbors, and we treat your property like our own.
Final Results: A Home That’s Dry, Secure, and Respected
Water’s now being discharged 100+ feet away from the home with zero backflow. All trenches are backfilled. The sump system is solid. And yes — we’re returning soon for concrete finish work as promised.
Marlene and her mother? “Beyond grateful,” in her words. And me? Proud.
Because every home we help in Vancouver especially ones with stories like this reminds me why I do what I do.
If your home is more than 30 years old, get a drain tile camera inspection in Vancouver and stop small issues from turning into $10K+ repairs.
Want My Team on Your Property Next?
Drainage issues don’t fix themselves — and Vancouver’s weather doesn’t let up. Whether you’re a homeowner, renovator, or investor, we’re the people to call for:
✅ Wet crawl space fixes
✅ French drains in Vancouver
✅ Waterproof foundation services
✅ Catch basin cleaning in Burnaby
✅ Sump system upgrades that last a decade+
📞 Call 604-359-5022 or book a free consultation with me or one of our drainage techs.
📍 Serving Vancouver, Kitsilano, Burnaby, East Van and surrounding areas.
