French Drain & Yard Drainage Equipment Rental in Metro Detroit
Standing water in the yard or a damp basement usually comes down to water with nowhere to go. A French drain, buried downspout line or dry well gives it a path. C&W Equipment Rentals rents the mini excavator that digs it, for $200 a day across Metro Detroit.
Common drainage fixes
| Problem | Usual fix | Machine |
|---|---|---|
| Soggy low spot in the lawn | French drain: gravel-filled trench with perforated pipe | CFG H13R mini excavator |
| Downspouts dumping next to the foundation | Buried downspout extension to the yard or street | CFG H13R mini excavator |
| Water pooling with no low exit point | Dry well (buried basin that lets water soak in) | CFG H13R mini excavator |
| Yard slopes toward the house | Regrade so soil falls away from the foundation | Ditch Witch SK800 or AGT YSRT14 mini skid steer |
| Hauling extra soil, bringing in gravel | Haul in bulk | PJ 7x14 dump trailer |
How a French drain goes
- Call MISS DIG 811 at least 3 business days ahead.
- Plan the route: run from the wet area to a lower outlet, with at least 1 inch of fall for every 8 to 10 feet.
- Dig the trench with the mini excavator, usually 6 to 12 inches wide and 18 to 24 inches deep.
- Line it with filter fabric, add a gravel bed, lay perforated pipe holes-down, and cover with more gravel.
- Fold the fabric over, backfill, and reseed or sod.
Why drainage matters here
Much of Metro Detroit sits on dense clay that drains slowly, so water sits on the surface and against foundations after heavy rain. Moving water away with a drain or better grading protects basements and keeps lawns usable. Check with your city before tying any drain into a storm sewer or ditch, since rules vary.
Delivery, hours and service area
Free delivery and pickup within 10 miles, then $5 per mile. We serve all of Metro Detroit, including Oakland, Wayne and Macomb counties, plus Ann Arbor, Brighton and Howell. Open 7am to 7pm Monday to Saturday, 7am to 2pm Sunday.
Book online or call (248) 303-8515.
Drainage FAQ
What equipment do I need to install a French drain?
A mini excavator to dig the trench, and optionally a dump trailer to haul extra soil and bring in gravel. Most residential French drains take one to two days of machine time.
How deep should a French drain be?
Most yard French drains are 18 to 24 inches deep and 6 to 12 inches wide, sloped at least 1 inch for every 8 to 10 feet of run.
Can I bury my downspouts myself?
Yes. A mini excavator digs the shallow trench quickly. Run the pipe with steady fall to an outlet well away from the house.
Book the equipment for this job
CFG H13R mini excavator · Ditch Witch SK800 mini skid steer · PJ 7x14 dump trailer · Full inventory