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GJ MacRae Foundation Repair

THE GTA'S HIGHEST RATED

Stormwater and Dry Well System Installation in the GTA

Professional Stormwater Management for Homes in Oakville, Burlington, Mississauga, and Surrounding Areas

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Stormwater Systems and Dry Well Installations in the GTA

Many municipalities across the GTA now require proper stormwater systems on new builds and on homes with active sump pumps or multiple downspouts. These systems prevent large volumes of water from entering city sewers, reduce water treatment costs, and protect properties and foundations from drainage problems.

GJ MacRae provides complete dry well installation and catch basin installation services that help you manage water safely on your property and stay aligned with local guidelines.

What Is a Dry Well and Catch Basin?

A dry well is an underground pit that collects water and allows it to naturally disperse into surrounding soil. It is commonly used to manage water from downspouts, sump pump discharge lines, French drains, and yard drainage systems.

A catch basin is a surface level drain that collects pooling water from lawns, driveways, side yards, and other low areas. Water from the basin is directed into a dry well or another drainage system.

Most homes use both together. The catch basin collects the water above ground and the dry well manages it underground. This prevents pooling, structural damage and pressure on the foundation, and keeps water away from the home.

Why Homes in the GTA Need Proper Drainage Systems

Municipalities across the GTA have introduced stronger stormwater management guidelines because excess roof runoff and sump pump discharge often overwhelm city sewers. Treating this additional water increases municipal costs and creates higher flood risks during major storms.

Improper drainage also affects homeowners directly. Pooling in the backyard, soft soil near the foundation, erosion, and winter ice buildup are all signs that a property needs a better drainage solution.

A Dry Well and Catch Basin System Provides Reliable Protection and Several Long Term Benefits:

These systems are especially useful for homes with heavy runoff, active sump pumps, grading issues, or areas in the yard that consistently collect water.

Our Stormwater System Installation Process

01

On Site Assessment

We review the property, identify drainage issues, and find the ideal location for the system. Placement is chosen to keep water away from the home while allowing natural absorption into the soil.

02

Excavation

We excavate a 4 ft x 4 ft x 4 ft pit with sloping trenches and can adjust the dimensions depending on the drainage needs. Excavation is often completed by hand to protect landscaping and avoid utility lines.

03

Filter Cloth and Weeping Tile

The excavation is lined with filter cloth and a loop of weeping tile is installed at the base. This helps water disperse evenly throughout the dry well.

04

Gravel Installation

The pit is filled with clean gravel and the filter cloth is folded over the top to keep soil from entering the system.

05

Drainage Connections

We connect downspouts, sump pump discharge lines, French drains, or a backyard catch basin to the dry well. If the project requires additional strength we offer concrete catch basin installation for high traffic or heavy flow areas.

06

Backfill and Final Grading

The area is backfilled, leveled and covered  with soil so it blends naturally into your yard.

A Word from Our Customers

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A D profile picture
A D
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Going thru some old files for my rental property, I discovered a contract which Gavin had signed in Jan 2007 to repair a foundation leak in my basement. This leak had been 'fixed' multiple times by others using epoxy. Gavin explained that the only sure way to fix the leak once and for all, was to dig down to the foundation from the outside to seal the cracks, plus provide a waterproof barrier against the wall. The work was done excellently and came with a 15 year warranty. It has been 19 years and no leaks have occurred. If you want a basement leak fixed right the first time, then contact GJ MacRae Foundation Repair. Highly recommended.
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Bob Fuller profile picture
Bob Fuller
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Dean and his team did a highly professional repair to our foundation. We needed expediency and Dean ensured we were taken care of.
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Diane Prest profile picture
Diane Prest
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Today Gavin MacRae did thorough inspection of 2 sump pumps & battery backups which he installed in 2018 - both systems still performing well. Prior to 2018 MacRae Foundation did extensive foundation/waterproofing for us - quality of workmanship excellent. Without hesitation, strongly recommend MacRae Foundation.
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Liza McIntyre profile picture
Liza McIntyre
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GJ MacRae provided us with interior and exterior waterproofing, as well as the installation of a sump pump. From start to finish , they were professional, courteous, on time and budget. Their customer service is exceptional and I’ve recommended their services to friends and neighbours without hesitation. L. McIntyre
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chad youden profile picture
chad youden
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I can’t say enough about GJ macrae. This company truly does go above and beyond for their clients. Extremely professional and clean work, done properly!! I will not hesitate to tell all my family and friends if they ever have a foundation leak or wet basement to call this company. Thank you again GJ macrae for helping me and my family!
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Gabhan Chalmers profile picture
Gabhan Chalmers
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We had a difficult project requiring excavation, waterproofing, and installing a sump pump on a 130 year old house, and GJ MacRae did an amazing and very thorough job. They went above and beyond to repair the foundation that had started to deteriorate as well. Very professional and high quality work. I'd definitely recommend this company!
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Rob Fratric profile picture
Rob Fratric
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Great job. Fast response to inquiries, job done fast and professionally. Put everything around the area back in place to the point where you wouldn't even know any work was done afterwards. Would 100% recommend calling them if you have a foundation repair issue.
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LC profile picture
LC
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Let's just say that there aren't many companies of this calibre around these days. We've been dealing with GJ MacRae for the last seven years for everything sump pump related. Seven years ago the fine folks at GJ MacRae came in and replaced our existing sump with a modern unit complete with a marine battery backup and secondary pump. We have a ton of ground water around here and when it rains our sump fires non stop. Everything has been perfect and when it came time to service our system seven years in, GJ MacRae was all over it. Exceptional service, communication price and product. It's rare to see all 3 these days. Thanks for everything Gavin.
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Jeff S profile picture
Jeff S
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Gavin of GJ MacRae and his team did an amazing, quick and clean installation of a sump pump in our basement! I was very impressed with every aspect, from communication, to timing, to the finished product! Absolutely would recommend them! Thanks Gavin!
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Dave Frei profile picture
Dave Frei
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When you are doing a large scale project like ours (basement dig, under pin, beam replacement and waterproofing), you need an expert team like GJ MacRae. They have the experience and the know-how to give you peace of mind that the job is being done right the first time. Gavin and his team showed up on time every day with a plan and executed it with precision! These guys are the best in the business!
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Need Dry Well or Catch Basin Installation in the GTA? Give Us a Call!

With over forty eight years of hands on experience, GJ MacRae provides professional exterior drainage and waterproofing services across Oakville, Mississauga, Burlington, Hamilton, Milton, Georgetown, and surrounding areas. For more information, call us at (905) 824-2557.

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Our Service Areas

At GJ MacRae, we take pride in extending our services across the GTA to meet our valued customers’ unique needs, and our dedicated team is committed to delivering top-notch solutions all year long. Our expansive service areas are a testament to our unwavering commitment to the highest quality foundation repair services and customer satisfaction in the GTA.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Moving water away from the foundation reduces moisture penetration and protects structural integrity.

Most residential dry wells and catch basins can be installed in a single day.

Yes. Dry wells are ideal for sump pumps and are commonly required for active discharge systems.

A catch basin is recommended when surface water is pooling. It collects the water and directs it into the drainage system.

Many municipalities across the GTA strongly encourage or require proper stormwater systems, especially for new builds and homes with sump pumps.

WE'RE EXCITED TO GET STARTED!

Book a Free Assessment

If your property has poor drainage or if you want to follow the latest stormwater guidelines in Oakville, Burlington, Mississauga, or nearby communities, GJ MacRae can help.

Contact us today for a free on site assessment and a detailed quote for dry well installation or catch basin installation.