Drainage & Trenching

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Expert Drainage & Trenching Services in Rockland, MA

Standing water, soggy yards, and flooded basements aren't just nuisances — they're signs of a drainage problem that gets worse every season you ignore it. Water that pools against your foundation, saturates your lawn, or backs up around your property is actively causing damage. The fix requires more than a surface solution.


DGL Contracting has been solving drainage problems across Rockland and the South Shore for over 30 years. We design and install drainage systems that move water where it belongs — away from your home and off your property. Our team is also licensed to perform water line work, making us one of the most capable drainage and trenching contractors in the region.

For more information about our services or to schedule an appointment, call us at (781) 985-4535 or complete the form on our contact page we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.

Drainage & Trenching Services We Provide in Rockland, MA

French Drain Installation

French drains are one of the most effective solutions for yards that collect standing water or soil that stays saturated after rain. We excavate a trench, install perforated pipe in a gravel bed, and direct water away from problem areas. Properly installed, a French drain can eliminate standing water issues and protect your lawn and foundation for years.


Surface Drainage & Catch Basins

For properties where water accumulates on the surface — driveways, patios, low-lying lawn areas — surface drainage systems and catch basins intercept runoff before it becomes a problem. DGL installs and connects these systems properly so water is captured and directed away efficiently.


Utility & Electrical Trenching

Running conduit for electrical service, irrigation lines, or other underground utilities requires clean, accurate trenching work. DGL cuts precise trenches for electrical conduit and other utility installations, working carefully around existing structures, hardscaping, and landscaping to minimize disruption.


Water Line Installation & Repair

DGL is licensed to perform water line work — a credential that many general contractors and landscapers don't hold. Whether you need a new water line run or an existing one repaired, our team has the licensing, equipment, and experience to handle the job correctly and in compliance with local requirements.


Stormwater Management

For larger properties or sites with significant runoff challenges, DGL can design and install stormwater management solutions that redirect, slow, and absorb water before it causes erosion, flooding, or structural damage. We work with the natural grading of your property to find solutions that function long-term.


Things to Consider Before Installing a Drainage System on the South Shore

  • Identify the source of the problem first. Drainage issues can stem from poor grading, high water tables, compacted soil, or inadequate surface drainage. The right fix depends on understanding the cause.

  • Licensing matters for underground work. Water line installation and certain utility connections require a licensed contractor. Always verify credentials before hiring.

  • South Shore soil conditions vary. Rocky soil, clay pockets, and sandy areas all affect how drainage systems are designed and installed. Local experience matters.

  • Permits may be required. Water line work and certain drainage installations require permits in Massachusetts. We handle the permitting process so you don't have to.

  • Drainage and grading work together. Surface grading may need to be corrected alongside drainage installation to achieve lasting results. DGL handles both.

  • Coordinate with other site work. If you're also planning landscaping, hardscaping, or excavation, it's more cost-effective to address drainage as part of a larger project.

Cost of Drainage & Trenching in Rockland, MA

Drainage project costs vary based on system type, property size, soil conditions, depth of installation, and whether permits are required. Here's a general sense of how investment levels break down:


  • Basic surface drainage and catch basin installation — Entry-level investment for straightforward surface water collection and redirection.

  • French drain systems — Mid-range investment depending on trench length, depth, and outlet conditions.

  • Utility and electrical trenching — Priced based on trench length, depth, and site conditions.

  • Water line installation and stormwater management — More complex work involving licensing, permitting, and materials places these at the higher end of the range.



Every property is different. Call DGL Contracting at (781) 985-4535 for a free on-site estimate and an honest assessment of what your drainage situation requires.


Our Drainage & Trenching Process

  1. Free On-Site Assessment — We visit your property, evaluate the drainage issue, and identify the source of the problem. We'll explain our recommended solution and answer your questions before any work is scoped.

  2. System Design & Permitting — We plan the drainage solution, determine the best outlet locations, and handle any required permits for water line or utility work.

  3. Excavation & Trenching — Our crew excavates precisely, working around existing structures, hardscaping, and landscaping to minimize disruption to your property.

  4. System Installation — Pipe, gravel, catch basins, water lines, or conduit are installed correctly and to code. We don't cut corners on materials or installation depth.

  5. Backfill, Grading & Cleanup — Once installation is complete, we backfill, restore surface grade, and clean up the site. We'll walk you through what was installed and how it works.

Why Rockland & South Shore Property Owners Trust DGL for Drainage Work

  • Licensed for water line work — One of the few contractors in the area holding this credential. More capability, fewer subcontractors, more accountability.

  • 30+ years of local experience — We know South Shore soil, drainage patterns, and local permitting requirements better than contractors brought in from outside the area.

  • Full-service sitework capabilities — Drainage, grading, excavation, and landscaping all under one roof. Better coordination, better results.

  • Right-sized equipment — Precision trenching in tight spaces without tearing up your yard unnecessarily.

  • Licensed & insured — Full coverage on every job for your protection.

  • Local and accountable — Based in Rockland. Your neighbor, not a franchise.

Serving Rockland, MA and the South Shore

DGL Contracting serves Rockland and surrounding South Shore communities including Hanover, Abington, Whitman, Holbrook, Norwell, Scituate, Marshfield, and nearby towns. We also serve parts of northern Rhode Island. We do not operate in Boston. Call us to confirm service to your specific location.


Drainage & Trenching FAQs

  • How do I know if I need a French drain or another drainage solution?

    The right solution depends on where water is entering or collecting and what's causing it. French drains work well for subsurface saturation and lateral water movement. Surface drainage systems and catch basins are better for runoff that collects on the surface. We'll assess your specific situation during a free on-site visit and recommend the right approach.

  • Is DGL licensed to do water line work?

    Yes. DGL Contracting holds the licensing required to perform water line installation and repair in Massachusetts. This is a credential that many landscaping and general excavation contractors don't have. Call us at (781) 985-4535 to discuss your project.

  • Do I need a permit for drainage work in Massachusetts?

    It depends on the scope. Water line connections and certain stormwater installations typically require permits. DGL manages the permitting process as part of our project planning — we'll identify what's required and handle it so the project moves forward without delays.

  • How long does drainage installation take?

    A straightforward French drain or catch basin installation often takes one to two days. More complex drainage systems or water line work may take several days depending on site conditions and permitting. We'll give you a clear timeline estimate before work begins.

  • Will drainage installation damage my lawn or landscaping?

    We work carefully to minimize disruption. Our equipment is appropriately sized for residential and light commercial properties, and we backfill and restore grade after installation. Some surface disruption is unavoidable, but we'll discuss what to expect upfront and can coordinate lawn restoration as part of the project.

  • Can you handle trenching for electrical conduit alongside drainage work?

    Absolutely. DGL regularly handles electrical trenching and utility runs as part of broader sitework and drainage projects. Combining work in a single mobilization saves time and cost.


Contact DGL Contracting — Rockland's Drainage & Trenching Experts

Drainage problems don't fix themselves — they get worse. If you're dealing with standing water, soggy soil, or foundation moisture on your South Shore property, the team at DGL Contracting is ready to help.


Call us today at (781) 985-4535 to request your free estimate.



Licensed & Insured  |  Licensed Water Line Contractor  |  Serving Rockland, MA & the South Shore

For more information about our services or to schedule an appointment, call us at (781) 985-4535 or complete the form on our contact page we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.

Request an Appointment

For more information about our services or to schedule an appointment, call us at (781) 985-4535 or complete the form below we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.

Request an Appointment

 For more information about our services or to schedule an appointment, call us at (781) 985-4535 or complete the form on our contact page we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.

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Service Area

Based in Rockland, Serving the South Shore

From our home base in Rockland, MA, we serve residential and commercial clients across the entire South Shore region. If you don't see your town below, give us a call — we likely cover your area.

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Testimonials

Trusted by Homeowners Across the South Shore

Don't just take our word for it. DGL Contracting has built a reputation across Rockland and the South Shore through consistent, quality workmanship and dependable service. Here is what our customers have to say.

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Mike R.

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DGL Contracting did an awesome job on our backyard project. The team was professional, showed up on time, and everything came out exactly how we wanted.

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Sarah L.

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We hired DGL for some landscaping and hardscape work, and they exceeded our expectations. Great communication and the quality of work really shows.

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Jason T.

Five gold stars in a row on a white background

Very reliable and easy to work with. They handled everything from start to finish and made the whole process smooth and stress-free.

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Chris D.

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DGL handled our irrigation system installation and everything works perfectly. The crew was knowledgeable and made sure everything was done right.

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Amanda K.

Five gold stars in a row on a light gray background

We had them do some site work and cleanup, and they did a fantastic job. Super responsive and easy to work with throughout the whole project.

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Jason T.

Five gold stars in a row on a white background

Very reliable and easy to work with. They handled everything from start to finish and made the whole process smooth and stress-free.