Commercial Subsurface Drainage Systems

Engineered Solutions to Manage Groundwater at the Source

Subsurface drainage is essential for protecting commercial sites from hidden water damage. Whether you're managing a high water table, preventing foundation movement, or preserving pavement performance, proper underground drainage is the first line of defense. At Diversified Drainage, we design and install engineered subsurface systems that keep commercial properties dry, stable, and code-compliant—even in Minnesota’s toughest soil and climate conditions.



drain tile installation in progress
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About the Service: Subsurface Drainage for Commercial Applications

Subsurface drainage systems manage water below ground level, where surface drainage alone can’t reach. These systems are designed to intercept groundwater, redirect it away from critical structures, and maintain dry, stable soil conditions that support long-term site integrity.

Common Commercial Drainage Solutions We Install: 

Drain Tile Systems
Perforated pipe systems wrapped in filter fabric and surrounded by aggregate, designed to move groundwater away from building foundations, slabs, and paved surfaces.
Aggregate Drainage Trenches
Engineered stone channels that promote water movement through poorly draining soils, often integrated with geotextile and pipe systems.
Foundation Perimeter Drains
Subsurface systems that protect below-grade structures such as basements, underground parking, or commercial crawlspaces.
Under-Pavement Drainage
Drain tile or trench systems installed beneath concrete or asphalt to reduce frost heave, subsurface erosion, and premature pavement failure.
Subgrade Soil Stabilization
Drainage-focused soil preparation that reduces excess moisture and increases load-bearing capacity for parking lots, drive lanes, and building pads.
Commercial Drainage Benefits

Why Subsurface Drainage Matters

Prevent Structural Damage - Excess groundwater can cause shifting foundations, heaving slabs, and compromised subgrades.
Extend Pavement Lifespan - Moisture below paved surfaces leads to freeze/thaw cycles, cracking, and early deterioration.
Support Code Compliance - Subsurface systems are often required by stormwater management plans, especially on clay-heavy or low-infiltration sites.
Enable Reliable Construction Conditions - Keep work areas dry and compact-able during construction—even in high water table or rain-heavy seasons.
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Built for Minnesota Soil & Climate

We specialize in subsurface systems that perform reliably under:
High water table conditions
Clay-rich, poorly draining soils
Deep frost lines and seasonal heaving
Sites with flat topography and slow runoff

Who We Serve

We install commercial subsurface drainage systems for:
Office & retail developments
Industrial warehouses & distribution centers
Multi-family housing sites
Institutional & campus properties
Commercial new construction projects
Redevelopment & retrofit sites with poor drainage

Why Choose Diversified Drainage? 

a pair of excavators working to install a commercial drainage solution

25+ Years of Experience

With over two decades of hands-on experience, we’ve seen—and solved—every kind of drainage issue for both homes and commercial properties.

Fully Licensed & Insured

Our team is fully licensed, insured, and qualified to work on residential neighborhoods, large-scale commercial sites, and everything in between.

Local Expertise

As a Plymouth-based company, we understand the soil, slope, and drainage challenges unique to Minnesota properties.

Effective Solution Design

We provide high-quality drainage systems that are both cost-effective and built to perform season after season.

Customer-first Service

From homeowners to property managers, we prioritize clear communication, honest recommendations, and long-term results.

Ready to Solve Water Problems Below the Surface?

Diversified Drainage brings over 25 years of experience solving Minnesota’s toughest groundwater challenges. Whether you're planning a new site or correcting underground drainage failures, we’ll design a solution that works—quietly, reliably, and long-term.

Commercial Drainage FAQs

Proper groundwater management starts with the right system—and a clear understanding of how it works. Explore these FAQs to learn more about subsurface drainage.

Is subsurface drainage always required on commercial sites?

Not always, but it’s essential on flat sites, high water table areas, or any project where water needs to be redirected from foundations and paved surfaces.

Can subsurface systems be retrofitted to existing properties?

Yes. We often install drain tile or subsurface solutions to fix persistent moisture issues or to stabilize older properties with poor drainage.

How do I know if my site needs subsurface drainage?

Warning signs include soft ground, water infiltration at the foundation, or pavement that cracks or heaves seasonally. We can assess your site and recommend the right approach.

What types of subsurface systems do you install?

We design each system based on site conditions—most include drain tile, aggregate trenches, and soil filtration layers integrated with surface drainage elements.