Thursday, November 28, 2013

We're Thankful for Our Families


Happy Thanksgiving 2013, today brings to a close a new Integrity Drainage Services tradition: 7 days of Thanks.

On our final count-down to Turkey Day, we focus on the last of the 7 of the countless reasons for us to give thanks.

7 Days of Thanks Reason 1 – Thankful For Our Family

Integrity is thankful for our family. 

Family is a gift we are all blessed with; while many of us enjoy the traditional, two-parent family life, others of us are blessed with other kinds of family--the spirit of family comes from our churches, our friends, our business partners, and our neighbors.

We hope on this day of thanks that you remember to feel gratitude for the many different kinds of family that enhance our daily lives.

While it seems so far away, spring 2014 will be here before you know it. Feel free to call us anytime this winter to discuss creative possibilities for your home and property. You will have chosen the right team for the job.

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

We're Thankful You've Chosen Integrity

As we count down to Thanksgiving 2013, we continue a new Integrity Drainage Services tradition: 7 days of Thanks.

As Turkey Day nears, we focus on 7 of the countless reasons for us to give thanks.

7 Days of Thanks Reason 2 – Thankful For Our Freedoms

Integrity is thankful for our freedoms.
We take for granted the many freedoms this great nation offers us. Our fearless leader started this business out of the back of his car, many years ago, and now he's an American success story. We are thankful for the freedom to pursue this dream.

We're thankful for the gifts of opportunity each day brings us--and our ability to choose to pursue those opportunities or not. We understand you have the freedom to choose from many drainage options; that's why we work as hard as we do to earn your trust and keep your business. Because freedom isn't free.

While it seems so far away, spring 2014 will be here before you know it. Feel free to call us anytime this winter to discuss creative possibilities for your home and property. You will have chosen the right team for the job.

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Wisconsin is a great state for Integrity Drainage

As we count down to Thanksgiving 2013, we continue a new Integrity Drainage Services tradition: 7 days of Thanks.

As Turkey Day nears, we focus on 7 of the countless reasons for us to give thanks.


7 Days of Thanks Reason 3 – Thankful For Wisconsin Living


Integrity is thankful for Wisconsin living.
The opportunities provided by Integrity Landscape Services have taken us all over this great state of Wisconsin. We are thankful to be living here in the Badger state. Every day we meet good, friendly people (unlike other parts of the country where you truly notice a difference in decency and civility). We marvel at the four, lovely seasons, each with its own special beauty. We are thankful for the many cities large and small, the rural beauty, and countless special moments that make us Cheeseheads like no other state.

We are proud to say Integrity Landscape Services’ is a Wisconsin company. We say thanks to all our fellow Badgerland citizens, and never take them for granted.

While it seems so far away, spring 2014 will be here before you know it. Feel free to call us anytime this winter to discuss creative possibilities for your home and property. You will have chosen the right team for the job.

Monday, November 25, 2013

Integrity thanks its friends

As we count down to Thanksgiving 2013, we reveal a new Integrity Drainage Services tradition: 7 days of Thanks.

Today's focus on one of the 7 of the countless reasons for us to give thanks is:

7 Days of Thanks Reason 4 – Thankful For Our Friends

Integrity Drainage is thankful for its friends.

Over the years, we have met many people. And we have made many friends. At school, at church, at work, at play, and simply living life. We are blessed with many close and dear friends. They enrich our lives and make living more enjoyable.

We are proud to say that many Integrity Drainage Services’ customers are now our friends. We say thanks to all our great friends, and never take them for granted.

While it seems so far away, spring 2014 will be here before you know it. Feel free to call us anytime this winter to discuss creative possibilities for your home and property. You will have chosen the right team for the job.

Sunday, November 24, 2013

Thank you for our reputation

As we count down to Thanksgiving 2013, we reveal a new Integrity Drainage Services tradition: 7 days of Thanks.

Today's focus on one of the 7 of the countless reasons for us to give thanks is:

7 Days of Thanks Reason 5 – Thankful For Our Community Reputation

Some of the community recognition Integrity is most proud of includes Angies List Super Service awards and BBB A+ rating.

We work assiduously to make you, the client, feel satisfied with our results. Good is not good enough; we want you to feel the work of the Integrity Landscape Services team is outstanding.

We're beyond grateful that so many of you, wonderful past and present customers, have spoken publicly about your positive experience with Integrity. We have been named to the elite Angie’s Super Service award three straight years—no other local landscape company has achieved that. We are also an accredited business with the Better Business Bureau, and have achieved the highest possible rating.

We work relentlessly, and we thank you for letting others know you value our hard work for you.

While it seems so far away, spring 2014 will be here before you know it. Feel free to call us anytime this winter to discuss creative possibilities for your home and property. You will have chosen the right team for the job.

Saturday, November 23, 2013

Thank you to our employees


As we count down to Thanksgiving 2013, we now undertake a new Integrity Drainage Solutions tradition: 7 days of Thanks.

Every day leading up to Turkey Day, we are going to focus on 7 of the countless reasons for us to give thanks.

7 Days of Thanks Reason 6 – Thankful For Our Integrity Employee Team.

Integrity Drainage is thankful for our work team. 

From our humble beginnings to our current thriving business, we could not have done it without our wonderful, talented, dedicated and dependable team of workers. We expect much from ourselves and we push hard to deliver excellence. This would not be possible without a great team of employees who work hard and achieve superior results. We give thanks for each and every member of the Integrity Drainage Solutions team

While it seems so far away, spring 2014 will be here before you know it. Feel free to call us anytime this winter to discuss creative possibilities for your home and property. You will have chosen the right team for the job.

Friday, November 22, 2013

Introduction to Seven Days of Thanks

As we are one week away from Thanksgiving 2013, we would like to institute a new Integrity Drainage Solutions tradition: 7 days of Thanks.

Every day leading up to Turkey Day, we are going to focus on 7 of the countless reasons for us to give thanks.

7 Days of Thanks Reason 7 – Thankful For Our Customers.

2013 was another great year for Integrity Drainage Solutions. And we owe it all to you: our wonderful customers. Thank you for choosing us over many other options. We earned your trust, and we will do everything we possibly can to continue to keep your trust as you turn to us for your exterior drainage solutions in 2014 and beyond.

Integrity is thankful for our customers.

While it seems so far away, spring 2014 will be here before you know it. Feel free to call us anytime this winter to address drainage issues for your home and property.

We truly give thanks for your business. Thank you.

Thursday, September 19, 2013

Fall - Special Offer

Summer is over, and autumn is typically rainy. Now is the perfect time to address your exterior drainage problems.

If you live in our geographic business area of Southeastern Wisconsin, mention you saw this blog post and we will offer you a free consultation plus $50.00 discount off any drainage project.

Integrity workers ensuring proper grading to maximize a property's drainage.

Proven Integrity Solutions:

  • Precise Grading
  •  Gradual & Efficient Swales
  • Properly Designed Retaining Wall
  • Drain Tile (a.k.a. French Drain)
  • Catch Basins (or Yard Drains)
  • Buried Downspout Extensions
  • EPDM Membrane
  • Erosion Control
Integrity workers during a drain tile installation project.

Monday, September 2, 2013

Celebrating Integrity Labor on Labor Day


Integrity workers trenching for drain tileHappy Labor Day! We at Integrity Drainage Solutions hope you enjoyed this traditional last weekend of summer. We’d like to take a moment to thank and salute our hardworking, experienced, dependable, and talented team of workers. Many of them have been with us for many years now. Unlike some fly-by-night operations that hire for the week, we train and retain our skilled workers. That’s why Integrity has been awarded the prestigious Super Service Award from Angie’s List for 3 straight years.

Our workers are skilled, efficient, and amazingly productive! We regularly finished jobs in less time than clients expect. Our workers are friendly, respectful, and focused on keeping your site clean while they work. They do the job right the first time. This Labor Day we say thanks to our remarkable team at Integrity Drainage Solutions!

"My experience was great from start to finish. Very professional & thorough. I was impressed with the clean-up after the job and would definitely recommend Integrity. " -- Mary C., Milwaukee, WI

Thursday, August 29, 2013

Integrity Installs Pitched Swales

At Integrity Drainage Solutions, we have simple, effective, scientific philosophy for exterior drainage: Water flows downhill. We create a path of least resistance to control or move water away from its undesired location around the exterior of your home.

Pitched swale diagram




We use a precise and technical approach. For example, surface runoff, a common drainage problem, can be effectively resolved by adjusting the grade so the water flows downhill and your exterior drainage runs away from your structures. We design efficient exterior drainage solutions to cost-effectively meet your needs and create a positive pitch away from your home. Call for a free consultation today.

Thursday, August 22, 2013

Prepare for Fall's Precipitation

The mini-drought of July and August is over. Heavy rains have barraged the area the past day or so. And you know how rainy and wet fall can be in Wisconsin!

Improper drainage leads to gradual foundation damage. You can go for years and barely notice a problem. Then you reach a tipping point, and foundation damage can be a costly nightmare.

Foundation drainage problems can result from too much moisture as well as too little. Standing water around your home, large amounts of water dumped by gutter downspouts, or a negative slope of the area around your home can cause saturated soil, which seeps into and eventually erodes your foundation.

Do you see excessive puddling or ponding around your home after a heavy rain? Do your basement walls dribble water? Do you have small yet slowly growing cracks in your basement walls? All of the above questions are warning signs of foundation issues.

Call Integrity Drainage Solutions today for a free consultation so you avoid the nightmare of the picture below:

Basement wall buckled from drainage issue

Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Drain Tile Systems


The recent drier weather makes this an excellent time to deal with your exterior drainage issues. Changing your property's grade and installing improved drainage deliver superior results for years to come.

Installation of drainage tiles (also known as a French Drain) effectively supplements the benefits of proper grading. A 4” perforated drain tile back-filled with limestone chips will absorb seepage (underground water) under the center of a swale or other areas of potential water pooling.

The experienced and efficient workers for Integrity Drainage Solutions will excavate a footer (a trench about 6-8 inches deep), then lay a 4” diameter perforated pipe, after the drainage tile is installed. Next comes back-filling with limestone chips or washed gravel. Finally, they top it all off with displaced earth.

Only Part of the Solution:

Drainage tile systems are only about 6 inches beneath the ground. These pipes can freeze during a typical Wisconsin winter. The system should be augmenting your solution, not be considered the primary solution.

Integrity staff trenching for drain tile.

Thursday, July 18, 2013

While It's Dry, Don't Forget the Damage From Too Much Wet

Now’s the time to fix your exterior drainage problems before the next rounds of heavy soaking rains. No matter how hot or humid the temperature is outside, our dedicated crew gets the work done quickly and efficiently.
"The swale works like a champ - no basement water this summer! Great work. I have been recommending Integrity to all of my neighbors." -Kathy G., Brookfield, WI.

Removing overgrown plants near the house can help solve drainage issues.

We use a precise and technical approach. For example, surface runoff, a common drainage problem, can be effectively resolved by adjusting the grade so the water flows downhill and your exterior drainage is away from your structures. We design efficient exterior drainage solutions to cost effectively meet your needs and create a positive pitch away from your home. Call for a free consultation today.

Integrity's team grading to create an efficient swale.

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

More Summer Rain Equals Drainage Hazards

Another heavy rain-soaking hit our area today. We are stuck in a stagnant weather pattern that will continue near-record levels of rain for the foreseeable future. At Integrity Drainage Solutions, we have a simple, effective philosophy for exterior drainage: Water flows downhill. We create a path of least resistance to control or move water away from its undesired location outside of your home.

An example of poor grading between homes.


We use a precise and technical approach. For example, surface runoff, a common drainage problem, can be effective resolved by adjusting the grade so the water flows downhill and your exterior drainage is away from your structures. We design efficient exterior drainage solutions to cost-effectively meet your needs and create a positive pitch away from your home. Call for a free consultation today.

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

Rainy June, Wet July?

Welcome to July! June was one of the rainiest months of the past 20 years. Weather forecasters predict much the same for the rest of the summer as the Jet Stream is stationary, bringing both cool air from the north and moisture from the south. Tired of standing water on your property? Concerned about water leaking into your basement?

Affordable drainage solutions from Integrity solve all your water issues, from  minor nagging standing water to major drainage problems such as basement leaks and flooding. We offer experience and cost-effective results as your exterior drainage specialists.

Our Mission Statement: “To offer practical solutions to a variety of drainage problems using precise and technical approach. Our goal is to educate and help our customers prevent future damage to their home and to enjoy their property more.”

A testimonial from Robert W. of New Berlin, WI:
I had your company do some grading and drainage work to prevent water from getting into my basement. Everyone we worked with was so nice and a real joy to work with. Since having the work done, we have not had any more water in our basement. We would definitely recommend your services!

Trenching for Drain Tile

Monday, June 24, 2013

Record-level Rains in Wisconsin in 2013

2013 has been one of the wettest so far in Southeastern Wisconsin since they began recording weather data 150 years ago. Are you experiencing standing water puddles that refuse to dry up and are now mosquito luxury hotels? Did you experience water on basement walls or floors after the regular heavy rains of the past month?

Drainage Solutions from Integrity efficiently solve everything from your minor nagging standing water issues to major drainage problems such as basement flooding. We offer experience and cost-effective results as your exterior drainage specialists.

Our Mission Statement: “To offer practical solutions to a variety of drainage problems using precise and technical approach. Our goal is to educate and help our customers prevent future damage to their home and to enjoy their property more.”

Our satisfied clients shared some feedback:

"The swale works like a champ - no basement water this summer! Great work. I have been recommending Integrity to all of my neighbors. " -- Kathy G., Brookfield, WI
Integrity-designed retaining wall and swale

"I want to thank you all for the yard grading and the new patio you put in for us. Last month, when we had torrential rain and all of our friends had massive basement flooding and damage, we had NO water at all in our basement. In fact, we had no water pooling on the patio either. Everything worked perfectly and we had a restful night's sleep that night all thanks to the work you did. So, a heartfelt THANK YOU! from us. " -- Reva F., Bayside, WI

Sunday, June 16, 2013

Don't be Soggy on Father's Day

We'd like to salute all the fathers we know on this Father's Day, 2013. We thank you for providing for us, protecting us, and guiding us the loving way only fathers can.

After yesterday’s heavy rains, it is vital that you inspect your basement and property for exterior drainage issues. Is there dribbling water down your basement walls or by your basement windows? Do you have mini-ponds of standing water for days after a heavy rain? Does the water seem to be draining toward your home, not away from it?

If the answer is yes to any of these questions, we suggest you call Integrity Drainage Solutions today to arrange a free consultation.

Did you know exterior drainage problems affect 60% of all homeowners? Drainage problems may be seasonal or can develop over time. Typically, homeowners go for years before they even realize they have a persistent problem. These drainage issues will continue to worsen as water settles property features such as lawn areas, patios, driveways, and foundations, often causing preventable damage and expense.

After a heavy rain, inspect your home and property for any of these signs of water damage:
  • Mold buildup,
  • standing water ponding,
  • mushy lawn areas,
  • foundation issues,
  • damp walls,
  • water on basement floor.
Pictures of drainage problems to watch out for.

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Father's Day Special

To celebrate Father’s Day this Sunday, Integrity Drainage Solutions wants to extend an offer to any fathers, offspring who love their fathers, or mothers who want to honor their husbands. If you live in Southeastern Wisconsin, mention you saw this blog post and we will offer you a free consultation, plus $50.00 discount off any drainage project.

Proven Integrity Solutions:

  • Precise Grading
  • Gradual & Efficient Swales
  • Properly Designed Retaining Wall
  • Drain Tile (a.k.a. French Drain)
  • Catch Basins (or Yard Drains)
  • Buried Downspout Extensions
  • EPDM Membrane
  • Erosion Control
Members of the Integrity team installing a drainage system
Members of the Integrity team installing a drainage system

Tuesday, June 4, 2013

Prevent Foundation Damage

The best way to prevent major water damage costs for your home: Fix your drainage! Improper drainage leads to gradual foundation damage. You can go for years and barely notice a problem. Then you reach a tipping point, and foundation damage can be a costly nightmare.

Foundation drainage problems can result from too much moisture as well as too little. Standing water around your home, large amounts of water dumped by gutter downspouts, or a negative slope of the area around your home can cause saturated soil, which seeps into and eventually erodes your foundation.

Do you see excessive puddling or ponding around your home after a heavy rain? Do your basement walls dribble water? Do you have small yet slowly growing cracks in your basement walls? All of the above questions are warning signs of foundation issues.

Call Integrity Drainage Solutions today for a free consultation so you avoid the nightmare of the picture below:

Foundation wall damaged because of drainage issues

Thursday, May 30, 2013

Do You Need a Swale?

A swale may be in your future. Swales are grassy depressions in the ground designed to collect storm water runoff from streets, driveways, rooftops, and parking lots. The grass in the swale removes pollutants from storm water as the water infiltrates the soil.


Swale diagram showing the theoretical flow of water

If water stands within 10 feet of your foundation for more than an hour after rains stop, you may benefit from a swale. A swale is simply a shallow ditch that is used to carry off water. Swales are often so wide and so shallow that you don't notice them. Swales must slope downhill, and therefore must be deeper as they get longer. For a relatively flat yard, a swale will generally drop 1 inch for every 10 feet of length.

A swale in action

As you can see with the help of some extra annotation, swales don't have to be eyesores. Learn more about them by talking to the experts at Integrity.

Monday, May 27, 2013

Memorial Day 2013

While enjoying the long, relaxing weekend, remember the true reason for this holiday. Let us never forget that we celebrate our freedoms today in memory of those who have served this country so bravely.

We at Integrity Drainage Solutions would like to thank the brave men, women, and animals who have served this country with duty and honor. We also respect the memory of those who have given their lives in service to this great nation.

All we can say is we thank you, we honor you, and we will never forget your service and sacrifice.

Remember those who served--all gave some, some gave all.

Thursday, May 23, 2013

Rain, Rain, Go Away

With yesterday’s heavy rains adding to a wet May’s above-average 2013 totals, it is probably time to address your exterior drainage issues. Do you see standing water puddles and ponds? Does the water run toward your home? Do you see any leaks flowing into your basement windows or walls? Answer yes to any of the previous questions and you face exterior drainage challenges.

At Integrity Drainage Solutions, we have a simple, effective philosophy for exterior drainage: Water flows downhill. We create a path of least resistance to control or move water away from its undesired location away from the outside of your home.

We use a precise and technical approach. For example, surface runoff, a common drainage problem, can be effectively resolved by adjusting the grade so water flows downhill and your exterior drainage is away from your structures. We design efficient exterior drainage solutions to cost-effectively meet your needs and create a positive pitch away from your home. Call for a free consultation today.

heavy rain

Sunday, May 19, 2013

Do Spring Puddles Hang Around at Your House?

Do you notice puddles or standing water that takes too long to drain on your land? Drainage Solutions from Integrity solve any and all drainage quandaries—from minor, nagging standing water issues to major drainage problems. We offer experience as exterior drainage specialists to deliver you cost-effective results.

Our Mission Statement: “To offer practical solutions to a variety of drainage problems using a precise and technical approach. Our goal is to educate and help our customers prevent future damage to their home and to enjoy their property more.”

A testimonial from Robert W. of New Berlin, WI: “I had your company do some grading and drainage work to prevent water from getting into my basement. Everyone we worked with was so nice and a real joy to work with. Since having the work done, we have not had any more water in our basement. We would definitely recommend your services!”

learn about positive and negative landscape pitching from Integrity

Sunday, May 12, 2013

Thank You, Moms

We at Integrity Drainage Solutions would like thank our moms and celebrate the wonderful job our mothers have done. We also lovingly honor the memory of those mothers who have passed before us.

Happy Mother's Day

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Testimonial Tuesday

There's nothing we value more than our customers and being able to exceed their expectations. We want to begin an ongoing blog theme in which we showcase a few of the hundreds of testimonials we've received over the years that illustrate our customers' satisfaction with our work. Welcome to Testimonial Tuesday:
"My husband and I would like to say THANK YOU for the excellent customer service. I really appreciated that the President of the company cared enough about his clients and company would be so eager to take time out of his very busy work to help a client. Your office staff have been more than very accommodating, pleasant and helpful."
Michael & Linda N.
Oak Creek, WI
a drainage fix Integrity installed
"I am very, very happy with your office and outside staff. My parents were watching the crew working outside and commented to me about the high level of professionalism and efficiency they demonstrated. Dave has an excellent company. I am especially happy with the office staff. I appreciated all the help you provided."
Debra B.
Greendale, WI
drainage solutions include retaining walls

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

May Day! Special thank you to Integrity drainage workers

Around the world, May 1st (May Day) is a holiday celebrating workers of the world. We’d like to take a moment to thank and celebrate the experienced, dependable, and talented team of workers at Integrity Drainage Solutions. They've been with us for many years now. Unlike some fly-by-night operations that hire for the week, we train and retain our skilled workers.

Our workers are skilled, efficient, productive, and focused on keeping your site clean while they work. They do the job right the first time. On May Day we salute workers of the world—especially the fine ones at Integrity Drainage Solutions.
"My experience was great from start to finish. Very professional & thorough. I was impressed with the clean-up after the job and would definitely recommend Integrity. " --Mary C., Milwaukee, WI
Integrity workers digging the trench for drain tiles

Tuesday, April 30, 2013

#AtoZChallenge – Z is for Zones of Drainage

Water flows downhill. An effective strategy for drainage problems is to create zones of drainage, that is, creates a path of least resistance to control or move water away from undesired locations.

Considering surface runoff is the most common drainage problem, adjusting the grade is a recommended drainage solution. Integrity Drainage Solutions are experts at creating effective zones of drainage.


Ensuring a positive pitch for water flow away from your home is vital. Prevent pooling by directing the water off the property (a natural breeding ground for mosquitoes).

A drain tile system or a catch basin (yard drain) can be excellent approaches to supplement the benefits of proper grading. A 4" perforated drain tile back-filled with limestone chips will absorb seepage (underground water) under the center of a swale or other appropriate areas. Considering these pipes may freeze in a typical Wisconsin winter, they should be used as a secondary drainage solution.

Proven Integrity Solutions:


  • Precise Grading
  • Gradual & Efficient Swales
  • Properly Designed Retaining Wall
  • Drain Tile (a.k.a. French Drain)
  • Catch Basins (or Yard Drains)
  • Buried Downspout Extensions
  • EPDM Membrane
  • Erosion Control

Monday, April 29, 2013

#AtoZChallenge – Y is for Yard Drains

During a heavy rain, water will attempt to seep into your home's foundation, or may simply flood your backyard or basement. Usually it's an improperly pitched property provides a direct path for water to move toward a home. That single issue can cause flooding or wet walls, often leading to mold inside the home.
diagram of drain tile installation

By properly adjusting your property’s grade Integrity Drainage Solutions is able to redirect water away from a home and off your property. Installing a yard drain or 'French Drain' (a.k.a. drain tile) will add to the benefits of property grading.

picture of properly installed drain

The systems used by Integrity Drainage Solutions simply help move water away from your home and property using a precise and technical approach. Most homes do not need extensive waterproofing or foundation repair that others often suggest. Our customers appreciate that our projects are typically completed in just one day and does not involve the need for interior intrusion or lengthy restoration.

Saturday, April 27, 2013

#AtoZChallenge – X is for X Factor

Let Integrity prove we have the X Factor that distinguishes our work from what you'll get from your well-intentioned uncle:
  • We're Better Business Bureau accredited;
  • We're part of the same company that has earned three Angie's list Service Awards running;
  • We offer a free consultation and proposal to address your concerns.
BBB accredited business since 10/23/2009
We are proud of our mission statement and live it in our daily work:
To offer practical solutions to a variety of drainage problems using a precise and technical approach. Our goal is to educate and help our customers prevent future damage to their home and to enjoy their property more.
Talk to us about avoiding the drainage problems that beset 60% of all homeowners. Drainage issues don't go away on their own, and will continue to worsen as water settles in your lawn, patio, driveway, or foundation--and will cause preventable damage and expense.

In the words of one of our satisfied customers:
I had your company do some grading and drainage work to prevent getting water into my basement. Everyone we worked with was so nice and a real joy to work with. Since having the work done, we have not had any more water in our basement. We would definitely recommend your services!
-Robert W., New Berlin

Friday, April 26, 2013

#AtoZChallenge – W is for Walls Retaining

Walls that retain earth and look good doing it: Retaining walls are constructed features designed to restrain soil to unnatural slopes. They situate soils between two different elevations, often in areas of terrain with undesirable slopes or in areas where the landscape needs to be shaped for design considerations. Our experienced designers & installers will engineer your retaining wall system with superior construction, stability, durability, and strength.

Through the installation of a proper, compacted base we ensure the quality of the foundation of your new investment. In addition, by installing a proper drainage system behind all applicable walls, we can reduce the hydrostatic pressure and increase the longevity of your new retaining wall.

Samples of retaining walls Integrity has built

By offering quality materials such as Unilock, Keystone, Fieldstone, or Lannonstone, we will provide you with a variety of options to meet your budget so you can enjoy the beauty for years to come.

We offer a wide selection of Keystone products, such as Country Manor or Stonegate, in a variety of colors and the straight-face and sculptured-face units in either gray or light brown. Steps can be added for increased accessibility and decorative pillars can be added for an upscale appearance.

Thursday, April 25, 2013

#AtoZChallenge – V is for Vendor

Finding a trustworthy vendor for drainage solutions can be a challenge. Unfortunately, there are many contractors that knowingly or unknowingly misinform you, the homeowner. They provide inaccurate information and improper advice about exterior water problems.

Plus, many other vendors are sadly not experienced in the technical necessities required to design and implement an efficient exterior drainage system.

Luckily you can trust and depend on Integrity Drainage Solutions LLC. Our mission is: “To offer practical solutions to a variety of drainage problems using a precise and technical approach. Our goal is to educate and help our customers prevent future damage to their home and to enjoy their property more.”

Integrity Drainage Solutions LLC is accredited by the Better Business Bureau. You are assured that you will be working with a reputable company that strongly values customer satisfaction. After meeting with one of our drainage technicians and receiving our free proposal, you should feel comfortable and confident selecting the right option for you and your family.

The systems used by Integrity Drainage Solutions simply help move water away from your home or area of concern using a precise and technical approach. Most homes do not need extensive waterproofing or foundation repair that other, less-reputable vendors often suggest.

Our customers appreciate that our projects are typically completed in just one day and do not involve the need for interior intrusion or lengthy restoration.

diagram of properly pitched swale

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

#AtoZChallenge – U is for Under Deck Drainage

For the do-it-yourselfer, it can be extremely frustrating to finish construction on a new deck, only to realize later on that the deck drainage system is insufficient to properly control rain flow. Drains are an important element of deck design and construction, and under-deck drainage is critical in keeping the surface dry and free of water damage. The experts at Integrity Landscape and Integrity Exterior Drainage Solutions work together to ensure proper drainage of any landscape work installed by Integrity.

Instead of this:

improperly drained deck

You can have this:

properly drained patio

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

#AtoZChallenge - T is for Toxic Mold

Toxic mold can be the terrible result from ongoing unresolved drainage issues. Here are some key warning signs that you have toxic mold challenges:
  1. Unexplained allergic reactions. Sneezing, sore eyes, runny nose, and nasal congestion are common reactions to mold in your house.
  2. Smell of mold. That musky, moldy smell is a sure sign, don’t ignore it.
  3. Visible signs of mold growth. It might look like soot or dirt, but closer inspection may reveal it is mold.
  4. Past water damage. If you have had exterior drainage problems that led to water in your basement, you probably have mold from that water seepage.
  5. Water leaks. If you have water trickling down from your basement windows or dribbling down a basement wall, you more than likely also have mold growing in your basement.
  6. Past Flooding. If your basement ever flooded, you probably have mold growing somewhere in your basement.
Toxic mold symptoms include headaches, trouble concentrating, shortened attention span, memory loss, and dizziness. If you are experiencing such symptoms, see a doctor. And contact Intergrity Drainage Solutions to solve your exterior water drainage problem, and to help clean up your toxic mold problem.

toxic mold requires special treatment at removal

Monday, April 22, 2013

#AtoZChallenge – S is for Standing Water

Standing water after heavy rains like we have experienced this April can turn your lawn and yard into a lake! Eliminating standing water in your yard is important. Standing water inhibits the use of your yard and creates the perfect environment for mold, mosquitoes, and other pests.

The Integrity Drainage solution team will custom-design an affordable solution to reroute water so it flows where you want it to flow… and eliminate your regular lake after every heavy rain.

standing water in your yard?

Our customers agree:
"Great job! Efficient, cleaned up and very polite. You met my needs to get rid of my water problem."
Pam B.
Franklin, WI

Saturday, April 20, 2013

#AtoZChallenge - R is for Rain Inspection

After heavy rains it is vital that you inspect your basement and your exterior property for exterior drainage issues. Is there dribbling water down your basement walls or by your basement windows? Do you have mini-ponds of standing water for days after a heavy rain? Does the water seem to be draining toward your home, not away from it?

If the answer is yes to any of these questions, we suggest you call Integrity Drainage Solutions today to arrange a free consultation.

Did you know exterior drainage problems affect 60% of all homeowners. Drainage problems may be seasonal or develop over time. Typically, homeowners can go for years before they even realize they have a persistent problem. These drainage issues will continue to worsen as water settles property features such as lawn areas, patios, driveways, and foundations--often causing a preventable damage and expense.

After a heavy rain, inspect your home and property for any of these signs of water damage:
  • Mold buildup,
  • standing water ponding,
  • mushy lawn areas,
  • foundation issues,
  • damp walls,
  • water on basement floor.
things to look for in a rain inspection

Friday, April 19, 2013

#AtoZChallenge – Q is for Quagmire

Standing water after heavy rains like we have experienced this April can turn your lawn and yard into a quagmire! Eliminating standing water in your yard is important. Standing water inhibits the use of your yard and creates the perfect environment for mold, mosquitoes, and other pests.

The Integrity Drainage solution team will custom-design an affordable solution to reroute water so it flows where you want it to flow… and eliminate your regular quagmire after every heavy rain.

a drowning yard - avoid this quagmire



Just listen to what our satisfied customers have to say about how effective our work is:

"We can see a definite difference in the area you performed work. We no longer have standing water. We appreciated the personal attention this project received from owner David Hintzman as well as the work performed by the people who were on-site for the project. When we did have a concern, your organization was courteous and prompt in coming out and addressing it. We are happy with our decision to choose Integrity to perform the work on our property and thank you again for working with us to resolve our water issues." -- Richard B., Menomonee Falls, WI

do you want to wade through this quagmire?

Thursday, April 18, 2013

#AtoZChallenge – Positive Pitch Away

If you are experiencing standing water or basement wall drips or puddles after all this rain, stay positive by going positive: turn to the experts at Integrity Drainage Solutions to create a positive pitch away from you home.

During a heavy rain, water provides unwanted hydrostatic pressure to a home's foundation or may flood a backyard or basement. Improperly pitched property provides a direct path for water to move toward a home. This causes wet walls or flooding, often leading to mold inside the home.

By adjusting the grade to a positive pitch away, Integrity Drainage Experts redirect water away from your home and off the property. Installing a yard drain or 'French Drain' (a.k.a. drain tile) will add to the benefits of property grading.

positive pitch away from your home

The systems used by Integrity Drainage Solutions move water away from your home or area of concern using a precise and technical approach. Most homes do not need extensive waterproofing or foundation repair that others often suggest. Call today for a free consultation. And don’t forget to ask about the April discount!

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

#AtoZChallenge – O is for Offer

To celebrate our participation the worldwide A-Z blogging challenge in April, we want to extend an offer to any viewers. If you live in our geographic business area of Southeastern Wisconsin, mention your saw this O blog post and we will offer you a free consultation--plus a $50.00 discount off any drainage project.

Proven Integrity Solutions:

  • Precise Grading
  • Gradual & Efficient Swales
  • Properly Designed Retaining Wall
  • Drain Tile (a.k.a. French Drain)   
  • Catch Basins (or Yard Drains)
  • Buried Downspout Extensions
  • EPDM Membrane
  • Erosion Control
April drainage offer

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

#AtoZChallenge – N is for Negative Pitch

Negative pitch creates an undesirable situation for you, the homeowner. Whenever it rains or when snow melts, the water flows toward your house and seeps into your foundation. Water always flows downhill, so the simple and effective solution is to change the direction of the flow away from your house.

Adjusting the grade so the negative pitch toward your home becomes a positive pitch, with water flowing away from your home, is often the best and most cost-effective solution. Combine grade adjustments with a drainage tile system and you will have functional drainage solutions for years and years.

Monday, April 15, 2013

#AtoZChallenge – M is for Mushy Lawn

Standing water creates a mushy lawn. A mushy lawn means you have exterior drainage issues that will continue to worsen with time. Eliminating standing water in your yard is important. Standing water inhibits your enjoyment of your yard and creates the perfect environment for mold, mosquitoes, and other pests.

The best solution for a mushy lawn is to change the grade of water drainage. Introducing a negative grade will direct standing water away from your property and guide it to flow where you want it to flow.