Anderson and Roane counties
Excavation and drainage in Oak Ridge
Oak Ridge sits in a long valley between ridges, with the Clinch River and Melton Hill Lake wrapping around much of the city. The city crosses two counties, Anderson and Roane. We do drainage, grading, footers and driveway work here.
Call (865) 346-6688Long ridges and narrow valleys
Oak Ridge is a clear example of East Tennessee's Ridge and Valley ground. The ridges run in long parallel lines, and many homes are built on their sides. That puts a lot of houses on sloped lots, with yards that drop off in front or behind.
On a slope, water from the lots above runs across yours. Without the right grade, it collects against the uphill side of the house, soaks the crawl space or cuts across the drive. Under it all is red clay, and in places limestone, so rock depth can vary across a single lot.
Older homes and long-standing drainage trouble
Much of Oak Ridge was built fast in the 1940s and the years after. Many of those homes are still standing and still lived in. Over the decades, yards settle, gutters get rerouted and water starts going where it should not.
Common jobs here are regrading around a foundation, digging trenches for drain lines, fixing steep gravel drives that wash out, and footers for additions on older houses. Our mini excavator fits between houses and into backyards on narrow lots.
Near the river and the lake
Lots close to the Clinch River and Melton Hill Lake can have soft, wet ground in the low areas, especially after heavy rain. Shoreline work may also have rules from the Tennessee Valley Authority. Check before you plan grading near the water.
Permits in Oak Ridge
Inside the city, check with the City of Oak Ridge about permits. Outside the city, check with Anderson County or Roane County, depending on which side of the line you are on. Call Tennessee 811 before any digging.
Common questions
Water runs down the hill into my yard. What can you do?
We can usually shape the ground to catch that water and turn it around the house, with a swale or a drain line to carry it away. We will walk the lot with you and show you the plan before we quote it.
Which county is my Oak Ridge address in?
Most of Oak Ridge is in Anderson County, and the west side is in Roane County. Your property tax bill or deed will show it. It matters for which office handles permits.
Anderson and Roane counties
Work we do around Oak Ridge
Drainage
Standing water, a soggy yard or water running toward the house all come down to how the ground is shaped. We change the shape so the water goes somewhere else.
Learn more02Grade work
Grade work shapes the ground so water runs where it should and the site sits the way you need it to. We walk it first and give you a straight number in writing.
Learn more03Trenching
You need a trench dug to the right depth, in the right place, without tearing up the whole yard. We dig it clean so your plumber, electrician or you can lay the line.
Learn more04Driveway repair and maintenance
A gravel drive that holds water turns into ruts, potholes and washouts. We regrade it, shape it so water runs off, and get it back to a drive you can use.
Learn more05Footers
We dig footers to the lines and depth on your plans, clean and square, so your builder can set forms and pour without fixing our work first.
Learn moreGet a quote
Get a straight number
Tell us about the job and where it is. We will call you back to set up a time to come look.