Drain pipe laid in a gravel trench along a new wall with filter fabric

Sump Pumps · San Mateo, CA

Exterior Sump Pumps & Yard Drainage in San Mateo, CA

Garcia's Landscape & Hardscape installs exterior sump basins, French drains and catch basins for San Mateo yards. Flat, low neighborhoods near the Bay, including North Shoreview, which was in the FEMA flood zone until October 2024, are where yard water most often has nowhere to go.

  • San Mateo 94401, 94402, 94403, 94404
  • 18 years of experience
  • Free estimates
Call 415-676-7003 Get a Free Estimate

Sump Pumps & Yard Drainage in San Mateo

What San Mateo homeowners should know

Flat lots near the Bay

North Shoreview and North Central sit on low, flat ground. About 1,600 addresses came off the FEMA flood map in October 2024 after levee and pump upgrades, but heavy storms still leave water standing in flat yards.

Sump basins where gravity fails

When a yard is lower than any outlet, an exterior sump basin collects the water and pumps it to an approved discharge point.

Sidewalk underdrains need a permit

Running a drain line under the sidewalk to the curb is public right-of-way work, and San Mateo requires an encroachment permit for sidewalk underdrains.

Drain pipe laid in a gravel trench along a new wall with filter fabric
Drain pipe laid in a gravel trench along a new wall with filter fabric. Project by Garcia's Landscape & Hardscape.

Sump Pumps & Yard Drainage services we offer in San Mateo

Exterior sump basins, French drains and catch basins that collect water in low spots and side yards and move it away from your house.

  • Exterior sump basins with pumps for low yards and side yards
  • French drains with drain rock and perforated pipe
  • Catch basins and area drains in patios and lawns
  • Downspout connections to underground drain lines
  • Drainage behind new and existing retaining walls

Exterior sump basin vs. gravity French drain

Sump basin with pump Gravity French drain
When it fits Low spots with no downhill outlet Yards that can slope to an outlet
How it moves water Pump lifts water to the discharge point Gravity carries water along the pipe
Power Needs an outdoor power source for the pump No power needed
Upkeep Check the pump and float before the rainy season Keep inlets and outlet clear

Our sump pumps process

  1. 1

    Find the water

    We look at where water collects, where it comes from and where it can legally go.

  2. 2

    Drainage plan

    We pick the mix of French drain, catch basins and sump basin for the site.

  3. 3

    Excavation

    We trench and dig the basin location with the right fall toward the outlet.

  4. 4

    Install

    We set the basin, pump and pipe in drain rock and fabric, and connect the discharge line.

  5. 5

    Test

    We run water through the system, check the pump cycles and restore the surface.

Sump Pumps & Yard Drainage in San Mateo: FAQ

Do I need a permit to drain water to the street in San Mateo?

If the drain line runs under the sidewalk to the curb, yes. San Mateo lists sidewalk underdrains among the work that needs an encroachment permit.

Is North Shoreview still a flood zone?

FEMA's revision effective October 11, 2024 removed about 1,600 addresses in North Shoreview and North Central from the flood zone. Check your address with the City.

Do you install sump pumps inside the house?

We focus on exterior yard and side-yard systems. Interior work that needs new electrical circuits is for a licensed electrician or plumber.

Ready to start your San Mateo project?

Garcia's Landscape & Hardscape builds sump pumps & yard drainage projects across San Mateo and nearby cities. Estimates are free.

415-676-7003 Free Estimate