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Drainage & Water Management in Orange County


Protecting Your Foundation.


Imagine the absolute peace of mind knowing your home is protected from water intrusion, your foundation is secure, and your landscape is free from damaging erosion. Proper water management is the unseen hero of a healthy property, a critical system that prevents costly damage and preserves your home's integrity. At Sanctuary Design & Build, we specialize in engineering and installing comprehensive drainage and waterproofing solutions tailored to the unique challenges of Southern California.


As Orange County's trusted drainage contractor, we know that homeowners from Irvine to Newport Beach understand the threat that uncontrolled water poses to their properties. You're not just looking for a pipe or a drain; you're seeking a permanent solution to protect your investment from soil erosion, foundation issues, and flooding. Whether your search was for "French drain installation Orange County" or "foundation waterproofing Irvine," you've found a partner dedicated to expert engineering and meticulous installation.

Every property has a unique relationship with water. To help you understand the best way to manage it, we've organized our expertise into the following distinct Project Types. Each serves as a starting point for a conversation about your specific needs, from managing roof runoff to securing a dry basement.


  • Gutter & Downspout System Installation: Installation of new seamless gutters and downspouts to effectively capture and redirect roof water away from your home's foundation.

  • French Drain & Subsurface Drainage System: Installation of subsurface French drains to intercept and manage groundwater, preventing hydrostatic pressure against your foundation and keeping your landscape from becoming saturated.

  • Surface Water Collection & Diversion: Installing catch basins and channel drains to effectively manage surface water from patios and driveways, and creating landscape swales to gently guide runoff.

  • Sump Pump System Installation: Professional installation of reliable sump pump systems in basements or crawl spaces to actively prevent flooding during heavy rains.


    And more, including comprehensive Below-Grade Waterproofing for foundation walls.


Our process tailors every solution to your property's specific needs. Whether you require a simple gutter system to protect your flower beds or a complex French drain and sump pump system to ensure a dry basement, our team specializes in creating effective, long-term solutions.

Explore Our Services & Styles

We believe that a drainage system's success is determined by its design and engineering. Our reputation is built on a foundation of trust, technical expertise, and an unwavering commitment to our clients.
  • Unmatched Local Expertise: Our deep understanding of Orange County's expansive clay soils and the potential for heavy seasonal rains allows us to design systems that can handle the unique water challenges of our region.

  • An Unwavering Commitment to Craftsmanship: We stand behind our work. Our reputation is built on using the correct pipe, filter fabric, and gravel, and ensuring every system is installed with the proper slope and drainage outlet to guarantee clog-free, effective performance for years.

  • An Investment in Your Home's Structural Integrity: A professional drainage and waterproofing system is the most critical investment you can make in preventing catastrophic foundation damage, mold, and landscape erosion—protecting your property's core value.

  • Designs for a Healthy Home & Landscape: Beyond preventing damage, proper water management creates a healthier environment. It allows your landscape to thrive without being waterlogged and ensures your home's lower levels remain dry, healthy, and usable. We focus on creating invisible solutions for a healthy property.

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The Sanctuary Difference

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Our Commitment to a Superior Remodeling Experience

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Empower your water management choices with exclusive access to our Lumina educational hub and drainage and waterproofing solutions studio.

Enjoy lasting confidence in your home's protection, with drainage systems covered by our comprehensive Sanctuary Care workmanship warranty.

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Discover our transparent, step-by-step design-build process that ensures a watertight and effective drainage solution from concept to completion.

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Meet the veteran, family-owned specialists in drainage and foundation waterproofing, fully licensed and insured for your peace of mind.

  • "What is the difference between a French drain and a surface drain?"

    • A surface drain (like a catch basin) is designed to quickly capture water from hard surfaces like patios. A French drain is a subsurface trench with a perforated pipe designed to collect groundwater over a large area, making it ideal for protecting foundations and drying out soggy lawns.

  • "Do I really need gutters in Southern California if it doesn't rain much?"

    • Yes. While we have long dry spells, our seasonal rains can be intense. Gutters are essential to prevent that concentrated runoff from eroding the soil directly next to your foundation, which can lead to serious and expensive problems over time.

  • "How do I know if I have a drainage problem?"

    • Common signs include pooling water in your yard long after it rains, a damp or musty smell in your basement or crawl space, cracks in your foundation, and soil eroding away from your home's base.

  • "Is foundation waterproofing done from the inside or outside?"

    • The most effective method is exterior waterproofing, which involves excavating around the foundation and applying a waterproof membrane to stop water before it ever touches the concrete. Interior systems can manage water that has already entered, but exterior solutions prevent it from getting in at all.

Your journey to a safer, drier, and more secure property starts with a simple conversation. Let's begin the process of designing the effective water management system your home deserves.

Your Questions, Answered

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