At Ability Plus Drainage Company, we understand that choosing the right drainage solutions for your home or business can raise many questions. To help you make informed decisions, we've compiled answers to some of the most common questions we receive. Whether you're curious about our services, the drainage process, or what to expect when working with us, you'll find the information you need right here. If you don't see your question listed, feel free to reach out to us directly—we're here to help!
Drainage is about directing water away from your home or investment. Poor drainage can cause water to accumulate in your basement or crawlspace, causing damage to your foundation. It also can create mold growth in the home.
We have found that our assessments take 10-30 minutes on average. Our assessment is an initial opportunity to get eyes on the property and drainage issue to gather notes to generate a quote. The specialists spend time generating quotes in the office, using their notes from the visit and online tools. We prefer not to take up more of clients' time on site as it can be a disruption to their day and allows us to assist new clients while also having time for current clients and projects.
Please note, if more than the average 10-30 minutes is needed to properly assess then our specialists will absolutely take as much time as needed, whether during that visit or returning to continue their assessment.
French drains are a type of landscape drainage in which a trench is dug, filter fabric and perforated pipe is laid inside and the remaining trench is filled with rock. It is used predominantly to drain surface and ground water from the surrounding area that is experiencing an excess buildup of water.
A dry well is an outfall for a drain system in which a hollow perforated chamber is buried, surrounded by rock. The drain system deposits the water into the dry well where the water then percolates into the soil below.
Rain drains are the underground pipe system where your roof water is deposited after it goes through the gutters and downspouts of a home. Non-functioning rain drains can be the first place to look when drainage problems are present in the basement or crawl space.
Payment is due upon completion of the project, unless otherwise specified. An invoice is sent out within 5 business days of project completion and is due upon receipt. Payment can be paid via ACH, debit or credit card online or a check mailed to P.O. Box 80897, Portland, OR, 97280. Financing is available through Wisetack prior to approving the quote.
No. Once approved, the financing terms cannot be altered. The process would need to be restarted in order to change the financing terms.
Our last assessment of the day is 2 PM, Monday through Friday.
Due to low visibility, we do not record footage when we scope rain drains. We primarily use our scoping equipment as a location device to map out systems and locate blockages and breaks in the pipes.
Our step-by-step process is designed to fix the drainage issues at the home without performing unnecessary and costly work for the homeowner. We start by identifying the most obvious source of water that is causing the drainage issue and focus on that first. Steps can include anything from scoping or snaking drains to digging up and replacing sections of them. We have a customizable approach for each house, because each home is different. Though this process is not a guarantee that you will save money, it is the best opportunity for customer's to do so.
Yes, we can. Typically rain drain system maps and diagrams are only created when recommended by the specialist, however upon request prior to the scope we can add that to the quote.
We only work in the state of Oregon and within our working radius. Please see details on the “Service Areas” section on our Home page.
Unfortunately, no. We are not plumbers and do not work on active water lines. We specialize in rain water and groundwater.
No. It is not necessary as long as we have access to the area in question. If the work is to be done on the exterior of your home, we need any gates to be unlocked and all applicable areas to be accessible. If it is an interior work area, we can be provided codes for lock boxes, smart doors and smart locks or we can have directions on other ways to access the necessary areas for work.
If we are currently working on the project or have it scheduled to be worked on then, yes, it is best to provide us with new owners contact information for when we are on site.
If you are a previous client then it is not necessary as we list our "client" as the property address within our systems, so the new owners would simply need to contact us and provide the address should they have any questions.
Yes. Our crew members can accept tips! Although tips are not expected, if it's something you would like to provide, our crews do appreciate them.
Please click the green "VIEW QUOTE" button inside the original quote email (not the PDF). Then click the green APPROVE" button inside the quote (in the link, not the PDF) and provide an e-signature. A signature is required before our staff is able to provide a start date.
No. It is not necessary. It is quite common for our company to work at sites without the homeowner present. If no one will be present, we would need access to the work area at the start of the day. If it is an exterior work area we ask that any gates are unlocked and that all applicable areas are accessible. If the homeowner is not present for an interior work area, we can be provided codes for lock boxes, smart doors and locks or we can follow directions on other ways to gain access.
During our Summer hours (between Memorial Day and Labor Day), our crews arrive between 7 AM and 7:30 AM. During our Winter hours (after Labor Day and before Memorial Day), our crews arrive between 8 AM and 8:30 AM.
Breaks are taken at good stopping points throughout the day. A lunch break is typically taken between 11 AM and 12 PM, or at the best stopping point around those times.