Free Drainage & Excavation Quote in Lakewood · Call (716) 403-2478

Licensed, insured & bonded in New York · PHCC member (national + NYS) · NYS Backflow Testing certified · Certified septic inspection & design · OSHA-compliant excavation crews

French drains, foundation drainage, sump systems, and site preparation — handled by a licensed plumber who understands how water moves through the system.

Solving Water Problems at the Source

A wet basement or flooded yard is a water-routing problem. We assess grade, soil, and downspout discharge, then design drainage — french drains, footer drains, sump systems, or regrading — that moves water away for good rather than treating the symptom. Most drainage and excavation work is quoted after an on-site assessment: simple drainage configurations typically range from $1,500–$5,000, while major earthmoving runs $5,000–$50,000+.

our services

Our team installs and repairs residential and commercial water systems using the latest tools and code-compliant techniques.

A leaking water pipe may need McCandless Plumbing & Excavation to fix it using special tools and expert repair.

We locate, repair, or replace damaged water lines to restore safe, clean water flow to your property. Our process minimizes disruption and meets all municipal regulations.

McCandless technician laying new pipe in an open, water-logged trench

Main water lines can fail due to age, corrosion, or shifting soil. We offer fast, efficient replacements using durable materials that meet local codes.

our services

We provide safe, code-compliant excavation and drainage services for new construction, water control, and system upgrades.

Gravel-filled French drain trench along a foundation

We design and install French drain systems that protect against water intrusion and soil erosion.

McCandless Plumbing & Excavation sees water pooling in drain pit, a sign that inspection or repair may be needed soon.

Keep your basement dry with sump pump installations and repairs that handle even heavy rainfall events.

We offer fast, accurate diagnostics and repairs for sewer systems using industry-standard tools and methods.

Crew repairing an underground sewer line in an excavated trench

Whether it’s a broken, collapsed, or root-infiltrated line, we handle full repairs and replacements with minimal digging when possible.

Our video inspections identify issues quickly, from blockages to cracks, before excavation is even considered.

McCandless technician with equipment staged for a sewer/excavation job
our services

Our licensed septic specialists design and maintain systems that meet local environmental standards.

New septic tank lowered into an excavated bed

We assess your property and install efficient septic systems sized and placed to comply with county regulations.

Excavated access point exposing underground septic lines

Avoid system failure with routine inspections and timely repairs that extend the life of your septic tank.

In addition to plumbing and excavation, we offer HVAC solutions to keep your space comfortable all year.

Even, efficient heating from the ground up. Perfect for homes in colder regions of Western New York.

Radiant floor heating tubing laid before tile installation
Ductless mini-split indoor unit mounted on an interior wall

We install ductless systems for room-by-room climate control, a smart choice for renovations and additions.

Clay Soil and Frost Heave in Lakewood

Chautauqua County’s clay-heavy soils hold water and heave with frost, which is hard on foundations and flat work. Our crews account for soil behavior near Chautauqua Lake when they design and install drainage and site work.

Permits, Call-Before-You-Dig, and OSHA Safety

We handle permitting and utility locates, and our excavation crews follow OSHA trench-safety rules (shoring, sloping, protective systems) and New York DEC/EPA stormwater controls. Our operators hold heavy-equipment credentials for precise, safe digging.

Contact McCandless Plumbing & Excavation

Reach McCandless Plumbing & Excavation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week — our team has been serving homeowners and businesses across Lakewood and Chautauqua County since 1975. Whether you have a sewer backup at 2 a.m., a failing septic system, a frozen water line in February, or you’re planning excavation for a new foundation, our licensed crew responds fast with the right equipment for Western New York’s clay-heavy soil and freeze-thaw conditions. We typically respond within 2 hours. For emergencies, call us directly: (716) 403-2478.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Usually poor grade, downspout discharge, or a high water table in clay soil. We diagnose the cause before recommending a fix.

It depends on where the water is coming from. We assess and recommend the right combination for your lot.

Yes — we manage permitting and utility locates as part of the job.

Yes. We provide excavation, grading, and water control for new builds and additions.

With drainage designed for slow-draining soil — proper grade, drain tile, and discharge routing away from the structure.

Yes — trench shoring, sloping, and protective systems per OSHA, with credentialed equipment operators.