Retaining Wall Drainage in Omaha, NE

Improper drainage is the #1 cause of retaining wall failure, especially in Omaha’s heavy clay soils. When water becomes trapped behind a wall, hydrostatic pressure builds and forces the wall to lean, bulge, crack, or collapse.


At Schmidt Construction, we specialize in retaining wall drainage solutions for Omaha, NE, homeowners, ensuring walls remain safe, stable, and long-lasting. Whether you’re building a new wall or need drainage corrections for an existing one, we design systems that manage water properly and prevent structural damage.

Why Proper Drainage Is Essential for Omaha Retaining Walls

Prevents Hydrostatic Pressure

Water buildup exerts significant outward force, causing walls to lean or fail.

Stops Soil Expansion

Omaha’s clay soils absorb water and expand, putting pressure on walls.

Protects Foundations and Landscaping

Poor drainage can lead to runoff issues, erosion, and flooding.

Extends Wall Lifespan

Walls with proper drainage last decades longer with minimal maintenance.

Signs Your Retaining Wall Has Drainage Problems

Omaha homeowners commonly contact us when they notice:


  • Leaning or Bowing Walls
  • Water Pooling Behind or Beside the Wall
  • Saturated or Soft Soil
  • Gaps Between Blocks or Stones
  • Soil or Mulch Leaking Through the Wall
  • Puddles After Rain
  • Bulging Sections
  • Partial Collapse


If you’re noticing any of these signs, drainage correction is urgent.

Our Retaining Wall Drainage Solutions

We assess water movement, soil type, slope angle, erosion patterns, and waterline height.

Walls require washed rock—not soil—for proper drainage.

Proper excavation ensures stability and longevity.


We re-route water away from the wall and property structures.

Waterfront walls require engineered drainage to prevent failure. 


We install:


  • Drain Tile
  • Gravel Backfill
  • Water Outlets
  • Weep Holes

Description Title

We add drainage to older walls that were built incorrectly or without water management.

Item Link

Description Title

All new retaining walls we build include:


  • Drain Tile
  • Washed Gravel Backfill
  • Geotextile Fabric
  • Proper Outlet Paths
  • Freeze/Thaw Protection

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We assess water movement, soil type, slope angle, erosion patterns, and waterline height.

Walls require washed rock—not soil—for proper drainage.

Proper excavation ensures stability and longevity.


We re-route water away from the wall and property structures.

Waterfront walls require engineered drainage to prevent failure. 


We install:


  • Drain Tile
  • Gravel Backfill
  • Water Outlets
  • Weep Holes

Description Title

We add drainage to older walls that were built incorrectly or without water management.

Item Link

Description Title

All new retaining walls we build include:


  • Drain Tile
  • Washed Gravel Backfill
  • Geotextile Fabric
  • Proper Outlet Paths
  • Freeze/Thaw Protection

Item Link

Why Drainage Problems Are Common in Omaha

Omaha’s soil and terrain create high drainage risk:


  • Clay-Heavy Soil Retains Water
  • Freeze/Thaw Cycles Create Expansion
  • Hillside Neighborhoods Increase Runoff
  • Saturated Soil Becomes Heavy and Unstable
  • Older Walls Were Built Without Proper Systems


We design drainage solutions specifically for Omaha’s conditions, preventing long-term damage.

Drainage Systems for All Wall Types

We repair or install drainage for:


  • Stone Retaining Walls
  • Timber Retaining Walls
  • Concrete Block Walls
  • Boulder Walls
  • Tiered Landscapes
  • Commercial Retaining Walls

Retaining Wall Drainage Cost in Omaha, NE

Pricing varies based on wall size, damage, and access but typically falls within:


  • Drainage Correction: $600–$3,000.
  • Full Drainage Retrofit: $2,000–$8,000.
  • Drainage + Partial Rebuild: Custom Estimate.


We provide clear, honest assessments and fair pricing.

Recent Drainage Repair Projects in Omaha

Tennis court with net, steps, and a person near the net, with a terraced garden and building in the background.
Wooden retaining wall curving towards a house, with sand and potted plants.
Man reclining on a stone retaining wall in front of a house. He’s wearing blue jeans and a light blue shirt.
Retaining wall made of blocks with hillside behind it. Dry, brown landscape with trees, cloudy sky.
Concrete and wood retaining wall along a body of water with trees in the background.
Parking lot with retaining wall and bare trees under a clear sky; a tower is in the background.

Serving Omaha and Surrounding Metro Communities

We proudly provide drainage solutions throughout:

  • Omaha 
  • Papillion
  • La Vista
  • Bellevue
  • Gretna
  • Elkhorn
  • Bennington
  • Ralston
  • Springfield
  • Offutt AFB Area

Get a Retaining Wall Drainage Estimate

If your wall is leaning, cracking, or showing signs of water pressure, proper drainage can prevent bigger (and more expensive) structural problems.

Schmidt Construction provides Omaha’s most reliable retaining wall drainage solutions—engineered for long-term stability and peace of mind.