Driveway & Pipe Washouts: How Our Crew Stops Erosion With Proper Excavation and Rip-Rap Installation
At David L. Brooks Hauling & Excavating, LLC, washout repairs are one of the most common service calls we receive - especially after heavy storms. Driveway washouts and culvert failures can leave homeowners stuck, create safety risks, and cause long-term damage if not addressed correctly.
The good news? With the right excavation work, proper grading, and a professional rip-rap installation, these problems can be fixed and prevented.
Water is powerful. When drainage isn’t controlled, it cuts through gravel, erodes soil, and undermines culvert pipes. Washouts are usually caused by:
Heavy rainfall and fast-moving water
Poor grading or outdated driveway construction
Clogged or undersized culvert pipes
Slopes and terrain that naturally carry water toward the driveway
Once erosion starts, it spreads quickly. That’s why proper excavation - not just dumping rock - is essential.
At DLB, our crew is highly trained and understands drainage, soil behavior, and proper grading. We combine machine work and hand labor to ensure every repair fits the property and functions the way it should.
Machine Work That Sets the Foundation
We use excavators, skid steers, and graders to:
Remove washed-out material
Rebuild the driveway sub-base
Reset or replace culvert pipes
Shape the land for positive water flow
Create proper slopes to move water away from the driveway
Our operators are experienced and precise—which means the repair isn’t just patched, it’s rebuilt correctly.
Manual Work That Finishes the Job Right
Some areas require a careful touch. Our crew uses hand tools to:
Set rip-rap tightly around pipe inlets and outlets
Ensure each stone is locked in place
Fine-tune grades around culverts and ditches
Compact smaller stone by hand where machines can’t reach
Hardlabor That Finishes the Job Right
We don’t leave voids, gaps, or loose rock. Everything is placed for stability and longevity.
Rip-rap is one of the most effective erosion control materials we use. It protects vulnerable areas by:
Breaking up fast-moving water
Preventing soil from washing away
Keeping culvert pipes secure and supported
Stabilizing steep banks and ditch lines
Reducing the chance of repeat washouts
When combined with proper excavation and grading, rip-rap becomes a long-term solution—not just a quick fix.
Our team takes pride in doing the job the right way the first time. We don’t just patch the problem—we solve the underlying drainage issue. Every driveway or pipe washout repair is completed with:
Correct stone sizing
Proper compaction
Positive drainage direction
Correct culvert placement and depth
Rip-rap installed to industry standards
That’s why homeowners, farms, businesses, and municipalities call us for erosion control and storm damage repairs.
Whether it’s a small culvert undermining or a full driveway collapse, our crew will assess the area, determine why the washout happened, and rebuild it to prevent future damage.
David L. Brooks Hauling & Excavating, LLC
Reliable. Experienced. Built to last.