Perforated pipe in washed gravel and fabric that intercepts groundwater and carries it away from lawns, patios and foundations.
A French drain is a simple, effective idea: a trench filled with clean gravel and a perforated pipe that gives groundwater an easy path to follow. Water that would have saturated your lawn, seeped into a basement or undermined a patio is intercepted and carried to a safe outlet.
We install French drains and curtain drains along foundations, behind retaining walls, across wet lawn areas and beside patios. Each is built with a fabric-wrapped gravel trench, rigid perforated pipe with holes down, a continuous fall to an outlet and cleanouts for maintenance.
Groundwater moves through soil toward the lowest, most permeable path. The gravel trench is far more permeable than clay, so water flows into it, into the perforated pipe and downhill to the outlet. Fabric keeps silt out of the gravel.
Pipe needs a consistent fall, typically one percent or more, to move water. The outlet must be lower than the inlet and discharge to daylight or another safe place. A drain with no outlet only stores water.
Cleanouts allow flushing sediment from the pipe. Keeping downspouts and soil away from the surface of the drain helps it stay free for decades.
Common mistakes include no outlet, too little slope, no fabric and pipe with holes facing up. We avoid all of these. A drain that is installed properly can work for decades with little attention.
Drag the handle to compare.
BeforeAfterA path of least resistance.
Keeps silt out of the gravel.
Water leaves, not just collects.
Easy to flush later.
Protects what you build.
Sod or planting over the trench.
Every topic has its own page with what to expect and how we approach it.
Project ideaWet YardsStanding water, mud and soggy lawns are signs that the grade or the soil needs help. The fix…Learn more 
Project ideaNew ConstructionA new home sits on bare, compacted soil. Starting the outdoor plan early saves money, protects the lot…Learn more 
Project ideaSloped YardsA hillside does not have to be wasted. Walls, terraces and steps can turn a steep yard into…Learn more Tick what you see in your yard and get ranked drainage fixes, from downspouts to French drains.
Tell us what you have in mind and what bothers you about the yard. We schedule a site walk.
We measure, study slope and drainage and draw a plan with materials and levels.
You get a written scope and price before any work begins.
Excavation, compacted base, drainage, hardscape and planting, in the right order.
We clean the site and walk every detail with you before we leave.
We leave a simple care guide and stay a call away for questions.
Often twelve to thirty inches, depending on the problem and the outlet. We design depth to the situation.
Silt and roots can reduce flow over time. Fabric, clean gravel and cleanouts help keep them working.
Downspouts should go to solid pipe, not into a perforated drain. We separate the two for best performance.
Decades when installed correctly and kept clear.
It is better beside or before the patio. Under a patio it is hard to maintain, so we plan access.
Drainage SolutionsSwales, catch basins, downspout lines and regrading that move water away from your house, patio and lawn.Explore 
Retaining WallsEngineered-minded, drainage-first retaining walls in block, natural stone and boulders that hold the hill and look like a…Explore 
Grading and Site PrepExcavation, regrading and compacted pads that give patios, lawns and structures a level, well-drained foundation.Explore 
Custom PatiosA patio built to the size, shape and material you want, on a base that stays flat through…Explore Tell us about your yard and we will call you back quickly.
Or call (615) 357-7797 to talk now.
