French drains are one of the most effective solutions for managing water around your foundation, preventing moisture problems in crawl spaces, and protecting your home from water damage.
If you're experiencing standing water around your foundation, wet crawl spaces, or water intrusion in your basement, a properly installed French drain system can solve these problems permanently. We specialize in foundation drainage solutions that protect your home's structural integrity.
Water is the enemy of foundations and crawl spaces. Left unchecked, poor drainage leads to foundation settling, wood rot, mold growth, and expensive structural repairs. A French drain intercepts groundwater and directs it away from your home before problems develop.
What is a French Drain?
A French drain is a trench filled with gravel and a perforated pipe that redirects surface water and groundwater away from your foundation. Despite the name, it's not actually French—it's named after Henry French, a Massachusetts farmer who popularized the technique in 1859.
How French Drains Work
- Water Collects: Surface water and groundwater flow into the gravel-filled trench
- Gravel Filters: The gravel acts as a filter, preventing soil and debris from clogging the pipe
- Pipe Channels: The perforated pipe collects water through its holes and channels it away
- Water Diverts: Water flows through the pipe to a safe discharge point away from your foundation
Signs You Need a French Drain
💧 Standing Water After Rain
Water pools around your foundation, in your yard, or near your home for hours or days after rainfall.
🏚️ Wet or Damp Crawl Space
Your crawl space is constantly damp, has standing water, or shows signs of moisture damage like mold or wood rot.
🧱 Foundation Cracks or Movement
You notice new cracks in your foundation, basement walls, or exterior brick. Water pressure against foundations causes settling and cracking.
👃 Musty Odors
Persistent musty or moldy smells in your home, especially near floors or in lower levels.
🌊 Water Flows Toward Foundation
Poor yard grading causes water to flow toward your home instead of away from it.
🐛 Pest Problems
Increased termite activity or other moisture-loving pests around your foundation or crawl space.
Our Professional Installation Process
Site Assessment & Planning
We evaluate your property's drainage issues, identify water flow patterns, check soil conditions, and determine the optimal French drain location and routing. We'll show you exactly where water needs to go and how we'll get it there.
Trench Excavation
We excavate a trench 12-24 inches deep, sloped at the proper grade (typically 1% or 1 inch per 8 feet) to ensure water flows away from your foundation naturally. Proper slope is critical—too flat and water won't flow; too steep and it erodes the pipe bedding.
Landscape Fabric & Gravel Base
We line the trench with high-quality landscape fabric to prevent soil infiltration while allowing water to pass through. Then we add a base layer of clean, washed gravel for proper drainage and pipe support.
Perforated Pipe Installation
We install 4-inch perforated PVC or corrugated pipe with holes facing down (to collect water from below, not above where soil can enter). The pipe is carefully positioned to maintain proper grade throughout its length.
Gravel Fill & Fabric Wrap
We cover the pipe with more clean gravel (typically 8-12 inches total), then wrap the landscape fabric over the top to prevent soil from migrating into the gravel and clogging the system.
Backfill & Restoration
We backfill the trench with topsoil, compact it properly, and restore your landscaping. We ensure the surface is graded to continue directing water into the French drain system.
Types of French Drain Systems
Exterior French Drain
Installed around the outside perimeter of your foundation to intercept water before it reaches your foundation walls or crawl space. This is the most common and effective type for new or existing moisture problems.
Yard French Drain
Installed in low spots in your yard where water collects. Ideal for soggy areas that prevent you from enjoying your yard or that create mosquito breeding grounds.
Crawl Space French Drain
Installed inside or around crawl spaces to collect and remove water before it causes damage. Often combined with vapor barriers and crawl space encapsulation for complete moisture control.
Ready to Fix Your Drainage Problems?
Get a free property assessment and estimate. We'll show you exactly how to protect your home from water damage.