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CURTAIN DRAIN INSTALLATION

Intercept and redirect groundwater flow before it reaches your foundation, lawn, or structures with professional curtain drain systems.

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WHAT IS A CURTAIN DRAIN?

A curtain drain is a shallow subsurface drainage system designed to intercept and redirect groundwater moving laterally through the soil. These systems are commonly installed upslope of problem areas to "cut off" water before it reaches lawns, foundations, retaining walls, or hardscapes.

Curtain drains work by capturing subsurface water and conveying it away using perforated pipe installed in a gravel-filled trench, allowing groundwater to enter the system and discharge safely downhill.

Unlike yard drainage systems that manage surface water, curtain drains address hidden groundwater flow that can cause persistent soggy areas, erosion, or pressure against structures.

KEY COMPONENTS

  • Perforated drain pipe (typically 4")
  • Gravel or aggregate drainage media
  • Filter fabric to prevent soil intrusion
  • Shallow trench installed along slope or contour
  • Gravity-fed discharge point or pop-up emitter
  • Root intrusion protection where necessary

WHEN YOU NEED A CURTAIN DRAIN

HILLSIDE OR SLOPED PROPERTIES

Groundwater flows downhill through soil layers. Curtain drains intercept this lateral flow before it reaches lower areas of your property.

PERSISTENT SOGGY AREAS

Lawns that remain wet or soggy even when surface water drains properly often have subsurface groundwater issues that curtain drains can solve.

RETAINING WALL PROTECTION

Install curtain drains upslope of retaining walls to prevent hydrostatic pressure buildup and water damage behind the wall structure.

FOUNDATION PROTECTION

Properties built on slopes benefit from curtain drains installed uphill to intercept groundwater before it reaches the foundation perimeter.

OUR INSTALLATION PROCESS

01

SITE ANALYSIS & WATER FLOW MAPPING

Evaluate slope, soil conditions, and groundwater movement patterns. Identify optimal curtain drain placement to intercept lateral water flow before it reaches problem areas.

02

PRECISION EXCAVATION

Professional sod cutter preserves grass. Excavate shallow trench (18-24 inches deep) along contour or perpendicular to slope with engineered 2% grade for optimal drainage.

03

PIPE & GRAVEL INSTALLATION

Line trench with filter fabric, install perforated pipe, apply root protection systems, and surround with clean aggregate. Connect to proper discharge location.

04

RESTORATION & TESTING

Wrap fabric over gravel, backfill and compact soil, replace original sod. Test system to verify proper interception and discharge of groundwater flow.

WHY ZEROGRADE FOR CURTAIN DRAINS

WATER FLOW EXPERTISE

We analyze slope, soil saturation, and groundwater movement to position curtain drains exactly where they'll intercept lateral subsurface flow.

ENGINEERED 2% SLOPE

Double the industry minimum grade ensures superior water flow, faster drainage response, and prevents system backup during heavy groundwater movement.

MINIMAL LANDSCAPE IMPACT

Professional sod cutter equipment and careful restoration techniques preserve your existing landscape and maintain property aesthetics.

NDS CERTIFIED INSTALLATION

Professionally certified by NDS, following industry best practices for interceptor drain design and subsurface water management.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY WITH CURTAIN DRAIN INSTALLATION

Get a free drainage evaluation and professional curtain drain design for your North Texas property.

214-924-8483
Schedule Free Evaluation