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FRENCH DRAIN INSTALLATION

Professional subsurface drainage systems that intercept and redirect groundwater away from your foundation, preventing water damage and soil erosion.

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WHAT IS A FRENCH DRAIN?

A French drain is a subsurface drainage system designed to redirect groundwater away from problem areas. It consists of a perforated pipe buried in a gravel-filled trench, allowing water to enter and flow away from your foundation.

The system works by creating a pathway of least resistance for water, intercepting it before it can cause foundation damage, basement flooding, or yard erosion.

KEY COMPONENTS

  • Perforated drainage pipe (4" or 6" diameter)
  • Clean gravel or drainage rock
  • Filter fabric to prevent soil infiltration
  • Optimal 2% slope for superior water flow
  • Root intrusion protection systems
  • Discharge point away from structure

PROBLEM SIGNS TO LOOK FOR

French Drain Problem Signs

WHEN YOU NEED A FRENCH DRAIN

FOUNDATION PROTECTION

Water pooling near foundation walls can cause hydrostatic pressure, leading to cracks, shifting, and structural damage.

BASEMENT WATERPROOFING

Intercepts groundwater before it enters basements or crawl spaces, preventing moisture and flooding issues.

YARD DRAINAGE

Eliminates standing water in low-lying areas, preventing soil erosion and creating usable outdoor space.

RETAINING WALL DRAINAGE

Relieves hydrostatic pressure behind retaining walls, preventing failure and extending wall lifespan.

OUR INSTALLATION PROCESS

01

SITE EVALUATION & PLANNING

Comprehensive assessment of water flow patterns, soil conditions, foundation type, and root systems. We identify optimal drainage paths and evaluate root intrusion risk to determine appropriate protection methods.

02

PRECISION EXCAVATION

Professional sod cutter equipment carefully removes and preserves existing grass. Trench excavated to proper depth (18-24 inches) with engineered 2% slope—exceeding industry minimum for optimal water flow performance.

03

ROOT PROTECTION & PIPE INSTALLATION

Line trench with filter fabric, apply copper sulfate treatment, copper sock, or copper fabric based on root assessment. Install perforated pipe (holes down) and surround with clean drainage rock for long-term root intrusion prevention.

04

RESTORATION & FINISHING

Wrap fabric over gravel, backfill with excavated soil, and compact properly. Original sod carefully replaced to minimize landscape disruption and restore your yard to its original appearance.

WHY ZEROGRADE FOR FRENCH DRAINS

ENGINEERED 2% SLOPE

We engineer systems with 2% grade—double the industry minimum—ensuring superior water flow, faster drainage, and zero pooling or backups.

QUALITY MATERIALS

Clean gravel, heavy-duty perforated pipe, and professional-grade filter fabric for long-lasting performance.

FOUNDATION-AWARE DESIGN

Every installation considers your foundation type, soil conditions, and water table to prevent future issues.

NDS CERTIFIED INSTALLATION

Professionally certified by NDS, following industry best practices and manufacturer specifications.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

PROTECT YOUR FOUNDATION WITH A FRENCH DRAIN

Get a professional drainage evaluation and custom French drain design for your property.

214-924-8483
Schedule Free Evaluation