FRENCH DRAIN INSTALLATION
Underground drainage that permanently eliminates standing water and protects foundations.
A French drain is a gravel-filled trench with a perforated pipe that quietly moves groundwater away from where it's causing problems. We install them along fence lines, next to foundations, across low spots, and anywhere water keeps collecting. Every install is custom-graded to your specific lot. We calculate slope, soil permeability, and water volume before we dig, and we wrap every pipe in filter fabric so the clay doesn't clog it five years in. Most French drain failures we see come from installs done without respect for North Texas clay. We do it right the first time so you're not dealing with it again.
WHAT WE SEE IN THE FIELD
If any of these sound familiar, it's time to call.
Water Pooling Against The Foundation
"Standing water touching the slab after every rain"
This is the single most expensive drainage problem a homeowner can have in North Texas. Clay soil against a wet foundation expands unevenly and cracks the slab over time. A properly installed French drain intercepts the water before it reaches the foundation and routes it to a safe discharge point, far cheaper than foundation repair.
Soggy Spots That Never Dry Out
"Specific areas stay wet or mushy days after the last rain"
Persistent soggy spots usually mean subsurface water is collecting in a low pocket with nowhere to go. A French drain lets you capture that water underground and move it to a discharge point, the surface dries out, the grass recovers, and the problem doesn't come back.
Erosion Along Fence Lines Or Downspouts
"Soil washing out where water channels through your yard"
Visible erosion means water is gaining velocity and carrying soil with it. A French drain paired with proper grading slows the flow, disperses the water, and stops the erosion before it undermines fences or landscape features.
Water Entering Your Garage
"Puddles at the garage door threshold during heavy North Texas rain"
Garage entries are a common drainage failure point. We install channel drains at the threshold and connect them to an underground French drain that carries water past the house to a safe discharge area, permanently fixing the problem.
You've Had A Previous French Drain Fail
"An old drain installed without filter fabric has stopped working"
The number-one reason French drains fail in North Texas is clay soil clogging the pipe perforations. If you have an old drain that's no longer moving water, we can replace it with a properly filtered, properly graded system that will last 20–30+ years.
INCLUDED WITH EVERY JOB
No hidden fees. No surprises. Here's exactly what's covered.
Grade assessment and water flow mapping
Trench excavation to proper depth and slope
Filter fabric lining to prevent soil intrusion
4-inch perforated corrugated pipe installation
Clean washed gravel fill (no recycled concrete)
Clean-out access points at key junctions
Sod replacement and site cleanup
HOW WE DO IT
Site Survey & Grade Mapping
We walk your property with a level and map the grade, identifying where water enters, where it collects, and the best discharge route, critical in North Texas clay.
Trench Excavation
We dig the trench to the correct depth and slope (minimum 1% grade), following the route planned during the survey to move water away from problem areas.
Pipe & Gravel Install
We line the trench with filter fabric, lay 4-inch perforated corrugated pipe, fill with clean washed gravel, and install clean-out access points at key junctions.
Backfill & Restore
We fold the filter fabric over the top, backfill with soil, replace sod, and clean up the site, your yard looks normal within a few weeks during growing season.
REAL RESULTS FROM REAL NEIGHBORS
"Carson and his team were great. He came out today and diagnosed the problem quickly. He made sure that I understood everything that he was about to do. I definitely would use him again. Very affordable."
"Carlos and his partner were very punctual and professional. They attended to my Sprinkler system efficiently and explained the problem in detail. We highly recommend them if you need help with your irrigation system."
"Excellent service! Very professional, punctual, and detail-oriented. They explained everything clearly and solved the issue quickly and efficiently. I would definitely hire them again and highly recommend their services."
FREQUENTLY ASKED
It depends on a few things: total length of drain, depth of excavation, complexity of the routing, and how the discharge point works for your lot. A simple 30-foot run is a straightforward job. A 100+ foot system with multiple branches is more involved. We'll come out, walk your property, and give you a written estimate. Call us to schedule.
Most residential French drains are installed 18–24 inches deep. Foundation drains may need to go deeper, down to 3 feet, to intercept water at footing level. We determine the right depth during our site assessment.
Yes, but they have to be designed for clay. The key is proper filter fabric (to keep clay from clogging the pipe), clean gravel (not recycled concrete), and sufficient slope (minimum 1% grade). A French drain that works great in sandy soil will fail in clay if it's not built correctly.
A properly installed French drain with filter fabric should last 20–30+ years. The most common failure point is clogging from soil intrusion, which is why we wrap every pipe in filter fabric and use clean-out access points.
Most residential French drains in North Texas are installed 18–24 inches deep with a minimum 1% slope toward the discharge point. Foundation drains may need to go as deep as 3 feet to intercept water at footing level. In North Texas clay soil, depth matters, too shallow and the drain sits above the water table during heavy rains and does nothing when you need it most.
Very little if installed correctly. We include clean-out access points on every French drain so you, or we, can flush the pipe with a garden hose every year or two. The filter fabric we wrap around the pipe prevents clay soil from clogging the perforations, which is the number-one reason French drains fail in North Texas. If you notice drainage slowing down after several years, a professional flush usually restores full flow.
WE KNOW THIS SOIL, THIS WATER, THIS WEATHER
French drains are the most common drainage solution we install here, and the most commonly installed wrong by contractors unfamiliar with our soil. We use proper filter fabric, clean washed gravel, and correct slope so they still work 20+ years in.
WHAT ELSE WE DO
Sprinkler Repair & Maintenance
Same-day diagnosis and repair for broken heads, leaks, and controller issues.
Drainage Solutions
French drains, channel drains, and custom grading to eliminate standing water.
Smart Controllers
WiFi-enabled Rachio, Rain Bird, and Hunter controllers that cut water waste.
Winterization
Full compressed-air blowout to protect your system from North Texas freezes.
NEED FRENCH DRAIN INSTALLATION?
Estimates available. Same-day or next-day service. No obligation.