What Is a French Drain?
A French drain is a gravel-filled trench containing perforated pipe that collects and redirects surface water and shallow groundwater. Installed in low-lying or frequently flooded areas, it helps move excess moisture away from structures, lawns, and landscaping—creating a healthier, drier, and more functional property.
Benefits of a French Drain
- Eliminates Standing Water
French drains capture excess moisture and direct it to a safe discharge point, preventing puddling and muddy, unusable areas. - Protects Foundations & Hardscapes
Removing water buildup helps prevent basement leaks, soil shifting, frost heave, and slab cracking. - Prevents Soil Saturation & Root Rot
By draining excess moisture, plants thrive, grass becomes healthier, and landscape areas dry out faster. - Improves Yard Usability
A well-installed French drain turns muddy or flooded lawns into usable outdoor space again. - Long-Term Water Management
Instead of treating symptoms seasonally, a French drain solves the underlying drainage problem permanently.
Our French Drain Installation Process
- Comprehensive Water Assessment
We evaluate how water moves across your property, identifying low spots, soil density, and ideal drainage paths. - Precise Trenching & Grading
Our team excavates a trench with proper slope to ensure consistent water flow away from problem areas. - Installation of Pipe, Gravel, and Filter Fabric
Perforated pipe is placed on a bed of clean, washed rock and wrapped in fabric to prevent clogs and extend lifespan. - Backfilling & Surface Restoration
Once installed, we restore your lawn or landscape so the system blends seamlessly with your property. - Discharge System Planning
Water is directed to a safe location such as daylight, a dry well, a culvert, or another engineered drainage point.
Signs You Need a French Drain
- Persistent standing water in your yard
- Soggy or muddy lawn areas long after rainfall
- Water pooling near your foundation
- Moss or algae growth from constant dampness
- Repeated erosion or soft soil
- Flooded garden beds or landscaping areas
- Moisture entering basements or crawl spaces
French Drain vs. Curtain Drain
French Drain
A French drain is designed to collect surface water and shallow groundwater from low or flooded areas of your property. It is typically installed where water naturally pools—such as in flat lawns, soggy garden beds, or depressions that stay wet long after rain. The system captures this water through a perforated pipe buried in gravel, then redirects it to a safe discharge point.
Curtain Drain
A curtain drain is installed uphill from the area you want to protect. Instead of collecting water from the surface, it intercepts subsurface water moving underground before it reaches your home, driveway, or landscaping. These drains run deeper—often 2–4 feet—and act as a protective barrier that prevents water from ever becoming a problem.
Why Choose Dig’um Dirtworks
- Local PNW Drainage Expertise
We understand the heavy rainfall, clay-rich soils, and terrain challenges unique to the Olympic Peninsula. - Durable, High-Quality Materials
Clean gravel, commercial-grade pipe, and proper fabric ensure long-term, reliable performance. - Custom Solutions for Every Property
Every French drain is designed around your specific drainage issues, elevations, and future plans. - Honest Pricing & Clear Communication
We deliver upfront estimates, practical recommendations, and straightforward updates throughout your project. - Clean, Professional Workmanship
We install efficiently, respect your property, and leave the site looking clean and restored.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs About French Drains
How deep does a French drain need to be?
Typically 18–30 inches deep, depending on soil conditions and water volume. Our team chooses the depth that ensures optimal flow and drainage.
Will a French drain fix standing water in my yard?
Yes. French drains are specifically designed to remove surface water and shallow groundwater from low areas, eliminating most standing water issues.
How long does installation take?
Most French drain projects take 1–2 days, though larger systems or long trench runs may require additional time.
Will the French drain be visible after it’s installed?
No. Once the trench is backfilled and finished, the system is completely hidden beneath the surface. The area can be seeded, landscaped, or covered with gravel.
How long does a French drain last?
A properly installed French drain can last 20–30+ years. Quality materials, clean gravel, and proper slope play a major role in longevity.