01
Locating the low spot and the discharge point
Walked with you, so the trench starts where water collects and ends somewhere it can actually leave.
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AI visualizationA French drain where the water actually sits.
A trench, fabric, gravel and perforated pipe, run from the low spot to a point where the water can leave. Free estimates.
Is this the right fit?
AI visualizationA good fit when
- Water sits in the same low spot every time it rains
- The yard stays soft or muddy for days after a storm
- The water seems to be coming from underground, not just running across the surface
- You want the water moved out of the yard, not just spread around
Another service may fit when
- The water only runs across the surface and never sits (see Backyard grading)
- The problem is an indoor sump pump or a basement
- You want a diagnosis or a fix promised before anyone sees the yard
AI visualizationWhat makes a French drain work.
Thetrenchbeginswheresubsurfacewatercollects.Filterfabricseparatesthesoilfromcleanwashedstone.Perforatedpipefollowsacontinuouspitchtowardthedischargepoint.Therouteiscovered,gradedandrestoredaftertheflowpathischecked.
A French drain is a complete below-grade path—not just a pipe in dirt. The outlet, pitch, fabric and washed stone all matter.
What a French drain scope includes.
Scroll the list. The pin shows where each piece lives.
02
The trench
Dug from the low spot to the discharge point, at the depth the water needs.
03
Fabric
Lines the trench to help limit soil migration into the washed stone.
04
Gravel and pipe
A gravel base, perforated pipe set into it, then more gravel over the top.
05
Backfill and grade
Soil restored over the trench and graded to match the yard around it.
Locating the low spot and the discharge point
Not included: Indoor or basement drainage, Downspout tie-ins beyond the estimate scope, Sod or seed unless added to the scope.
Not sure which of these the spot needs? That is what the visit is for.
Get a free estimateHow a French drain job runs.
Find where the water goes. Then trench, pipe and cover it.
Tell us the spot01
Start here
Tell us the spot
Address, when the water shows up, and how long it stays. A photo after rain helps.
Walk it with Gregorio02
Dig the trench03
Fabric, gravel, pipe04
Backfill and grade05
From the ground up.
Fabric, washed stone, perforated pipe, continuous pitch and the restored route.
AI visualizationAI visualizationAI visualizationWhat shapes the estimate.
The estimate reflects the route length, depth, existing conditions, access, outlet and restoration needs observed during the site visit.
What sets the number
- Length of the runHow far the trench travels from the low spot to the discharge point.
- What is in the wayRoots, existing landscaping, or a walk or driveway the trench has to cross.
- DepthHow deep the trench needs to be cut to reach and catch the water.
- The discharge pointWhether it ties into an existing drain, daylights at a slope, or needs a pump.
- Related workWhether grading or a sump pump is included in the same scope.
Common shortcuts and what they miss.
A complete route matters more than treating only the visible low spot.
- Add topsoil only at the low spotAdded fill may move the visible low point without creating a below-grade route for collected water.
- Redirect one downspout without checking the full areaOther water sources and the receiving grade still need to be considered.
- Dig an open ditch without the specified drain assemblyFabric, washed stone, perforated pipe and a suitable outlet are separate parts of the planned system.
AI visualizationTalk through the project. Start with the visit.
Get a free estimateWhat to expect.
How the visit, estimate and site work are organized.
01
The visit
Gregorio walks the yard with you, looks at where the water sits and where it can leave, and writes down the scope. The visit decides.
02
The estimate
The written estimate identifies the included trench, fabric, stone, pipe, outlet and restoration work.
03
The job
The trench is dug, the pipe and gravel go in, then backfill and grade restore the yard.
French drain questions
Questions about your property? Bring them to the estimate visit.
The visit shows where the water collects and where it can leave. That is what sets the route.
Bring the spot. We bring the estimate.
Tell us where the project is and what you want to change. Gregorio walks it with you, then writes down the scope and the estimate for it.
Call (678) 353-6280
