A buried perforated pipe in a gravel trench collects ground water and carries it away from the house, the yard or the low spot that stays wet.
A French drain is a trench with a perforated pipe in a bed of clean gravel, wrapped in fabric to keep soil out. Water in the soil finds its way into the gravel, flows into the pipe and then travels downhill to a place where it can safely go. It is one of the oldest drainage tools and still one of the most effective for yards that stay soggy and walls that stay wet.
The success of a French drain is in the details. The trench needs a steady slope, the pipe needs the right placement, the fabric must be tight and the outlet has to be free and clear. We map the yard first, find where the water is and where it can go and then plan the route. We choose between a curtain drain that intercepts water uphill of the house, a footing drain that runs alongside the foundation or a yard drain that cures a low spot.
Placed uphill of the house, a curtain drain intercepts ground water before it reaches the foundation.
A drain next to the foundation lowers water pressure on the wall and helps protect the basement.
A drain through a soggy lawn dries it and makes the space usable, with catch basins if surface water needs a way in.
We plan the outlet first, whether daylight, a dry well or a storm connection, so water always has somewhere to go.
Drag the handle to compare.
BeforeAfterWater keeps moving.
Stays open.
Fits the yard.
Usable space.
Protects the basement.
Water has an exit.
Every topic has its own page with what to expect and how we approach it.
Project situationClay Soil and Wet YardsMiddle Tennessee clay swells when wet and shrinks when dry. That movement is behind many cracks, leaks and…Learn more 
Project situationHillside and Sloped LotsHouses on slopes face soil creep, water runoff and tall walls. Here is how we support them and…Learn more 
Project situationStorm and Flood DamageAfter heavy rain or flooding, foundations can shift and basements can fill. Here is how to protect your…Learn more Enter your roof size and downspouts to see how much water lands at your foundation in a heavy rain.
You tell us what you have noticed, a crack, a damp smell, a sloping floor or standing water, and we set a visit that fits your day.
We look closely inside and out, measure floors and cracks, check moisture and drainage and take photos of anything of note.
We explain what is urgent, what can wait and what is optional, and give you a written scope and options.
We lay floor protection, mark utilities, protect landscaping and set up before any digging or drilling begins.
We install, seal, lift or repair with the right tools and materials, checking our work as we go.
We clean up, restore the surface, show you what we did, share care tips and set a reminder for your next check.
A trench with perforated pipe in gravel that collects and carries ground water away.
Uphill of the problem, alongside the foundation or through the wet area, depending on the cause.
With fabric, clean gravel and a clear outlet, it should keep working for many years.
Yes, when the problem is ground water. Surface water may also need catch basins.
Not usually. A good slope lets gravity do the work.
Yard Drainage and GradingSoil that slopes toward the house is the root of many foundation problems. We regrade, add swales and…Explore 
Exterior WaterproofingStopping water before it reaches the wall: excavation, membrane, drain tile and grading that protect the foundation from…Explore 
Gutter and Downspout DrainageRoof water is the biggest source of water at your foundation. Clear gutters and downspouts that discharge far…Explore 
Basement WaterproofingA dry basement comes from a complete plan: manage the water outside, give it a path inside and…Explore Tell us about the project and we will call you back to talk it through.
Or call (615) 357-7797 to talk now.
