French Drain

A French drain is a gravel-lined trench with a perforated pipe that redirects water away from your home's foundation. It's one of the most effective solutions for soggy yards, basement moisture, and erosion problems. Whether you're dealing with standing water after storms or protecting a new landscaping investment, we'll help you connect with local pros and learn everything you need to know.

Related to French Drain Service

French Drain Service Articles and Advice
C.E. Larusso  •  Apr 10, 2026
Do You Need a Permit for a French Drain Installation?
Do you need a permit for a French drain installation? If you’re ready to try out a new yard drainage solution, here’s what you should know about the logistics.
Alison Kasch  •  Apr 10, 2026
How Much Water Can a French Drain Handle?
How much water can a French drain handle? Find out a French drain’s drainage capacity and the factors that impact it.
Melissa Graham  •  Apr 10, 2026
French Drain Exit Point: Where Does the Water Go?
With the help of gravity, French drains promise to move excess water away from your home through an exit point. Read our tips for finding the right exit point.
Melissa Graham  •  Apr 10, 2026
Should French Drain Holes Face Up or Down?
You’ve decided on a French drain system but need to determine whether the drain holes should face up or down. Our guide can point you in the right direction—literally.
Kat Brancato  •  Apr 10, 2026
The Best Rocks For French Drains: What To Know
What are the best rocks for French drains? Learn which rocks top the list and which ones to avoid using for a French drain.
Kat Brancato  •  Apr 10, 2026
What Is a French Drain and How Does It Work?
What is a French drain exactly and does your yard need one? Learn what a French drain is, how it works, and its pros and cons.
Dan Simms  •  Apr 10, 2026
Types of Foundation Drainage Systems: Pros, Cons, and Uses
Need to protect your foundation from water intrusion and moisture buildup? Learn about the four different types of foundation drainage and how each one works.
Kyle Schurman  •  Apr 10, 2026
10 Gutter Alternatives to Consider for Your Home
Common gutter alternatives include rain chains, French drains, drip edges, and rain dispersal systems. Keep reading to see which gutter alternative is best.
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Common French Drain Service Questions

French drains and footing drains are virtually identical, except that French drains sit a foot or two beneath the ground, and footing drains sit as deep as your foundation footings go, sometimes up to 10 feet. Both drainage systems collect water before it reaches the soil around your foundation and divert it to a safe place on your property for disposal.

You should always cover a French drain with gravel rather than dirt. Gravel will let water seep into the drain more easily, which means the drainpipe will collect more water and divert it away from your foundation. Dirt over a French drain will also clog the pores in the drainpipe over time, rendering your drainage system useless until you excavate the line and clear it, a time-consuming and potentially expensive process.

A French drain should be 4 to 6 feet away from your foundation in most cases. However, the right distance for your home depends on the landscape and how bad your water problem is. Ask a foundation drain installation professional near you for advice on your exact situation.

You need gravel underneath a French drain pipe so that it allows the water to seep through the ground and be taken away from the slope of the drain. You should use river rock or granite chips in your French drain installation to accommodate maximum drainage and prevent clogging in the system.

When installing a French drain, the holes in your pipe go down. This allows water to flow from the gravel below into the pipe to be carried away from your flood-prone area. If you’re using a corrugated pipe with slots on all sides, it doesn’t matter which direction the pipe is facing.