The Ultimate Guide to French Drains and Surface Drainage Solutions

Understanding Drainage Issues: Why It Matters

With the excessive rainfall this winter, many homeowners are experiencing flooding in their yards. If you’re dealing with standing water, soggy lawns, or water pooling around your property, it may be time to consider a professional drainage solution. At Perfection Lawn and Landscape, we specialize in effective drainage systems, including French drains and surface drains, to keep your property dry and functional year-round.

What Is a French Drain and How Does It Work?

A French drain is a specialized drainage system designed to redirect groundwater away from unwanted areas. It consists of a perforated pipe buried in a trench and surrounded by gravel to facilitate water movement. French drains are excellent for handling groundwater issues but are not ideal for surface water drainage.

Key Benefits of a French Drain System:

• Prevents water from seeping into your foundation
• Redirects groundwater to avoid water pooling
• Long-term drainage solution for wet yards

On one of our recent projects, we installed a French drain where water was consistently leaching from a hillside and running across a driveway for days after rainfall. Our solution involved a combination of a French drain and surface drains to efficiently manage both ground and surface water.

Why Our French Drain Installation Stands Out

Many contractors cut corners when installing French drains, leading to system failure within a few years. Here’s what makes our approach different:

Proper Trench Preparation

We dig a precise trench and ensure all loose material is removed. This step is critical to ensure proper water flow and prevent clogging.

2. Geosynthetic Fabric for Longevity

Unlike many other contractors who use standard landscape fabric or none at all, we use a high-quality woven geosynthetic fabric designed for soil separation. This fabric:

• Allows water to pass through easily
• Prevents mud, dirt, and debris from clogging the drain
• Ensures long-term functionality

Many failed drainage systems lack this crucial fabric, leading to clogged pipes and expensive repairs within a few years.

3. High-Quality Drainage Rock

We use #4 drainage rock, which is larger and allows for better water flow. The extra voids between the rocks help direct water into the pipe efficiently, ensuring the system works effectively for years.

4. Burrito Wrapping the Drainage System

To maximize efficiency, we completely wrap our rock and pipe system in fabric—like a burrito. This prevents dirt and debris from infiltrating the system while allowing water to flow freely. Once backfilled with dirt, you won’t even know the system is there, but it will be working underground to keep your property dry.

Combining French Drains with Surface Drains

Since French drains are designed for groundwater and not surface water, we often pair them with surface drain boxes. These drain boxes capture excess surface water and direct it through a separate pipe, preventing contamination of the French drain system.
By keeping these systems independent, we:

• Prevent clogging of the French drain
• Ensure surface water is efficiently redirected
• Improve overall drainage performance

Why We Use Superior Drainage Pipes

Most contractors use black corrugated pipes with small slits, which clog easily. At Perfection Lawn and Landscape, we invest in high-quality, virgin plastic pipes designed specifically for French drains. These pipes feature large slots that allow significant water flow while resisting clogging.

Do You Have Drainage Problems? We Can Help!

If you’re dealing with unwanted water on your property, now is the time to act. We offer customized drainage solutions, including:

• French drains
• Surface drains
• Leach field systems
• Pumped drainage systems

Our team has years of experience designing and installing long-lasting drainage solutions tailored to your property’s needs.

Schedule a Consultation Today

Call us at 270-754-3616 to schedule an inspection and get a tailored drainage solution for your home or business.
At Perfection Lawn and Landscape, we do it right the first time so you never have to worry about drainage issues again!