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French Drain Installation

The Gold Standard for Subsurface Drainage

Professional French drain systems that redirect groundwater away from your foundation. Engineered for North Texas clay soil with commercial-grade materials.
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French drain installation with corrugated pipe and gravel
Common Mistakes

Don't Make These Costly Errors

Common DIY and contractor mistakes we see in DFW

1

Installing Too Shallow

French drains need 12-18" depth minimum. Shallow drains fail within 2 years in clay soil.

2

Wrong Pipe Type

Flexible corrugated pipe clogs easily. We use rigid 4" SDR-35 for lasting performance.

3

Skipping Filter Fabric

Without proper geotextile fabric, soil infiltrates and clogs the gravel bed.

4

Inadequate Slope

Minimum 1% grade (1/8" per foot) required. Flat drains just hold water.

Why French Drains Work

Subsurface Collection

Intercepts groundwater before it reaches your foundation

Gravity-Powered

No pumps or electricity needed - works 24/7 automatically

Invisible When Done

Buried system preserves your landscape appearance

25+ Year Lifespan

Properly installed systems last decades with zero maintenance

Technical Specifications

What goes into a proper installation

Trench Depth
18-24 inches
Trench Width
12-18 inches
Pipe Diameter
4" SDR-35 PVC
Gravel Type
#57 Washed Stone
Minimum Slope
1% (1/8" per foot)
Filter Fabric
4 oz Non-Woven Geotextile

All installations exceed industry standards for North Texas soil conditions

DFW Permit Requirements

Most residential French drains don't require permits

Dallas
No Permit Needed

Under 18" depth

Fort Worth
No Permit Needed
Plano
No Permit Needed
Garland
No Permit Needed
Irving
No Permit Needed
Arlington
Check Local Rules

If near easement

Frisco
No Permit Needed
McKinney
No Permit Needed

We handle all permit requirements if needed for your specific installation.

French Drain FAQs

Most residential French drains are completed in 1-2 days. Larger systems may take 3-4 days.
We cut and set aside sod during excavation, then replace it after backfilling. Full recovery takes 2-4 weeks.
Water exits at a designated discharge point: street curb, storm drain, dry well, or low area of property.
Possible for small runs, but improper installation is the #1 cause of French drain failure. Professional installation ensures correct slope, materials, and discharge.

Stop Foundation Damage Before It Starts

Get a free drainage assessment and same-week installation.

Schedule Free Assessment

We Serve the Entire DFW Metroplex

Garland, TXPlano, TXRichardson, TXRowlett, TXWylie, TXMurphy, TXDallas, TXFrisco, TXAllen, TXRockwall, TXHeath, TXLucas, TXLake Highlands, TXCasa View, TXPreston Hollow, TXWillow Bend, TX