Effectively manage storm water on your property with french drain installation & repair services in Dutchess, Putnam, and Upper Westchester Counties.
A French drain is a trench filled with gravel and a perforated pipe that collects and redirects water away from your home.
French drains, also called curtain drains, are buried underground and help stop water from pooling near foundations, lawns, or driveways.
They’re one of the best ways to fix drainage problems you can’t see but feel, like a soggy yard or a damp basement.
You might need a French drain, or need a repair to an existing French drain, if you’re experiencing:
If water pools where it shouldn’t, a French drain could help.
A French drain works by collecting water underground and safely moving it away from your property.
French drains are a simple, but powerful solution to prevent standing water, soil erosion, basement flooding, and foundation damage.
Answer a few questions using our online form and we'll be in touch to answer your questions and schedule your appointment.
Tom will visit you in-person and walk your property to learn about your yard and determine if a French drain can help with your problems.
We'll install your French drain & other solutions you need to manage storm water, then leave your property in pristine condition.
No two yards are the same. We’ll help you decide if a French drain is the right solution—and get the job done right from start to finish.
Want help solving a water problem? We’re here to make it simple.
Our outdoor drainage specialists can help install or fix your french drains in the following cities:
We also work with property owners throughout Putnam County & Upper Westchester County.
If you’re dealing with standing water, soggy areas in your yard, or moisture around your foundation or basement, a French drain could help. We’ll assess your property and recommend the best solution during your free estimate.
Our installation process includes carefully digging trenches to the proper depth and slope to ensure optimal water flow. We use durable materials, secure pipe connections, and perform proper backfilling to provide a long-lasting solution.
A french drain and curtain drain are basically the same thing—just different names. Both use a gravel-filled trench and a perforated pipe to redirect water away from problem areas.The main difference is depth and purpose:
A French drain is deeper and targets water below the surface.
A curtain drain is usually more shallow and stops surface water before it can reach your foundation or low-lying areas.
It depends on several factors: the size of your property, how deep and long the trench needs to be, soil conditions, and whether we’re tying into other drainage systems. The best way to get an accurate price is to schedule a free, in-person estimate.
There could be a few issues: the pipe might be clogged, crushed, or installed incorrectly, or the drain may not have a proper outlet. It’s also possible that you have roots from trees growing into the underground pipes. We can inspect your existing system and let you know what’s going on.
A properly installed French drain can last 20 to 30 years or more—especially if it’s done with the right materials and slope. Regular yard maintenance can also help extend its life.
We take care to minimize disruption. Installing a French drain does require digging a trench in your yard. However, when we’re done, we’ll level everything out and leave the area clean and tidy. Many homeowners say you can barely tell we were ever there.
Not much. A well-installed French drain is mostly maintenance-free, but it’s a good idea to keep the drain outlet clear of debris and check the area for signs of blockage after heavy storms. If water starts pooling again, it could be a sign the system needs to be cleaned or inspected. We can help with that if needed.
In most cases for single-family homes, installing a standard French or curtain drain does not require a permit. In some municipalities, if you have a large project a permit might be required. We’ll ensure that all local requirements are followed.
Great question—and it’s something we take seriously. Before we dig, we contact 811, which connects to UDig NY. It’s required by New York State law and ensures that gas, electric, water, and other underground lines are clearly marked. This step usually takes a couple of business days and helps prevent accidents, service disruptions, or expensive repairs. We handle this process for you so everything is done safely and by the book.
Every job starts with a free on-site consultation. We’ll walk your property, look at where water is collecting, and determine if a French drain is the right solution. If it is, we’ll explain how it works, answer any questions, and give you a clear written estimate—no guesswork or hidden fees.
Once approved, here’s how we install your French drain:
We mark utilities.
Before digging, we locate any underground lines and mark them to keep your property safe.
We excavate the trench.
We dig a trench along the problem area, sloping it slightly so water can flow by gravity. Trench depth and width depend on your yard and drainage needs.
We prepare the base.
The bottom of the trench is leveled and filled with a layer of clean gravel to help filter water and provide a stable base for the pipe.
We install the perforated pipe.
A slotted or perforated pipe is placed in the trench to collect and move water. The pipe is pitched to carry water away from your home toward a designated discharge area.
We backfill with gravel.
After placing the pipe, we cover it with more gravel. In some cases, we may wrap the pipe in filter fabric to help prevent clogging.
We restore the surface.
Once everything is in place, we backfill the rest of the trench with soil and rake the area smooth. Some homeowners choose to reseed or add sod—we can help with that, too.
