regrading &
french drains
FRENCH DRAINS: SURFACE WATER CONTROL THAT WORKS
Waterproofing Northeast designs and installs exterior French drain systems to keep water away from your foundation.
What is a French Drain?
A French drain is a surface water management system that redirects runoff away from structures. It’s ideal for properties with poor grading, saturated soil, or heavy gutter discharge. We install these systems using:
Trench Excavation – A sloped trench is dug to direct water away from the building, usually along trouble spots like foundation walls, driveways, or yard low points.
Drain Pipe Installation – A perforated 4″ or 6″ pipe is wrapped in geotextile fabric and set in washed rock to collect and move water efficiently.
Gravel Backfill & Final Grade – Clean stone is added to promote drainage, then covered with topsoil or restored landscaping.
This passive system protects your home by solving surface water issues before they turn into interior leaks or foundation damage.
Why It’s Needed
Without proper grading and runoff control, water builds up around your foundation, sidewalks, and low-lying areas—eventually finding its way into basements or eroding exterior walls. A French drain collects and redirects that water before it becomes a structural issue, keeping both interiors and exteriors dry and stable.
Drain Tile Myths vs. Reality
“My gutters handle all the water.”
Gutters help, but they don’t solve yard drainage, slope issues, or saturated soil near the foundation.“French drains are just for flooding yards.”
They’re also critical for protecting basements and foundations by reducing exterior water pressure and keeping runoff away.“They’ll clog up quickly.”
Not if done right. Our drains use filter fabric and clean rock to prevent clogs and keep water moving for years.
Bottom Line
French drains are a simple, low-maintenance way to control surface water and prevent damage to your home or building. Whether you’re dealing with soggy yards, pooling around the foundation, or runoff from gutters, a well-installed French drain is a smart first line of defense.
Signs your home may need a surface drainage system
Standing water around your foundation, soggy landscaping, or erosion issues aren’t just messy—they’re early warnings that water isn’t draining as it should. A surface drainage system like a French drain can redirect runoff before it damages your home. Watch for these signs:
Pooling Water Around Foundation – Water collecting near exterior walls is a red flag for future seepage or foundation stress.
Soggy or Eroded Landscaping – Oversaturated soil or ground washout means water has no defined path to flow.
Water-Stained Basement Walls – Discoloration near the base of walls often begins with exterior drainage failure.
Gutter Downspouts Dumping Near House – Concentrated roof runoff needs to be carried away properly to avoid localized flooding.
Repeated Icy Patches in Winter – Freezing runoff near sidewalks or driveways often points to drainage issues under the surface.
Ignoring these issues can lead to costly water damage and structural deterioration. Installing a French drain is a proactive way to protect your property from the outside in.
OUR COMMITMENT TO YOU
Choosing Waterproofing Northeast means getting more than just a waterproofing solution. When you call us, you’re getting personalized attention from people who genuinely care.