A side yard that stayed wet after every rain got a French drain: a trench with perforated pipe, filter fabric and gravel that carries water away. Done in two days.
Same side yard: puddling around the stepping stones (left) and the finished French drain (right).
The problem: standing water that never left
The narrow side yard between this Huntersville home and the vinyl fence stayed wet. Water pooled around the stepping stones after every rain, the grass was soggy, and the low strip along the house had nowhere to drain.
Clay soil makes it worse because it absorbs water slowly.
How we did it
- Dig the trench. A sloped trench runs the length of the side yard.
- Fabric and pipe. Filter fabric lines the trench and perforated pipe goes in to collect and carry water.
- Gravel. The trench is filled with gravel so water can reach the pipe quickly.
- Restore. The yard is finished with gravel along the trench and sod and straw beside it.
A properly built French drain gives it somewhere to go. Get a free on-site estimate.
How a French drain works
A French drain is a gravel-filled trench with a perforated pipe. Water soaks into the gravel, enters the pipe and flows downhill to a safe outlet, instead of sitting on the surface or against the foundation. See the most common French drain mistakes.
The finished drain
The side yard now drains after storms instead of holding water, and the strip along the house stays dry.
Want to see more? Browse before-and-after photos from all of our jobs in the CLT Pros project gallery.
Questions homeowners ask us
How do I know if I need a French drain?
If water stands in the same spots for hours or days after rain, or your yard stays soggy along the house, a French drain is often the fix. We will confirm on site.
How long does a French drain take to install?
This one took two days. Most residential drains take one to three days depending on length and access.
Will a French drain work in clay soil?
Yes. Clay is often the reason one is needed. The gravel and pipe give water a faster path than the clay can.
Do you work in Huntersville?
Yes. We work throughout Huntersville, Cornelius, Davidson and the north Charlotte area.
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What to avoid
Get a free estimate for your drainage problem
Tell us a little about your project and we will set up a free on-site visit.
- We walk your property and talk through options
- Clear written quote, no pressure
- Owner-operated, fully insured, warranty-backed
Prefer to talk? Call (704) 778-6755
Serving Huntersville, Cornelius, Davidson and the Charlotte metro.
