Why does my yard flood after rain?

Yard flooding is typically caused by poor grading, compacted or clay-heavy soil that does not absorb water well, insufficient drainage infrastructure, or improperly discharged downspouts. Water that pools near your home can eventually find its way into the basement or crawl space.

What is a French drain and how does it work?

A French drain is a trench filled with gravel and a perforated pipe that redirects surface water and groundwater away from a specific area. We install shallow French drains approximately 1 foot deep close to the home to intercept surface water before it reaches the foundation and directs it safely away.

What is a buried downspout extension?

A buried downspout extension is an underground pipe that carries water from your gutters away from the foundation and discharges it at a safe distance from the home. According to ICC building codes, downspouts should direct water away from the foundation -- many homes do not meet this standard, which leads to water pooling at the base of the walls.

Can yard drainage problems cause basement flooding?

Yes. Surface water that pools near the foundation creates hydrostatic pressure that can push water through cracks, the cold joint, or porous foundation walls. Proper yard drainage is often the first line of defense against basement water intrusion.

How long does yard drainage installation take?

Most yard drainage projects are completed in 1-2 days. The timeline depends on the length of the drain run, the number of downspouts being connected, and site conditions. We will provide a detailed scope of work and timeline during the free inspection.

Will yard drainage fix my soggy lawn?

In most cases, yes. A properly installed French drain or surface drainage system removes standing water and allows your lawn to dry out after rain. The right solution depends on the source of the water -- our inspectors will assess your property and recommend the most effective approach.

YardShield™ · DC, Maryland & Virginia

Yard Drainage & French Drains

YardShield™ intercepts water pooling or flowing through your yard. A graded French drain, filter fabric and clean stone collect water and route it to a suitable outlet.

Book a Free Inspection Call 1-833-888-2533

We identify the problem, explain the repair, and give you a written price before we leave.

Finished lawn, planting beds and flagstone walkway after yard drainage work — Finished lawn and walkway after yard drainage work.

How we install a yard French drain

Six stages from our North Potomac drainage work, carried out by our own crew.

Swipe to follow all 6 stages → · Tap a photo to view it full size.

Open yard drainage trench running beside a front walkway — Step 1 of 6Excavate the routeWe plan the collection route and outlet, then excavate a trench through the area where runoff collects. Depth and width follow the site.

Black geotextile lining an excavated yard French drain trench — Step 2 of 6Line with filter fabricGeotextile lines the trench to separate soil from the drainage stone. The fabric remains open while the collection assembly is installed.

Crew member checking the gravel bed with a straightedge — Step 3 of 6Set the gravel bed and fallClean stone supports the pipe. Our crew checks the trench and bed so the collection line has continuous fall toward the outlet.

Perforated drainage pipe positioned over stone inside the lined trench — Step 4 of 6Install the collection pipePerforated pipe collects water entering the gravel zone. More clean stone surrounds it, and the filter fabric closes over the stone before soil cover.

Yard catch basin connected to the drainage line over clean gravel — Step 5 of 6Connect surface collectionWhere water gathers at the surface, a catch basin provides a collection point. Connections follow the drainage plan; accessible grates allow debris removal.

Restored lawn and walkway after the North Potomac yard drainage installation — Step 6 of 6Restore the surfaceAfter covering the drain, we restore the affected lawn and walkways. This North Potomac project shows the freshly restored surface; the finish follows the drainage plan.

The outlet is checked before the system is covered. Roof runoff, when included, uses a separate solid downspout pipe rather than the perforated collection line.

See this North Potomac yard drainage project →

What affects yard drainage cost?

Route & grading: drain length, excavation depth, ground levels and soil.
Access: utilities, trees, paths and other obstacles.
Collection & discharge: catch basins, outlet connections and any separate downspout lines.
Restoration: lawn, planting beds, walkways or other affected surfaces.

Explore financing through Wisetack →

Questions about your yard drainage

Is YardShield™ the same as a drain beside the foundation?

YardShield™ intercepts runoff in the yard, often uphill or set back from the house. GradingShield™ manages near-surface water beside the foundation. Neither replaces wall waterproofing or interior basement drainage when those repairs are needed. We trace the source before recommending a system.

Where does the French drain discharge?

It needs a suitable destination and continuous fall for gravity drainage. We evaluate available elevations and a safe discharge route. A dry well is an option only where soil infiltration, groundwater, capacity and overflow conditions support it; it is not the default for every yard.

What maintenance does yard drainage need?

Clear leaves and sediment from accessible catch-basin grates, inspect collection and discharge points after storms, and keep later landscaping from blocking or damaging the route. We show you the checks for your installation.

What warranty covers YardShield™?

YardShield™ carries our 25-year written warranty for the covered installation. The supplied document explains coverage, conditions, exclusions and transfer terms. Read our warranty overview →

Yard Drainage & French Drains

How we install a yard French drain

What affects yard drainage cost?

Questions about your yard drainage

Let’s talk about your home.

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