Ballard French Drain Installation Services

If your Ballard yard feels like a swamp from November to May, it’s time to ditch ineffective solutions. You need a properly sloped pipe, clean drain rock, non-woven geotextile installed correctly, and code-compliant discharge outlets. We specialize in drainage systems that work with Ballard’s clay soil and unique topography.

What’s the Problem?

Is your property facing persistent water issues? Here’s what we often encounter in Ballard:

• Standing water in lawns and gardens, especially in low-lying areas.
• Mushy footpaths created by heavy foot traffic or pets.
• Downspouts dumping water directly at your foundation, risking crawlspace leaks.
• Weeping slopes across pathways and stairs after rainstorms.
• Previous drainage attempts that led to clogs and ineffective results.

What We Install (and Why It Works)

We offer a variety of drainage solutions tailored to fit Ballard’s needs:

• French Drains: Perforated pipes set in gravel trenches to intercept groundwater effectively.
• Downspout Conveyance Systems: Solid pipes that carry roof water away from your foundation to an approved outlet.
• Dry Wells / Dispersion Trenches: Customized to suit your property, wrapped in non-woven geotextile to block fines.
• Channel Drains & Trench Grates: Ideal for hardscaped areas, seamlessly integrating into your drainage system.
• Cleanouts & Inspection Ports: Positioned at strategic points for easy maintenance.

We don’t just throw gravel in a trench—this leads to clogs and ongoing maintenance issues!

Our Build Method (No Shortcuts Here!)

1. Site Assessment & Elevation Analysis: We utilize laser levels to analyze water paths, soil types, and determine appropriate discharge locations.
2. Utility Locate: We always call 811 before digging to ensure safety.
3. Trench & Line Creation: Typically 8–12” wide and 18–24” deep, lined with non-woven geotextile to enhance drainage in clay soil.
4. Base Course Layer: We add 3–4” of ¾” clean drain rock, then place the drainage pipe.
5. Pipe Installation & Slope Adjustment: Perforated pipe is installed with holes facing down, maintaining a ~1% fall (approximately ⅛” per foot) for optimal flow.
6. Rock Envelope: We fill with clean, angular rock (not round river rock) to prevent shifting and maintain drainage.
7. Wrap & Cap: We cover with geotextile to keep out fines, then top with soil, sod, mulch, or decorative rock.
8. Outlet Installation: We daylight to the curb or install dry wells/dispersion systems as per local regulations.
9. Proofing: A hose test is conducted to ensure proper flow before backfilling.

Connecting drains to a sanitary sewer is a hard no. We ensure your outlet complies with local regulations.

French Drain vs. “Pipe in a Trench” (Here’s Why Yours Failed)

• No Slope = No Flow.
• Improper Fabric Placement = Clogs.
• Round Rock Shifts; Clean Angular Rock Stabilizes and Drains.
• Avoid Perforated Pipe for Roof Water = Sludge. Keep Downspouts on Solid Pipe.
• No Cleanouts = Maintenance Nightmare.

Quick Sizing Math (For Easy Ordering)

• Trench Volume per Linear Foot
  • 8” wide × 12” deep = 0.67 cu ft/LF → ~40 LF per cubic yard
  • 12” wide × 18” deep = 1.5 cu ft/LF → ~18 LF per cubic yard
• Rock: Order 10–15% extra for settlement/voids.
• Pipe: Add 10–20% for bends and cleanouts.

Best Places to Install French Drains in Ballard

• Along Uphill Property Lines to intercept runoff from neighboring properties.
• Behind Retaining Walls to manage water effectively.
• Across Soggy Lawns as lateral collectors leading to a dry well or dispersion trench.
• At Walkways/Steps that weep during the rainy season.

Our Annual Maintenance Plan (Keep Your Yard Healthy)

Our maintenance plan ensures your property stays in prime condition:

• Cleanout Checks: We open caps, flush, and confirm flow after the first significant fall storm.
• Leaf Control: We manage gutter health and install inlet screens to prevent organic matter buildup.
• Outlet Inspection: We clear splash zones and daylight outlets, plus test dry wells.
• Surface Refresh: We replenish mulch or rock after settling.
• Photo Log: We provide before-and-after photos for your records.

We’re a low-maintenance landscaping team. Our goal is to reduce puddles between visits and ease your workload!

Service Cadences (Choose What Works for You)

• Quarterly: Fall storm prep, winter checks, and summer tune-ups.
• Bi-Monthly: For high-leaf, high-water, or complex systems.

What’s Included in Annual Maintenance

• Open/flush cleanouts; check for buildup of fines.
• Outlet/dry well inspection and debris removal.
• Gutter/downspout check and screen installation (if missing).
• Grade touch-ups over trenches; we’ll re-seed or re-mulch as needed.
• A simple report with recommendations for any capacity increases.

Why Annual Maintenance Matters

• Prevents Clogs before storm season arrives.
• Protects Foundations & Pathways from saturation and heave.
• Extends System Life: Clean rock and open outlets mean fewer issues down the line.
• Saves Money: Regular maintenance is more economical than costly excavations!

How It Works

1. Free Estimate: We offer photos/video or a quick walkthrough with clear, up-front pricing.
2. Installation Day(s): We take care of trenching, rock, pipe, cleanouts, outlet installation, proof testing, and tidy backfill.
3. Follow-Up: We provide straightforward care tips and a maintenance calendar tailored to your needs.

Why Ballard Chooses Neat & Tidy

• Local experts familiar with Ballard’s unique weather patterns, clay soil, and narrow streets.
• Licensed & Insured; we ensure code-compliant outlets and maintain tidy work areas.
• Upfront Pricing: All materials, labor, hauling, and disposal included.
• On-time, respectful, and clean work (no muddy moonscapes left behind).
• Green-First Approach: We promote infiltration where feasible and smart dispersion where necessary.

Ready to Say Goodbye to Puddles?

Call or text Neat & Tidy for a French drain solution that works—proper slope, clean rock, smart outlet, and zero hassle. We’ll keep it tidy—so you don’t have to!