Bellevue French Drain Installation Services

Is your lawn becoming a mini lake every rainy season? If your yard turns into a swamp from November to May, it’s time to ditch that “bag of holes” approach. You need a properly sloped pipe, clean drain rock, and non-woven geotextile (installed correctly) to effectively manage water flow. At Neat & Tidy, we specialize in crafting drainage systems that actually work with Bellevue’s unique clay soil.

What’s the Problem?

Are you tired of dealing with waterlogged lawns? Here’s what we typically see in Bellevue:

• Standing water that lingers in your yard long after the rain has stopped.
• Mushy footpaths and ruts created by pets, trash cans, or vehicles.
• Downspouts dumping water right at your foundation, increasing the risk of crawlspace leaks.
• Slopes weeping across walkways and stairs after every downpour.
• Previous “drains” that were just a mix of fabric and gravel—no real results!

What We Install (and Why It Works)

We offer a variety of drainage solutions tailored to your specific needs and property layout:

• French Drains (Interceptor Drains): These perforated pipes are laid in a gravel trench to intercept groundwater before it can cause damage to your property.
• Downspout Conveyance: Solid pipes that move roof water away from your foundation and direct it to an approved outlet, protecting your basement from leaks.
• Dry Wells / Dispersion Trenches: Perfect for areas where water can’t daylight; sized to fit your roof and soil type, wrapped in non-woven geotextile to keep out dirt and debris.
• Channel Drains & Trench Grates: These catch water on hardscaped surfaces and blend seamlessly into your landscape design.
• Cleanouts & Inspection Ports: Strategically placed for easy maintenance and access.

We don’t just toss fabric and gravel into a trench and call it a day. That leads to clogs and a weeding nightmare!

Our Build Method (No Shortcuts Here!)

1. Site Assessment & Elevation Analysis: We utilize laser levels to map out water paths and evaluate soil types while determining legal discharge locations.
2. Utility Locate: We always call 811 before digging to ensure safety and avoid utility lines.
3. Trench & Line Creation: We dig a trench that’s typically 8–12” wide and 18–24” deep based on your property needs, lining it with non-woven geotextile for optimal filtration.
4. Base Course Layer: We add 3–4” of ¾” clean drain rock before placing the pipe to create a solid foundation.
5. Pipe Installation & Slope Adjustment: We set the perforated pipe with holes facing down at a ~1% fall (approximately ⅛” per foot) for effective drainage, while downspouts utilize solid pipe.
6. Rock Envelope: We fill up to 2–3” from grade with clean, angular rock (not round river rock that shifts).
7. Wrap & Cap: We fold the fabric over the top to keep out fines, then finish with soil, sod, mulch, or decorative rock.
8. Outlet Installation: We daylight to the curb or a suitable area in your yard according to local regulations, or install dry wells/dispersion systems if needed.
9. Proofing: We conduct a hose test and take photos of the slope and cleanouts before backfilling, ensuring everything is functioning correctly.

Let’s be clear: connecting drains to a sanitary sewer is a hard no. We ensure your outlet passes the sniff test—now and in the future.

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

• No Slope = No Flow.
• Fabric in the Wrong Place = Mud Filter.
• Round Rock Rolls; Clean Angular Rock Locks and Drains.
• Perforated Under Roof Water = Sludge. Keep Downspouts on Solid Pipe.
• No Cleanouts = No Maintenance.

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

• Along Uphill Property Lines to intercept runoff from neighboring yards.
• Behind Retaining Walls (with dedicated wall drains).
• Across Soggy Lawns as lateral collectors leading to a dry well or dispersion trench.
• Along Walks/Steps that weep during winter.

Our Annual Maintenance Plan (Keep Your Yard Healthy)

Our maintenance plan is designed to keep your yard in peak condition:

• Cleanout Checks: We open caps, flush, and confirm flow after the first big fall storm to make sure everything is running smoothly.
• Leaf Control: We manage gutter health and can install inlet screens to keep organic matter out of the system.
• Outlet Inspection: We clear splash zones and daylight ends, plus test dry wells to ensure they’re functioning.
• Surface Refresh: We’ll top off mulch or decorative rock after settlement to keep your landscape looking its best.
• Photo Log: We provide before-and-after photos so you can visually appreciate the improvements.

We’re a low-maintenance landscaping team. Our goal: fewer puddles between visits and less work for you!

Service Cadences (Choose What Works for You)

• Quarterly: For fall storm prep, winter/spring checks, and summer tune-ups.
• Bi-Monthly: Ideal for high-leaf, high-water, or complex systems.

What’s Included in Annual Maintenance

• Open/flush cleanouts; check for buildup of fines.
• Outlet daylight/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 hits.
• Protects Foundations & Paths from saturation and heave.
• Extends System Life: Clean rock and open outlets equal fewer callbacks.
• Saves Money: Regular maintenance beats costly excavation every time!

How It Works

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

Why Bellevue Chooses Neat & Tidy

• Local experts who understand marine-layer rain, clay pockets, and tight alleys.
• Licensed & Insured; we ensure code-smart outlets and maintain tidy sites.
• Upfront Pricing: All materials, labor, hauling, and disposal included.
• On-time, respectful, clean work (no muddy moonscapes left behind).
• Green-First Approach: We promote infiltration where suitable and smart dispersion where not.

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 drama. We’ll keep it tidy—so you don’t have to!