Seattle French Drain Installation Services

If your lawn turns into a swamp from November to May, it’s time to ditch the “bag of holes” approach. You need a properly sloped pipe, clean drain rock, non-woven geotextile (installed correctly), and a legal discharge. We specialize in building drainage systems that actually work with Seattle’s clay soil.

We proudly serve Admiral, Alaska Junction, Alki, Fauntleroy, Arbor Heights, Delridge, Gatewood, High Point, Morgan Junction, and Roxhill.

What’s the Problem?

Is your yard plagued with pesky water issues? Here’s what we typically see:

• Seasonal standing water in lawns and side yards that just won’t go away.
• Mushy footpaths and ruts created by trash cans, pets, or vehicles.
• Downspouts dumping water directly at your foundation, risking crawlspace leaks.
• Slopes weeping across walks and stairs after every rainstorm.
• Previous “drains” that were merely fabric and gravel—no results!

What We Install (and Why It Works)

We offer a wide range of drainage solutions tailored to your needs:

• French Drains (Interceptor Drains): These are perforated pipes laid in a gravel trench designed to intercept groundwater before it can do damage.
• Downspout Conveyance: Solid pipes that carry roof water away from your foundation and direct it to an approved outlet.
• Dry Wells / Dispersion Trenches: Ideal for locations where water cannot daylight; sized perfectly for your roof and soil, wrapped in non-woven geotextile to keep out fines.
• Channel Drains & Trench Grates: These catch water on hardscaped surfaces and integrate seamlessly into the overall drainage system.
• Cleanouts & Inspection Ports: Strategically placed at high points to make maintenance a breeze.

We don’t just throw fabric and gravel in 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 use laser levels to map out water paths, soil types, and determine legal 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 depending on your property; we line with non-woven geotextile in fine/clayey soil.
4. Base Course Layer: We add 3–4” of ¾” clean drain rock, then place the pipe.
5. Pipe Installation & Slope Adjustment: Perforated pipe is set with holes facing down at a ~1% fall (approximately ⅛” per foot) for French drains, while downspouts use 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 fabric over the top to keep fines out, then top with soil, sod, mulch, or decorative rock.
8. Outlet Installation: We daylight to the curb or steep lawn where permitted, or install appropriately sized dry wells/dispersion per local regulations.
9. Proofing: We conduct a hose test and take photos of the slope and cleanouts before backfilling.

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 neighbors.
• 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 ensures your yard stays in top shape:

• Cleanout Checks: We open caps, flush, and confirm flow after the first big fall storm.
• Leaf Control: We manage gutter health and install inlet screens to keep organic matter out of the system.
• Outlet Inspection: We clear splash zones and daylight ends, plus test dry wells.
• Surface Refresh: We top off mulch or rock after settlement.
• Photo Log: We provide before-and-after photos so you can see 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: Fall storm prep, winter/spring 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 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 needs.

Why Seattle 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: 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!