Tukwila French Drain Installation Services

If your yard feels more like a swamp from November to May, it’s time for an upgrade! Forget the “bag of holes” method—what you really need is a properly sloped pipe, clean drain rock, non-woven geotextile (installed just right), and a legal discharge. At Neat & Tidy, we specialize in creating drainage systems that truly work with Tukwila’s clay soil.

What’s the Problem?

Are you tired of dealing with waterlogged areas in your yard? Here’s what we often see around Tukwila:

• Seasonal standing water that turns your lawn into a marsh.
• Mushy footpaths created by foot traffic, pets, or garbage cans.
• Downspouts pouring water right at your foundation, risking leaks.
• Slopes weeping over walks and stairs after each rain.
• Previous attempts at drainage that were just fabric and gravel—no results!

What We Install (and Why It Works)

We offer a variety of drainage solutions customized for your specific needs:

• French Drains (Interceptor Drains): These perforated pipes are laid in a gravel trench designed to intercept groundwater before it can cause problems.
• Downspout Conveyance: Solid pipes that carry water from your roof away from your foundation, directing it to an approved outlet.
• Dry Wells / Dispersion Trenches: Perfect for areas where water can’t daylight; sized appropriately for your roof and soil, wrapped in non-woven geotextile to keep out fines.
• Channel Drains & Trench Grates: These solutions catch water on hardscaped areas and blend seamlessly into your drainage system.
• Cleanouts & Inspection Ports: Strategically placed for easy maintenance!

We don’t just throw fabric and gravel in a trench and call it a day— that’s a recipe for clogs and headaches!

Our Build Method (No Shortcuts Here!)

1. Site Assessment & Elevation Analysis: Using laser levels, we map out water paths, soil types, and determine legal discharge locations.
2. Utility Locate: Safety first! We always call 811 before digging.
3. Trench & Line Creation: We dig trenches typically 8–12” wide and 18–24” deep, lining them with non-woven geotextile to combat fine/clayey soil.
4. Base Course Layer: We lay down 3–4” of ¾” clean drain rock, then position the pipe.
5. Pipe Installation & Slope Adjustment: Perforated pipe is set with holes facing down at a ~1% fall (about ⅛” per foot) for French drains, while downspouts use solid pipe.
6. Rock Envelope: We cover it with clean, angular rock (not round river rock that shifts).
7. Wrap & Cap: We fold fabric over the top to keep out fines, 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 perform a hose test and take photos of the slope and cleanouts before we backfill.

Connecting drains to a sanitary sewer? Absolutely not! 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 is designed to keep your yard thriving:

• 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 is cheaper than costly excavation!

How It Works

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

Why Tukwila Chooses Neat & Tidy

• Local experts who know marine-layer rain, clay pockets, and tight alleys.
• Licensed & Insured; we ensure code-smart outlets and keep your property tidy.
• Upfront Pricing: Materials, labor, hauling, and disposal all included.
• On-time, respectful, clean work (no muddy moonscapes left behind).
• Green-First Approach: We promote infiltration where suitable and smart dispersion where needed.

Ready to Say Goodbye to Puddles?

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