Text or email us for a fast drive-by quote — quick, reliable, and fairly priced.

Skip to main content
White Center French Drain Installation Services
White Center French Drain Installation Services
By Neat & Tidy Product Team Published on April 1, 2023
Categories: landscaping , services , maintenance Tags: drainage , french-drain , White Center

White Center French Drain Installation Services

Is your yard turning into a swamp from November to May? It’s time to upgrade your drainage strategy. You need a properly sloped pipe, clean drain rock, non-woven geotextile, and a compliant discharge. We specialize in effective drainage systems that work with the unique clay soil of White Center.


What’s the Problem?

Yard water issues are common in White Center. Here’s what we often encounter:

  • Standing water in lawns and side yards that lingers.
  • Mushy footpaths created by foot traffic or pets.
  • Downspouts directing water right at your foundation, risking leaks.
  • Slopes weeping across walkways after each rainstorm.
  • Previous drainage attempts that failed to deliver results.

What We Install (and Why It Works)

We provide a variety of drainage solutions customized for your property:

  • French Drains: Perforated pipes in gravel trenches to intercept groundwater.
  • Downspout Conveyance: Solid pipes that redirect roof water away from your foundation.
  • Dry Wells / Dispersion Trenches: Sized for your roof and soil, wrapped in non-woven geotextile.
  • Channel Drains & Trench Grates: Ideal for hardscaped areas, seamlessly integrating into your drainage system.
  • Cleanouts & Inspection Ports: Installed for easy maintenance access.

We ensure a reliable drainage solution, avoiding the pitfalls of simple fabric and gravel installations.


Our Build Method (No Shortcuts Here!)

  1. Site Assessment: We use laser levels to map out water paths and soil types, determining the best discharge points.
  2. Utility Locate: We always call 811 before digging to ensure safety.
  3. Trench Creation: Typically 8–12” wide and 18–24” deep, lined with non-woven geotextile to prevent clogging.
  4. Base Layer: We add 3–4” of ¾” clean drain rock and then the pipe.
  5. Pipe Installation: Perforated pipe is set with the correct slope for optimal flow.
  6. Rock Envelope: We fill with clean, angular rock to ensure stability.
  7. Wrap & Cap: We cover with geotextile and finish with soil or decorative rock.
  8. Outlet Installation: We daylight to the curb or install dry wells according to local regulations.
  9. Proofing: We conduct a hose test and document the installation.

We ensure all outlets are compliant with local codes, avoiding any future issues.


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

  • No Slope = No Flow.
  • Improper Fabric Placement = Clogs.
  • Round Rock Moves; Clean Angular Rock Doesn’t.
  • Downspouts on Solid Pipe = Better Performance.
  • No Cleanouts = Difficult 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.
  • Pipe: Add 10–20% for bends and cleanouts.

Best Places to Install French Drains

  • Along Uphill Property Lines to intercept runoff.
  • Behind Retaining Walls for added drainage support.
  • Across Soggy Lawns for effective water collection.
  • Along Walkways that accumulate water.

Our Annual Maintenance Plan (Keep Your Yard Healthy)

With our maintenance plan, your yard will stay in prime condition:

  • Cleanout Checks: We inspect and flush out any buildup.
  • Leaf Control: We manage gutter health and install screens.
  • Outlet Inspection: We clear debris and test dry wells.
  • Surface Refresh: We top off mulch or rock as needed.
  • Photo Log: Receive before-and-after photos of your drainage systems.

Our goal is to minimize your maintenance tasks while ensuring a healthy landscape.


Service Cadences (Choose What Works for You)

  • Quarterly: Ideal for seasonal adjustments and checks.
  • Bi-Monthly: For areas with heavy leaf coverage or water issues.

What’s Included in Annual Maintenance

  • Cleanout inspections and flushing.
  • Outlet inspections and debris removal.
  • Gutter and downspout checks.
  • Grade adjustments and re-seeding/mulching as necessary.
  • A straightforward report with recommendations.

Why Annual Maintenance Matters

  • Prevents Clogs before storm season.
  • Protects Foundations from water damage.
  • Extends System Life: Clean systems require fewer repairs.
  • Saves Money: Regular upkeep avoids costly excavations.

How It Works

  1. Free Estimate: We provide clear, upfront pricing after a thorough inspection.
  2. Installation Day(s): Our team manages trenching, rock, pipe installation, and testing.
  3. Follow-Up: We offer care tips and a tailored maintenance calendar.

Why White Center Chooses Neat & Tidy

  • Local experts familiar with White Center’s unique drainage challenges.
  • Licensed & Insured; we ensure compliant installations.
  • Transparent Pricing: All costs included.
  • Clean, respectful work (no mess left behind).
  • Eco-Friendly Approach: We promote sustainable drainage solutions.

Ready to Say Goodbye to Puddles?

Call or text Neat & Tidy for a French drain solution that truly works—proper slope, clean rock, compliant outlets, and peace of mind. Let us keep your yard tidy—so you don’t have to!



Seattle landscaping background

Seattle Noxious Weed Removal Services

Tired of bindweed, horsetail, tansy ragwort, or other invasive weeds taking over your yard? At Neat & Tidy Landscaping, we offer safe, effective noxious weed removal in Seattle, targeting deep root systems to stop spread and protect your property. No surface-level hacks. No chemicals. Just real, long-term weed control.

Seattle yard with horsetail weed overgrowth
Horsetail Removal
Bindweed and ragwort pulled from garden bed
Bindweed & Ragwort Removal
Clean gravel yard after noxious weed removal
Gravel Area Cleared

We remove Washington’s worst noxious weeds—roots and all—for lasting results.

Neat & Tidy Landscaping logo
 Landscaping photo

Our experienced crew identifies harmful, invasive plant species and removes them by hand—from gravel driveways and garden beds to fences and property lines. We dig deep to extract rhizomes and roots, haul away debris, and provide guidance on how to keep weeds from coming back. All without herbicides or sprays. Our Seattle weed control services are ideal for overgrown yards, rental properties, and homeowners aiming to comply with Washington state noxious weed laws. Request a walkthrough today and let’s get your landscape cleared and compliant.

Seattle Landscaping Packages: Clean-Ups, Lawn Care, and Small Repairs

Garden Bed Clean-Ups

Remove weeds, trim, prune, add mulch, and refresh with low-care plants. Includes blackberry, ivy, and bamboo removal.

Neat & Tidy Garden Service

Lawn Care & Turf

Mowing, edging, weed control, fertilizing, plus sod installs and turf upgrades for a greener, healthier lawn.

Lawn Care Made Easy

Repairs & Small Upgrades

Fix pavers, add gravel paths or steps, repair fences, and improve drainage — simple updates that last.

Easy Upgrade Services

Trusted by Seattle Homeowners Since 2010

Book Your Free Landscaping Estimate

Why Choose Neat & Tidy Landscaping?

  • Honest pricing & reliable workmanship
  • Low-maintenance solutions that last
  • Family-owned in Seattle • 15+ years’ experience
  • 1,000+ happy clients across King County