West Seattle French drain gravel installation
Homeowner’s Issue
West Seattle gets a lot of rain layered on dense, glacially influenced soils that can hold water against foundations, patios, and low lawn areas. Many yards here sit on slopes or compacted fill from older builds — that means run-off concentrates into the same low spots every winter. You’ll see this on properties around Alki and Lincoln Park, or on the steeper streets above Admiral where rain funnels down driveways and into basements. Compacted clay and heavy organic topsoil slow infiltration; combined with the frequent, gentle Seattle rains, standing water, moss, and muddy patches are common.
Sun exposure varies block-to-block thanks to hills and mature trees, so some lawns never fully dry. HOA rules in certain West Seattle pockets prioritize tidy beds and non-invasive plantings, so a discreet, low-profile drain is usually the best fix. Effective drainage reduces slip hazards, keeps mulch and soil from washing away, and protects foundations from prolonged moisture. A well-designed French drain with gravel and geotextile fabric directs water away, encourages infiltration where safe, and does it without noisy pumps or chemical fixes — important in our wet, environmentally conscious neighborhoods.
Our Quality Service
We plan and install French drains tuned to West Seattle microclimates and slopes. Work starts with a site visit and quick grade check, then we mark routes to move water to safe discharge points or soakaways. Typical trench size: 6–12 inches wide, 18–24 inches deep, with a perforated pipe set on gravel and wrapped in geotextile fabric to reduce clogging.
We use hand tools and mini-excavators depending on access, and organic, non-chemical methods for weed control. Install timelines: most residential installs finish in 1–2 days; larger or complex slope work may take 2–4 days. We leave the site tidy, haul away spoil (or use green-bin disposal), and give a post-install walkthrough. Our approach prioritizes durability, low maintenance, and minimal disturbance to existing plantings.
What’s Included
- Site assessment and drainage plan tailored to your lot
- Trenching (6–12” wide, 18–24” deep where practical)
- Perforated drainage pipe and clean gravel backfill
- Geotextile fabric to minimize silt migration
- Final grading and light topdress or sod patch as needed
- Cleanup and debris haul-away (or green-bin disposal option)
Options / Upgrades:
- Extra gravel depth for high-flow areas
- Landscape regrading to improve surface flow
- Native rain garden or infiltration basin installation
- Organic weed-control and mulching package (no herbicides)
- Sump pump tie-in only when passive drainage isn’t feasible
Before & After / Expectations
Expect digging noise, truck access, and some displaced soil while we work. We manage mud with ground protection and keep driveways usable when possible. After install, the surface may settle slightly over weeks — we’ll return for a complimentary top-up if needed.
Care tips for West Seattle:
- Avoid heavy foot traffic on new fill for 1–2 weeks.
- Watering: you likely won’t need to irrigate repaired areas except for sod or new plantings during summer.
- Weed pressure: clear winter debris and check inlet grates after major storms; hand-pull or use organic mulches to reduce regrowth.
- Moss/ivy: shaded, compacted patches do better with improved drainage and aeration rather than herbicides.
FAQs (3–5)
- How long does a typical install take?
- Most yards are done in 1–2 days. Complex slopes or long runs can take 2–4 days and we’ll tell you ahead of time.
- Will this disturb my plants or lawn?
- We cut as little as necessary. We can match topsoil and sod where trenching affects lawn, and offer planting as an add-on.
- Do you use herbicides?
- No. We use sustainable, organic methods only — fabric, mulch, hand removal, and native plantings to manage weeds.
- What about permits and HOAs?
- We advise on permit needs and keep installations tidy to meet common HOA standards; you’re responsible for HOA approvals where required.
- Where does the water go?
- Preferably to a nearby soakaway, storm system entry point, or a graded flowline. We avoid sending concentrated flow to neighbors or public paths.
Call to Action
If your West Seattle yard pools, slides, or spits mud after a rain, book a free estimate. We’ll give honest options, realistic timelines, and a sustainable plan that fits Alki, Lincoln Park, Admiral, and nearby blocks. Quick scheduling available for urgent drainage issues.
Email: neatandtidyseattle@gmail.com
Phone: 206-538-9344
Licensed • Bonded • Insured
Book a walk-through and stop worrying every rainy season.
