West Seattle French drain installation
Homeowner’s Issue
West Seattle yards take a beating from long, wet winters and late‑season downpours. Low pockets around Alki and Lincoln Park collect runoff from steep streets and compacted driveways, while many lots sit on glacial till or patchy fill that holds water and turns lawns to mud. Shade from cedars and maples slows evaporation, so moss and soggy hollows are common by spring. On hills—Admiral and High Point—you’ll often get concentrated sheet flow that channels down driveways and into planting beds or foundations.
HOAs and neighbors expect tidy gutters and respectful grading; standing water is an eyesore and can cause basement seepage or rot in wood foundations if left unchecked. Because West Seattle limits on outdoor water use and an emphasis on groundwater recharge are common, we favor solutions that move water safely without heavy irrigation or chemicals. That means designing drains to intercept runoff, route it to safe discharge points, or feed into vegetated swales and rain‑friendly planting areas. Practical performance, neat finishes, and low maintenance are the priorities—so you get a dry yard that still looks like a yard, not a construction site.
Our Quality Service
I’ve been digging, grading, and fixing West Seattle yards for 15 years. We design French drains sized for your roofline and site runoff, dig with mini‑excavators where needed, set perforated pipe on proper grade, and backfill with clean drain rock. We use landscape fabric and organic approaches to prevent clogging and weed issues—no herbicides.
Typical timeline: small residential runs in one day, larger or slope jobs 1–3 days. We handle permits guidance, coordinate catch basins or tie‑ins, and suggest rain garden tie‑offs when infiltration is appropriate. Safety, clear access, and tidy work zones are standard.
Benefits: reduced standing water, safer yards, protected foundations, and a cleaner curb appeal that fits neighborhood rules.
What’s Included
- Onsite assessment and slope/drainage mapping
- Trench excavation and proper fall grading
- Perforated pipe placement and clean gravel backfill
- Landscape fabric installation (where needed)
- Surface restoration: turf, gravel, or planting area regrade
- Debris haul‑away or green‑bin disposal (choose)
Options / upgrades:
- Catch basins or dry wells
- Extra gravel for high flow zones
- Rain garden planting with native species
- Organic weed control and hand removal (no herbicides)
Before & After / Expectations
- Noise & mess: expect digging, trucks, and a work zone. We keep disruption short and contained.
- Access: driveway or safe parking and a 3–4 ft work corridor will speed the job.
- Debris: we haul most material; choose green‑bin composting for organic spoil.
- Timelines: plan for 1–3 days on site; weather can add a day in heavy rain.
Care tips post‑install: avoid heavy foot traffic on new gravel for a week, water newly planted rain gardens only in dry spells, and check outlets during first big storms for proper flow. In West Seattle expect spring weed pressure and moss in shaded hollows—mulch and good drainage cut both down.
FAQs
Q: Will a French drain fix basement seepage?
A: Often yes for surface and near‑foundation flows. We evaluate footing ties and recommend additional steps if the problem is internal or from a high water table.
Q: Do you use chemicals to keep drains clear?
A: No. We use fabric, clean rock, and hand/organic methods only—no herbicides.
Q: How long before it’s all back to normal?
A: Yard looks tidy same day; seeded turf or plantings need a few weeks to establish. Full settling usually within 30 days.
Q: Do you need a permit?
A: Sometimes—if you tie into public drains or alter grade significantly. We’ll advise during the estimate.
Call to Action
If water’s pooling on your property in West Seattle, don’t wait for the next storm. Book a free estimate and we’ll give you a clear plan, timeline, and sustainable options. Quick scheduling, local experience, and neat work are what we do.
Email: neatandtidyseattle@gmail.com
Phone: 206-538-9344
Licensed • Bonded • Insured
