Drainage and French drains
Re-grading, downspout extensions, and subsurface French drains. Often the cheapest thing that stops foundation movement from coming back, because uneven drainage is one of the most preventable causes of uneven soil moisture in the first place.
- Free inspection with real drainage assessment
- Fixed written price before any work starts
- Strong warranty on every repair we do
What drainage correction actually involves
Site assessment
We look at where water actually goes during and after rain: which downspouts discharge close to the house, where the grade slopes toward the foundation instead of away, and where standing water lingers.
Regrading, where needed
Soil near the foundation is reshaped so it slopes away from the house rather than toward it, often the single highest-impact, lowest-cost fix available.
Downspout extensions
Discharge points are extended so water is carried at least five feet from the foundation instead of pooling right against it.
French drain installation, if needed
For persistent problem areas, a trench with a perforated pipe, gravel, and fabric is installed to intercept and redirect water below the surface.
Verification after rain
Where practical, we check the fix during or after the next rain to confirm water is actually moving the way it's supposed to.
Drainage correction pricing
Cost depends on scope: a downspout extension is a small job; a French drain along a full side of the house is a bigger one. These are the ranges most jobs fall into.
| Work | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Downspout extensions | Often under $500 |
| Regrading near foundation | $500 to $2,000 |
| Drainage correction or French drain | $2,000 to $7,000 |
Length, depth, and how much regrading is involved all affect the final number. We give you a fixed written price after assessing the site directly.
Signs your drainage needs attention
Water pooling after rain
Standing water against the foundation more than a few hours after rain stops is one of the clearest signs drainage isn't working the way it should.
Downspouts discharging close to the house
If gutters empty within a couple of feet of the foundation, that water is going right back to the soil you're trying to keep stable.
Soil sloping toward the house
Grade should carry water away from a foundation. Where it slopes the other way, water accumulates exactly where you don't want it.
One side of the house always seems wetter
Uneven moisture between sides of a house is often a drainage issue, and it's also a common driver of the uneven foundation movement that leads to cracking.
Drainage issues often show up alongside other symptoms. The symptom checker on the homepage covers both together.
Common questions
What is a French drain?
A French drain is a trench containing a perforated pipe, usually wrapped in gravel and fabric, that collects water and channels it away from a foundation instead of letting it pool or soak into the soil next to the house.
Can drainage work really prevent foundation problems?
Not entirely, since expansive clay moves with normal seasonal moisture regardless. But uneven drainage, water pooling on one side of a house while another side stays dry, is one of the more preventable causes of the uneven movement that actually cracks a foundation. Correcting it reduces that specific risk.
How much does a French drain cost?
Typically $2,000 to $7,000 depending on length, depth, and how much regrading is involved. Simple downspout extensions cost far less and are sometimes enough on their own for a minor drainage issue.
Should I fix drainage before or after a pier repair?
If drainage is a contributing cause, addressing it alongside the structural repair generally makes more sense than fixing one and leaving the other, since poor drainage can undermine the results of pier work over time.
How do I know if my drainage is actually a problem?
Watch for water pooling against the foundation more than a few hours after rain, downspouts that discharge within a few feet of the house, and soil that slopes toward the foundation rather than away from it. Any of these are worth a look even before other symptoms appear.