Heavy rainstorms in North Texas aren’t rare—they’re expected. And for homeowners in areas like Carrollton, Rockwall, and Van Alstyne, the risk of water damage from pooling, runoff, and poor drainage is a constant concern. A French drain installation is one of the most effective ways to protect your home from water damage.
French drains prevent erosion, reduce the risk of structural issues, and give you back control over your lawn. At Texas Water Boys, we’ve spent over 36 years helping homeowners solve water problems with customized drainage solutions.
What is a French Drain?
A French drain is a gravel-filled trench with a perforated pipe that redirects surface and groundwater away from your property. It helps manage excess water by collecting it below the surface and guiding it to a designated exit point.
Core Components of a French Drain
- Trench: Sloped to direct the natural flow of water
- Perforated pipe: Allows water to enter and move through
- Gravel: Filters and channels the water
- Landscape fabric: Keeps soil out while allowing water through
The system is installed underground and designed to work passively, using gravity to move water away from your foundation or low-lying areas.
5 Signs You Need a French Drain
You likely need a French drain installation if you notice any of these issues:
- Persistent standing water in parts of your yard after rainfall.
- Muddy patches near walkways, patios, or pool decks.
- Water pooling near your home’s foundation.
- Damp crawlspaces or basement walls.
- Soil erosion or cracking concrete slabs.
These issues can lead to severe damage, including foundation settlement, mold growth, and water intrusion.
How French Drains Work to Prevent Damage
French drains move excess water away from where it accumulates, protecting your home’s structure and landscaping. Water flows through the gravel into the pipe, then drains into a safe discharge area—like the street, a dry well, or a storm drain.
This redirection reduces hydrostatic pressure on your foundation, limits erosion, and keeps your lawn from turning into a swamp after every rainstorm.
6 Benefits of Installing a French Drain
1. Stops Foundation Shifting
North Texas clay soil expands and contracts with moisture. French drains stabilize the soil around your foundation, reducing the risk of cracks.
2. Protects Crawlspaces and Basements
Moisture problems in below-grade spaces often start outside. French drains reroute water before it can seep in.
3. Prevents Flooding and Pooling
Yards with poor grading collect water fast. French drains eliminate standing water, making your yard safer and more usable.
4. Improves Lawn and Landscape Health
Too much water drowns roots and encourages fungal diseases. French drains promote proper drainage, improving plant health.
5. Reduces Mold and Mildew Risks
Excess moisture near your home’s foundation increases humidity inside. Dry exterior conditions help keep your interior air clean.
6. Boosts Home Value
Well-drained properties are easier to maintain and more attractive to buyers. Drainage improvements show long-term care.
Where French Drains Work Best
French drains can be installed in many areas, but they’re most effective in:
- Low points in the yard where water collects after rain
- Near driveways and sidewalks that flood
- Beside retaining walls to prevent pressure buildup
- Around foundations to reduce water intrusion
- Pool decks, patios, and outdoor kitchens where water lingers
Our team often integrates French drains with surface grates, downspout extensions, and sump pumps for full drainage coverage.
Texas Water Boys’ Proven Installation Process
Texas Water Boys follows a systematic, professional process for French drain installations:
- Consultation & Site Evaluation – We assess grading, water flow, and problem areas.
- Custom Drain Design – Based on your property’s slope, size, and soil type.
- Trenching & Excavation – Done precisely with minimal impact to landscaping.
- Pipe & Gravel Installation – We use NDS components for longevity and performance.
- System Backfill – The drain is covered and integrated into the landscape seamlessly.
We never cut corners, and we always communicate clearly so you know exactly what to expect.
Maintaining Your French Drain
French drains are low-maintenance, but not maintenance-free. Keep yours functioning by:
- Clearing gutters regularly to prevent excess runoff
- Avoiding root-heavy landscaping near the drain path
- Scheduling inspections every few years
- Watching for slow draining or water backup after storms
Texas Water Boys offers maintenance and drain cleaning services to help you protect your investment.
Why Texas Water Boys Is North Texas’s Top Drainage Expert
Since 1986, we’ve installed thousands of drainage systems for homeowners across the Dallas metroplex. We use only the best products—including NDS, Liberty, Hunter, and Rainbird—and every member of our team is licensed, insured, and highly trained.
You can count on us for:
- Fast, fair quotes
- Honest recommendations
- On-time appointments
- Long-lasting results
We treat every project like it’s our own property, and we always follow the Golden Rule.
Book Your French Drain Installation Now
Stop water damage before it starts. A French drain from Texas Water Boys keeps your yard dry, your foundation solid, and your home protected year-round.
Call your local Texas Water Boys office today:
- Carrollton: (972) 733-4343
- Rockwall: (972) 737-2589
- Van Alstyne: (972) 544-6294
Texas Water Boys provides professional irrigation, sprinkler repair, and drainage services built on decades of experience and local trust.
