French drains and drainage in Charleston, SC

A French drain collects standing water and moves it away from your house and yard through a gravel-filled trench with perforated pipe. We build drainage into patio and driveway projects and design it so the water ends up somewhere safe.

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What to know about french drains and drainage

What a French drain typically costs

$40 to $75 per linear foot installed

Deeper trenches, drains built under pavers, downspout tie-ins and pop-up emitters add cost. Drainage is usually built as part of a patio, driveway or yard project.

What is included

A trench dug to the right depth and slope
Filter fabric to keep soil out of the drain
Perforated pipe and clean gravel
Downspout tie-ins and pop-up emitters
Solid pipe where the water needs to travel
Backfill and restoration

Materials

The drain is built from filter fabric, clean gravel and perforated pipe, with solid pipe for the run to the discharge point. Where a drain passes under pavers, we build it before the base goes in.

What we plan for around Charleston

Flat lots and high water tables where water drains slowly
Heavy summer thunderstorms and tropical rain
Tidal influence and flood zones near marsh and the coast
Property lines: water has to leave your lot without going onto a neighbor's

Questions about french drains and drainage

Will a French drain fix standing water in my yard?

It helps when water collects because the ground cannot move it out. Whether it is the right fix depends on the slope, the soil and where the water can go, so we look at your lot before recommending it.

Where does the water go?

To a safe discharge point such as a pop-up emitter, a lower part of your yard, or a storm connection where allowed. Your design shows the route.

Can drainage be built under pavers?

Yes. It adds some cost, but it is far cheaper than lifting a finished patio later.

French drains near you

We build across the Charleston area. Pick your community to see what is different about building there.