French Drains in Nashville and Middle Tennessee
A buried, perforated pipe in clean gravel that collects groundwater and surface water and carries it somewhere safe.
- Yard Drainage
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- Middle Tennessee
French Drain Installation done right.
A French drain is simple in principle and unforgiving in execution: a sloped trench, filter fabric, clean gravel and perforated pipe, laid so water always has an easy path out. Get the slope, depth or outlet wrong and it silts up or never drains at all.
We design each French drain around your yard: where the water comes from, where it can safely go, and what is in the way. In Middle Tennessee’s clay soils that planning matters even more, because water moves slowly and needs a clear route.
What you get.
Pulls water out of the soil
Perforated pipe in gravel intercepts water before it saturates your lawn or foundation.
Planned slope and outlet
Every run has a defined fall and a daylight or tied-in outlet so it keeps flowing.
Built to stay clear
Fabric, washed stone and cleanouts keep fines out and let the line be flushed later.
Finished to look good
Sod, rock or mulch restores the surface so the work blends in.
Before and after: soggy backyard
Before AfterIllustrative visual. Drag the handle to compare.
How we do it.
A clear sequence from first look to final walkthrough.
- 1
Walk the water
We trace where the water comes from and where it can go.
- 2
Lay out the run
We mark the line, depth and fall and plan around utilities.
- 3
Trench and build
Fabric, gravel and perforated pipe go in at a steady slope.
- 4
Outlet and restore
We connect the outlet, test the flow and restore the surface.
Often paired with this.
YardYard DrainageOne honest plan for every wet spot: the right mix of drains, grading and outlets for your lot.Learn more 
YardCatch BasinsA grated collection box set at the low point so pooled water has somewhere to go.Learn more 
YardStanding WaterWhen the yard stays wet for days, we find why and drain it for good.Learn more 
YardFoundation DrainageExterior drains at the base of the foundation that relieve water pressure against your walls.Learn more Guides on this topic.
Yard & Property DrainageHow a French Drain WorksThe anatomy of a French drain, why gravel and fabric matter, and what makes one succeed or fail.
Yard & Property DrainageFrench Drain vs Channel Drain vs Dry WellThree common drainage tools, what each one is for, and how to choose.
Yard & Property DrainageHow Deep Should a French Drain Be?Depth depends on the problem. Here is how to think about it.French Drains FAQ.
How deep should a French drain be?
It depends on where the water is. Many yard drains sit 12 to 24 inches deep, while foundation drains go deeper. We set depth from the problem, not a rule of thumb.
Will a French drain work in clay?
Yes, when it is designed for it. The gravel trench gives water an easy path that clay alone will not.
Do I need a permit?
Often not for a simple yard drain, but rules vary by city. We tell you what applies at your address.
French Drains across Middle Tennessee.
Pick your city for local notes.
Water problem? Let’s fix it.
Call now or send the form below. A real person answers.