Signs you need it
What to look for
- Puddles that sit near the foundation after rain
- Soggy lawn or washed-out mulch along the house
- Water running toward the house instead of away
- A basement wall that only leaks in one spot, near a low area outside
- Erosion channels or exposed roots where runoff concentrates
Seeing one of these in Fenton or anywhere in South St. Louis County or Jefferson County? Send us a few details and we will come take a look. Estimates are free.
How we fix it
Our approach
Walk the lot
We look at slope, soil, downspouts and where the water has to end up, then lay out a path that drains by gravity.
Trench and pipe
A French drain collects groundwater in gravel and perforated pipe. Solid pipe carries roof water and collected water to a discharge point.
Pick a good outlet
Water has to leave somewhere it will not cause a new problem. We plan the outlet first, not last.
Put the yard back
We backfill, replace sod where we can and leave the yard graded to drain.
Common questions
French Drains & Drainage FAQ
French drain or downspout extension — which do I need?
If the water is coming off the roof, start with the downspouts. If the ground itself stays wet or water runs toward the house from the yard, that is French drain territory. Many homes need a bit of both.
Will this fix my wet basement?
Sometimes entirely, sometimes partly. If outside water is the main cause, yes. If groundwater is coming up under the slab, you may also need interior drainage. We will give you an honest read.
When can you do the work?
Drainage work depends on ground conditions. We schedule it for a stretch when the soil can be trenched cleanly.
Water in the basement? Let’s take a look.
Free estimates across South St. Louis County and Jefferson County. Fully insured.