JJM Plumbing
French Drain
A French drain is a simple but effective underground drainage system that redirects water away from your home or property. It uses a gravel-filled trench and a perforated pipe to collect excess water and move it to a safe discharge point. When installed correctly, a French drain helps protect foundations, basements, landscaping, and walkways from constant moisture and pooling water.
When a French Drain Is Needed
Homeowners usually consider a French drain when they see standing water in the yard, wet spots around the foundation, basement dampness, or constant soil erosion. These issues are common in older Allentown properties and areas with clay-heavy soil. A properly installed French drain stops water from collecting where it should not and keeps it from pushing into your basement or crawl space.
Our Installation Process
We start by evaluating how water flows across the property and identifying the right location for the drain. From there, we dig the trench, install the perforated pipe, cover it with drainage stone, and finish the surface so it blends with your yard. Every step is focused on long-term performance, not quick fixes.
Common Misconceptions About French Drains
Many people think a French drain is just a trench filled with gravel, but without the right pipe slope, fabric, and layout, it will clog or fail. Others assume it handles all water issues, when sometimes grading or gutter changes are needed too. We walk customers through what works best for their property and create a drainage plan that actually solves the problem.