Last Update: 15 September 2025
A French drain is a simple, effective solution for protecting your home and garden from excessive water damage. If you’re dealing with standing water, a waterlogged lawn or your basement or garage is always damp and smells musty, a French drain can help by redirecting surface and stormwater safely away from your home.
Prevent Water Damage and Improve Drainage
One of the biggest advantages of installing a French drain is its ability to prevent water damage to your home’s foundations, garage or basement. By diverting excess surface water and groundwater away from your property, you’ll avoid expensive repairs and water-related issues such as:
- Basement Flooding
- Cracked Foundations
- Mould and Mildew Growth
Controls Soil Erosion
If your home is on a slope or at the top of a hill, uncontrolled water can lead to soil erosion. Left unchecked, soil erosion can weaken your garden beds and landscaping and prevent plants from growing properly. French drains help to safely redirect surface water in a controlled manner, stabilising the soil and protecting your garden from being washed away.
Improve Your Backyard’s Drainage
A French drain works by safely redirecting groundwater and rainwater away from your home. This significantly reduces stagnant standing water in your garden or backyard. Standing water can quickly become a breeding ground for insects, mosquitoes and attract pests, risking the health and safety of your loved ones.
Minimises Toxic Rainwater Runoff
Many households use fertilisers, pesticides and insecticides to help maintain a gorgeous looking lawn and garden. However, without an adequate drainage system in place, stormwater can carry these chemicals into local waterways
Increase Your Property’s Value
Installing a French drain is a smart investment that can significantly boost the value of your home. A properly drained home is more appealing to potential buyers and shows that your property has been maintained. It’s a cost-effective proactive solution that protects your home, no matter who owns it.
Improves Your Home’s Health
Not only do French drains help prevent mould and mildew growth around your property’s foundations, but they can also help maintain the health of your garden. If your garden is wet all the time or muddy from improper drainage, your plants won’t grow. Having a waterlogged garden also weakens the soil, increasing your chances of sliding down the hill.
Supports A Healthy Garden
Poor drainage leads to waterlogged soil, causing your plants to die or their roots to rot. A well drained backyard ensures that your garden beds and lawn get the right amount of moisture to thrive and survive all year round.
How Do You Know If A French Drainage Is Right For Your Home?
French drains aren’t for everyone. However, they are a great investment if you routinely encounter the following problems:
- Water pooling in your garden, particularly after heavy rainfall
- Overflowing Gutters and Downpipes
- Damp or musty-smelling basements
- Cracks in your home’s foundations
- Mosquito problems
- Standing or stagnant water
- Soil erosion on your property
Need advice? Our professional drainage specialists can help. We will thoroughly assess your property and garden and determine the best drainage solution that fits your budget. Installing a French drain is a cost effective way to protect your home, garden, backyard and landscaping from significant water damage.
If you’re struggling with persistent drainage problems, it might be time to consider installing a French drain.
