What Are French Drains & How Do They Work?
French Drains

What Are French Drains & How Do They Work?

Friday, November 14, 2025

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What Are French Drains & How Do They Work?

If you're dealing with drainage issues on your property in Illinois, French drains are a great solution. French drains are a type of drainage system that consists of a perforated pipe buried in a trench filled with gravel or rock. They work by collecting and redirecting water away from your property, preventing water from pooling and causing damage. French drains can help with various drainage issues, such as water pooling around your foundation, soggy lawns, and basement flooding. However, it's crucial to hire professionals to install your French drain to ensure it's done correctly and effectively.


What are French drains, and how do they work?

PVC pipe for French drain on a property in Edwardsville, IL.

French drains are a type of drainage system that is designed to collect and redirect water away from your property. They consist of a perforated pipe that is buried in a trench filled with gravel or rock. The perforated pipe collects water and directs it away from your property, preventing water from pooling and causing damage.

French drains work by collecting water from the surface and redirecting it to a designated area. The perforated pipe allows water to enter the drain, while the gravel or rock surrounding the pipe filters out debris and sediment. The water then flows through the pipe and is discharged at a designated area, such as a storm drain or a dry well. By collecting and redirecting water away from your property, French drains help to prevent water from pooling and causing damage to your foundation, lawn, and other areas of your property.


What kind of drainage issues can French drains help with?

French drains can help with a variety of drainage issues, including water pooling around your foundation, soggy lawns, and basement flooding. If you notice water pooling around your foundation, it can lead to serious damage over time. Water can seep into your basement or crawl space, causing mold and mildew to grow. French drains can help to redirect water away from your foundation, preventing water from pooling and causing damage. French drains can also prevent your lawn from becoming waterlogged and allow your landscaping to thrive.


Hire professionals to install your French drain.

While French drains are an effective solution for drainage issues, it's important to hire professionals to install them. Installing a French drain requires specialized knowledge and equipment, and if it's not done correctly, it can lead to further issues down the line. Professionals have the experience and expertise to properly install your French drain, ensuring that it's done correctly and effectively. They can also help to identify any underlying drainage issues and provide solutions to address them. By hiring professionals to install your French drain, you can ensure that your drainage issues are resolved and that your property is protected from water damage.

Professionals will be able to determine the best location for your French drain, and will install it perfectly so it works as it should!

Call us today to schedule our drainage and grading service.

At Creekside Landscapes, we offer a drainage and grading service to help eliminate any drainage issues on your property. Our team will visit your property to assess the situation and determine the best course of action. We'll then design and install a drainage system, such as a French drain or dry creek bed, that will effectively redirect water away from your property. Our drainage and grading service is offered to residential and commercial property owners, as well as HOAs, in Edwardsville, IL, and surrounding areas like Glen Carbon and Bethalto. Give us a call today at (618) 374-0010 to schedule our drainage and grading service and get your property back to its best condition!


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