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French Drains

We design and install French drains (also known as land drains) to manage excess surface and subsurface water around homes, gardens, and commercial properties.

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French Drain Installation in Cumbria

Whether your lawn floods after heavy rain or dampness is affecting your foundations, our experienced drainage engineers can design a durable, efficient system to protect your property for decades to come.

We handle everything from the initial site assessment through to installation, testing, and long-term maintenance — all delivered with precision, compliance, and minimal disruption.

Installing French Drains

Installing a French drain starts with careful planning and excavation. Our team calculates the correct fall to ensure natural water flow before:

  • Lining the trench with permeable fabric to prevent sediment buildup.

  • Installing perforated drainage pipe for efficient filtration.

  • Surrounding the pipe with clean gravel to maintain flow and support filtration.

  • Finishing with soil, turf, or decorative stone for a tidy, natural appearance.

All materials and machinery are supplied by us, and every system is installed to Environment Agency and Building Regulation standards.

Types of French Drains

Different drainage challenges call for different systems. We design and install:

  • Exterior Drains – Divert surface water away from walls and foundations.

  • Interior Drains – Installed beneath floors to manage groundwater seepage, often linked to sump pumps.

  • Curtain Drains – Ideal for sloped gardens, lawns, or driveways to intercept water before pooling.

  • Footing Drains – Placed alongside foundation footings to relieve water pressure and prevent dampness.

When do you Need One?

A French drain could be the right solution if you notice:

  • Standing water or soggy lawns after rainfall

  • Damp walls or a musty smell indoors

  • Mould or mildew in basements or crawl spaces

  • Water pooling around foundations

  • Soil erosion near your home or outbuildings

If any of these issues sound familiar, we can carry out a site inspection and design a drainage plan that permanently resolves the problem.

Areas We Cover

We’re proud to serve customers throughout Cumbria and beyond, including:

If you’re unsure whether we cover your location, just give us a call — our friendly team will be happy to help.

How A French Drain Works

A French drain is a simple yet highly effective drainage system designed to channel groundwater away from problem areas.

It consists of a trench containing a perforated pipe, surrounded by clean gravel and wrapped in a geotextile membrane to prevent silt buildup.

Water naturally filters through the gravel into the pipe and is carried safely away from your property or foundations.

Frequently asked questions

How long does a French drain last?

A properly installed French drain can last 30 to 40 years or more. Longevity depends on soil conditions, pipe quality, and how well the system is maintained. Regular inspections and flushing will keep it free-flowing and effective for decades.

How Is a French Drain Installed?

Installing a French drain begins with excavating a trench along the planned drainage path, ensuring a gentle slope to promote natural water flow. A layer of permeable fabric is then laid to prevent sediment buildup, followed by the installation of perforated drainage pipe that allows water to filter through efficiently.

Clean gravel is added around the pipe to support filtration and maintain consistent flow. The trench is then covered and restored with soil, turf, or decorative stone, depending on your landscape design.
Our team supplies all necessary materials and equipment, managing every stage of installation while adapting to any site-specific challenges.

How Do French Drains Compare to Other Drainage Solutions?

French drains offer an excellent balance of cost-effectiveness, reliability, and performance. Unlike surface drains or dry wells, they target subsurface water, managing moisture across large areas such as lawns, gardens, or building perimeters.

Compared with sump pumps, French drains operate passively — no electricity, mechanical parts, or ongoing energy costs are required. While they’re not suitable for every soil type or terrain, they remain one of the most versatile and long-lasting drainage solutions available.

How Much Does It Cost to Install a French Drain?

The cost of installing a French drain typically ranges from £800 to £3,000+, depending on:

  • Property size and layout
  • Drain length and depth
  • Soil composition
  • Complexity of excavation

A basic shallow system is more affordable, while deeper interior or footing drains that require additional materials and labour will cost more.

Other factors — such as clay-heavy soil, steep gradients, or landscaping restoration — can influence the total cost.
Optional maintenance packages, including annual system flushing and inspections, are also available.

For an accurate quote, contact French Drains for a site-specific consultation

Can French Drains Be Installed Around Existing Structures or Landscaping?

Yes. French drains can be installed around existing foundations, driveways, gardens, or patios.

Our team carefully plans around roots, underground utilities, and hardscaping to minimize disruption. In landscaped areas, drains can be routed discreetly beneath turf or mulch, preserving the appearance of your outdoor space.

With experience in a wide range of property layouts, we ensure every installation is effective, precise, and unobtrusive.

What’s Included in your French Drain Installation Service?

We provide a complete start-to-finish service, including:

  • On-site assessment – Identify water issues and design the most effective drainage layout.
  • Custom trench design – Tailor the system to your property’s slope, structure, and flow patterns.
  • Excavation and grading – Create an accurate slope for efficient water diversion.
  • Perforated pipe installation – Supply and install high-quality piping for optimal drainage.
  • Filter fabric lining – Prevent sediment clogging and extend the system’s lifespan.
  • Gravel backfilling – Surround pipes with clean stone for enhanced water flow.
  • Backfill and restoration – Replace topsoil, turf, or gravel for a seamless finish.
  • System testing – Verify water flow and ensure full operational efficiency.
  • Maintenance options – Post-installation servicing, flushing, and system health checks available on request.

When Do I Need a French Drain?

You may benefit from a French drain if your property shows any of these signs of poor drainage:

  • Standing water after rainfall
  • Damp or flooded basements
  • Persistently soggy lawn areas
  • Soil erosion near foundations
  • Mould or mildew growth indoors
  • Water pooling around your home’s perimeter

If any of these symptoms sound familiar, a French drain could be the ideal solution to protect your property and restore healthy drainage.

What Maintenance Do French Drains Require?

To maintain peak performance, French drains should be inspected annually for blockages or sediment buildup. Routine maintenance may include:

  • System flushing
  • Clearing entry points
  • Replacing damaged fabric or piping

Our maintenance packages cover all necessary servicing, ensuring your drainage system remains efficient and trouble-free for years to come.

Contact Unblock Cumbria for more information or to schedule a system check-up.

Can French drains be installed under driveways or patios?

Yes. Our team can install French drains beneath hard surfaces such as block paving, tarmac, or decorative stone, routing them discreetly to avoid disruption while maintaining surface integrity.