French Drain Installation The Woodlands & Spring TX
Eliminate standing water and protect your foundation with professionally engineered subsurface drainage systems. Custom-designed for Texas clay soil, our French drains redirect water away from your home before it causes damage. Stop the soggy lawn and basement moisture for good.
Serving The Woodlands, Spring, Conroe, Tomball & North Houston
Request Your Free Drainage Assessment
We’ll evaluate your property & recommend solutions
Or call: (936) 206-7627
Professional Drainage Solutions for Houston Clay Soil
Need French drain installation in The Woodlands or Spring TX? Boone’s Landscaping designs and installs subsurface drainage systems engineered specifically for Texas clay soil. Our French drains intercept and redirect water before it pools against your foundation, damages your landscape, or turns your yard into a swamp.
Houston’s clay soil creates serious drainage problems. When it rains, clay absorbs water slowly — then expands. When it dries, it contracts. This constant expansion and contraction cracks foundations, creates sinkholes, and leaves standing water for days. French drains create channels through the clay to move water away from problem areas.
Unlike surface solutions that just move water elsewhere, French drains work underground without altering your landscape’s appearance. Properly designed systems protect foundations, eliminate soggy lawns, and prevent erosion. Contact us for a free on-site assessment to determine the best drainage solution for your property.
Warning Signs
Signs You Need a French Drain
Don’t ignore these red flags — they indicate drainage problems that will only get worse.
Standing Water
Water pools for 24+ hours after rain and doesn’t drain away.
Soggy Lawn
Areas that stay wet and squishy long after neighbors’ yards dry.
Foundation Water
Water collecting against foundation walls or seeping into basement.
Foundation Cracks
Cracks in foundation or walls from soil expansion and contraction.
Erosion
Soil washing away near foundation, walkways, or landscape beds.
Musty Smell
Damp, musty odors indicating trapped moisture under or around home.
Overflowing Gutters
Downspouts dumping water that pools near foundation.
Mosquitoes
Breeding in standing water that won’t drain from your yard.
Solutions
Drainage Solutions Comparison
Understanding your options for solving drainage problems.
French Drains
Subsurface perforated pipe in gravel trench that collects and redirects groundwater.
- Handles subsurface water
- Invisible when complete
- Protects foundations
- Works in clay soil
- Long-lasting solution
Channel Drains
Surface-mounted linear drains that collect water from hardscapes and direct it away.
- Handles surface runoff
- Visible grate on surface
- Great for driveways/patios
- Quick installation
- Easy to clean
Catch Basins
Point drains that collect surface water at low spots and connect to drainage pipes.
- Handles standing water
- Small visible grate
- Works at low points
- Combines with other systems
- Debris collection
Our Systems
Our French Drain Systems
Custom drainage solutions for every situation.
Foundation Drains
Perimeter systems that intercept water before it reaches your foundation walls.
- 24-36″ deep installation
- Perimeter protection
- Connects to sump or daylight
- Filter fabric prevents clogging
- Protects basement/crawlspace
Yard Drainage
Subsurface networks that eliminate standing water in low-lying lawn areas.
- 18-24″ typical depth
- Multiple collection points
- Connects to storm system
- Eliminates soggy areas
- Invisible when complete
Hillside Systems
Specialized designs that control runoff on sloped properties and prevent erosion.
- Terrace-style networks
- Erosion control fabric
- Retention wall integration
- Controls sheet flow
- Protects downhill structures
Quality Materials
System Components
Commercial-grade materials engineered for Texas conditions.
Perforated Pipe
4″ corrugated or rigid PVC pipe with perforations to collect groundwater.
Washed Gravel
Clean, washed stone (typically 3/4″) that allows water to flow freely to pipe.
Filter Fabric
Non-woven geotextile that prevents soil and clay from clogging the system.
Solid Pipe
Non-perforated sections that carry collected water to discharge point.
Pop-Up Emitter
Discharge point that opens when water flows and closes when empty.
Catch Basins
Collection boxes at low points that feed into the French drain network.
Clean-Outs
Access points for maintenance flushing at strategic locations.
Sump Pump
Electric pump for systems that can’t gravity-drain to daylight.
How We Work
Our Installation Process
Professional installation from assessment to verification.
Site Evaluation
Topographic survey, water flow analysis, and problem identification.
Custom Design
Engineered drainage plan with proper slope and outlet location.
Installation
Precision trenching, pipe placement, and gravel backfill.
Verification
Water flow testing, landscape restoration, and warranty registration.
Investment
Investment & Pricing
Transparent pricing for French drain installation.
Typical Investment Ranges
Includes materials, labor & warranty
What Affects Price?
Every drainage project is unique. Final pricing depends on several factors specific to your property:
- System length — total linear feet of drain needed
- Trench depth — foundation drains are deeper than yard drains
- Pipe diameter — 4″ standard, 6″ for high-volume
- Outlet location — distance to daylight or storm drain
- Access — obstacles, fences, landscaping in the way
- Sod restoration — reseeding vs sod replacement
FAQ
French Drain Installation — Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about French drain systems.
How much does French drain installation cost in The Woodlands?
French drain installation in The Woodlands typically costs $25-$50 per linear foot, or $1,500-$6,000 for most residential projects. A typical 50-100 foot foundation drain costs $2,500-$5,000. Yard drainage systems covering larger areas may run $3,000-$8,000. Factors include trench depth, pipe diameter, gravel type, and outlet location. We provide detailed quotes after free on-site assessment.
How do I know if I need a French drain?
Signs you need a French drain include: water pooling for 24+ hours after rain, soggy lawn areas that never fully dry, basement or crawlspace moisture, foundation cracks from soil movement, erosion near your foundation, or musty smells indicating trapped moisture. If you see water marks on foundation walls or notice your yard stays wet while neighbors’ dry, a French drain can solve the problem.
Do French drains work in Texas clay soil?
Yes! Our French drain systems are specifically engineered for Texas clay. We use larger gravel sizes, proper filter fabric to prevent clay intrusion, and appropriate pipe sizing to handle clay’s slow permeability. The key is proper design — unlike sandy soil where water drains quickly, clay requires strategic placement and sufficient gravel volume to create drainage channels through the dense soil.
How long does French drain installation take?
Most residential French drain installations take 1-3 days depending on system length and complexity. A simple 50-foot foundation drain can be completed in 1 day. Larger yard drainage networks may take 2-3 days. We minimize disruption, protect existing landscaping where possible, and restore all affected areas including sod replacement if needed.
What maintenance do French drains require?
Quality French drain installations need minimal maintenance. We recommend inspecting outlet points annually to ensure they’re clear of debris. In some cases, flushing the system every few years with a garden hose helps maintain flow. Signs of problems include slow drainage or water surfacing along the drain line. Our 5-year warranty covers any installation issues.
What’s the difference between French drains and surface drains?
French drains handle subsurface water (water that percolates through soil), while surface drains like catch basins and channel drains handle runoff (water flowing across the surface). Many properties benefit from a combination of both. French drains are best for soggy lawns and foundation protection. Surface drains are best for driveways, patios, and low spots. See our lawn drainage page for more options.
Stop Standing Water Today
Don’t wait for foundation damage or another flooded yard. Contact Boone’s Landscaping for a free drainage assessment. We’ll evaluate your property, identify the source of water problems, and recommend the most effective solution — all backed by our 5-year warranty.
Serving The Woodlands, Spring, Conroe & North Houston