French drain installation that carries water away from your foundation.
A French drain is a buried, perforated pipe set in gravel that collects water from wet soil and sends it somewhere safe. French drain installation is often the first real fix for a yard that stays soggy, a wall that leaks after rain, or a crawl space where water keeps appearing.
We install French drains, sump pumps and grading corrections around Roanoke, Salem and Blacksburg. The goal is simple: give water a path away from the house so it never has to find one under it.
French drain, sump pump or grading?
French drain
Best where water can drain downhill to a safe discharge point. It works around the outside of the house or inside along the footing.
Sump pump installation
A sump pit collects water and a pump sends it out through a discharge line. It fits low spots where gravity alone will not carry the water away.
Grading and downspouts
Sloping soil away from the house and extending downspouts can remove a large share of the water before it ever reaches the drain.
What makes a drainage system last.
A place for the water to go
Every drain needs a discharge point that does not send the problem to a neighbor or back toward the house. Working that out is part of the design.
Correct slope and clean stone
Drains only work if they slope the right way and the gravel around them stays free of silt. Cutting corners here is why some drains clog early.
A pump with a plan
Pumps run in the wettest weather, so discharge lines, power and access should be planned, and checked on a schedule. That is what crawl space inspection and maintenance is for.
Drainage first, then seal the space.
Drainage usually comes before other crawl space work. Once water is directed away, crawl space waterproofing and encapsulation can do their jobs. Read how drainage affects crawl space waterproofing cost.
We take drainage and sump pump calls around Roanoke and Salem, and you can contact The Crawlspace Guy for a free estimate.
Not sure what you need?
Tell us where the water shows up and when. That usually narrows it down before we visit.
Common questions about this service
What is a French drain and how does it work?
How do I know if I need a sump pump?
Where does the water from a sump pump go?
Can a French drain be installed inside the crawl space?
Should I fix drainage before or after encapsulation?
Ready to move the water?
Tell us where water shows up around your home. We will suggest the right drain, pump or grading fix and quote it free.