French Drain Installation — Metro Vancouver & Fraser Valley

Where they work

Uphill of a house on a sloped lot, along a property line receiving a neighbour's runoff, or across a driveway or walkway that channels water toward the garage.

Build quality matters

Filter fabric, washed drain rock and proper fall are what separate a drain that lasts twenty years from one that silts up in three.

Discharge point

Every French drain needs somewhere to go — a storm connection, a dry well, or daylight at a lower point on the property.

French Drains work on site

Steel trench drain grate carrying rainwater off a concrete driveway — Surface and trench drainage

Excavated foundation trench with new perforated perimeter drain pipe and drain rock — Perimeter drain replacement

High-pressure jetting of a catch basin and storm line — Catch basin and line flushing

French Drains — before and after

Real examples of the problem and the finished result after the work is done.

Backyard lawn flooded with standing water after heavy rain — Standing water cleared from the yardCatch basins and a French drain carry rainfall away instead of pooling on the lawn.

The same backyard with a dry green lawn and a catch basin grate after drainage work — Standing water cleared from the yardCatch basins and a French drain carry rainfall away instead of pooling on the lawn.

Old clay perimeter drain tile collapsed and packed with roots and silt in a muddy trench — Failed drain tile replacedRoot-choked clay tile swapped for perforated pipe, filter fabric and clean drain rock.

New perforated perimeter drain pipe in clean drain rock beside a waterproofed foundation wall — Failed drain tile replacedRoot-choked clay tile swapped for perforated pipe, filter fabric and clean drain rock.

How a working drainage system protects a home

Rain runs off the roof, into the leaders, down through drain rock to the perimeter drain, then out to the storm connection or sump — keeping water off the foundation wall.

French Drains — quick answer

A French drain is a gravel-filled trench with perforated pipe that intercepts water before it reaches a structure or a low spot. Curtain drains across a slope and channel drains at driveways are the two most common variants here.

Key facts

Where they work: Uphill of a house on a sloped lot, along a property line receiving a neighbour's runoff, or across a driveway or walkway that channels water toward the garage.
Build quality matters: Filter fabric, washed drain rock and proper fall are what separate a drain that lasts twenty years from one that silts up in three.
Discharge point: Every French drain needs somewhere to go — a storm connection, a dry well, or daylight at a lower point on the property.
DRYHOMEBC covers 14 Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley cities: Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster, Richmond, Surrey, Delta, White Rock, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Maple Ridge, Langley, Abbotsford and Chilliwack.
Quotes are free and carry no obligation.

French Drains FAQs

What is french drains?

French drain and curtain drain contractors for wet yards, slopes and driveways across Lower Mainland BC.

What should I know about where they work?

Uphill of a house on a sloped lot, along a property line receiving a neighbour's runoff, or across a driveway or walkway that channels water toward the garage.

What should I know about build quality matters?

Filter fabric, washed drain rock and proper fall are what separate a drain that lasts twenty years from one that silts up in three.

What should I know about discharge point?

Every French drain needs somewhere to go — a storm connection, a dry well, or daylight at a lower point on the property.

How much does french drains cost in the Lower Mainland?

Cost depends on the length of the affected run, excavation depth, access and restoration. Most contractors confirm the scope with a camera inspection or site visit before pricing. Quotes through DRYHOMEBC are free.

Which cities is french drains available in?

DRYHOMEBC covers 14 Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley cities: Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster, Richmond, Surrey, Delta, White Rock, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Maple Ridge, Langley, Abbotsford and Chilliwack.

Managing a commercial or multi-family building?

Apartments, stratas, restaurants, parkades and industrial sites are scoped differently than houses. Jump straight to the property type you manage.

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Related drainage services

Perimeter Drainage Yard Drainage Sump Pumps

French Drains by city

French Drains in Vancouver French Drains in Surrey French Drains in Richmond French Drains in New Westminster French Drains in Burnaby French Drains in Coquitlam French Drains in Port Coquitlam French Drains in Port Moody French Drains in Delta French Drains in Langley French Drains in White Rock French Drains in Maple Ridge French Drains in Abbotsford French Drains in Chilliwack