
Our Services
French Drains & Yard Drainage in Charlotte, NC
French drains, catch basins, and downspout piping that move standing water away from your foundation, lawn, and beds — for good.
Booking fall cleanups, leaf removal & irrigation winterization now — schedule before the first freeze.
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French Drain Installation tailored to your property
Standing water in a Charlotte yard almost always traces back to the same culprit: dense red clay that drains slower than rain arrives. A French drain fixes it by giving water an easy underground path away from the problem — a fabric-lined trench, perforated pipe set in clean gravel, and a graded outlet where the water can actually leave your property.
We install complete drainage systems, not just a length of pipe: catch basins where water collects in low spots, downspout tie-ins so roof runoff stops dumping beside your foundation, and honest grade work so surface water flows to the drain instead of past it. When we're done, the trench disappears under fresh gravel, sod, or seed.
What we do
A snapshot of the work we commonly take on under this service. Your scope is built from what your property actually needs — pick and choose, or let us recommend.
- French drains with perforated pipe and filter fabric
- Catch basins for low spots and hardscape
- Downspout and gutter tie-ins
- Proper fall and outlet — water exits, it doesn't hide
- Gravel and fabric that resist clay clogging
- Sod or seeded restoration when we finish
Who it's for
Homes with wet spots or standing water
If part of your yard stays soggy for days after rain, a French drain gives that water somewhere to go instead of waiting on evaporation.
Water near the foundation or crawlspace
Water pooling against the foundation is a repair bill in the making — downspout piping and foundation drains move it out before it moves in.
Patios, driveways & low hardscape
Hard surfaces concentrate runoff. Catch basins and channel drains keep water off your patio and out of your garage.
How we scope your project
Every property is different, so every quote is too. Here's the general path we take from first call to finished work — adjusted to fit the size, complexity, and goals of your specific project.
1. Drainage diagnosis
We visit during or right after rain when possible, map where water comes from and where it pools, and identify the real source — often roof runoff plus clay, not just the low spot you see.
2. Design & routing
We design the trench route, basin locations, and outlet — a downhill discharge point that won't just move your problem onto a neighbor's lot.
3. Installation
Trenches are cut with proper fall, lined with filter fabric, and filled with perforated pipe and clean gravel. Basins and downspout tie-ins are connected and tested with water before backfill.
4. Restoration
We restore the work area with sod or seed, clean up completely, and walk the system with you — including showing you where the water now exits.
Why Piedmont Landscape & Irrigation
- We diagnose the source before we dig — a drain in the wrong place is an expensive decoration.
- Filter fabric and clean gravel on every run, so Charlotte's clay doesn't silt the pipe shut in three years.
- Real outlets with real fall — water leaves your property, it doesn't just get relocated underground.
- Licensed, insured, and locally owned in the Charlotte metro.
Where we work
We provide french drain installation across the greater Charlotte NC metro. Click a city for local details, neighborhoods we serve, and project examples:
Frequently asked questions
How much does a French drain cost in Charlotte, NC?+
Most residential French drains run $1,500–$5,000 depending on length, depth, and how much hardscape or landscaping the route crosses. Smaller downspout piping jobs cost less; whole-yard systems cost more. We quote flat after the on-site evaluation.
How deep should a French drain be?+
Most yard drains sit 12–24 inches deep, but depth matters less than continuous fall to the outlet. We design depth around your grade, utility locations, and where the water needs to end up.
Will a French drain fix water in my crawlspace or basement?+
Often, yes — when the water is surface or roof runoff migrating toward the foundation, exterior drainage stops it at the source. We'll tell you honestly if the moisture source is something a drain can't fix, like a plumbing leak or high water table.
Do French drains require maintenance?+
A properly built drain with fabric and clean gravel needs very little. We recommend keeping the outlet clear and, where basins are installed, clearing leaves off the grates a couple of times a year.
Related services
Stop fighting the same wet spot every rain.
Free on-site drainage diagnosis — we'll find where the water is coming from and quote a fix that moves it out for good.
Google Reviews
What Charlotte clients say
"Highly recommend Piedmont Landscape & Irrigation! They were professional, reliable, and did an amazing job. My yard looks incredible, and the irrigation system works perfectly. Great quality work and excellent customer service. I will definitely be using them again for future landscaping projects!"
a month ago
"Piedmont Landscape & Irrigation did an outstanding job on my lawn! The team was professional, arrived on time, and paid attention to every detail. My yard has never looked this healthy and well-maintained. They went above and beyond. I highly recommend Piedmont Landscape & Irrigation to anyone looking for reliable, high-quality lawn care services!"
a month ago
"I've been in my home for about 3 years now, and I've been searching for a decent lawn care service the entire time — disappointed time and time again, until I met Piedmont Landscape & Irrigation. I reached out for an emergency cut because I was hosting a graduation party the next day. He gave me a time, showed up exactly when he said he would, and got right to work. Professional, organized, reliable, and trustworthy. They exceeded my expectations!"
a month ago
"Quality work, great prices, & good customer service. My yard looks amazing for summer!!"
a month ago
"Amazing job! Thank you"
a month ago



