French drains
Perforated pipe buried in a gravel trench that collects and redirects groundwater away from the foundation. Over time, silt, roots, and sediment clog the pipe and reduce the gravel's ability to absorb water.
Exterior Drain Services
Landscape Drain Services
Cleaning, inspection, and repair for French drains, downspout extensions, and yard drainage. Protect your foundation from storm water.
24/7 response
Flat-rate pricing
Fully equipped trucks
Systems we service
- French drains
- Downspout extensions
- Yard area drains
- Pop-up emitters
- Dry wells
- Catch basins
Systems we service
Landscape drainage systems we clean and repair
Honest Drain works on all common residential landscape drainage systems.
Downspout extensions
Underground pipes that carry roof runoff from gutters away from the foundation. These frequently clog with leaves, shingle grit, and root growth, dumping water directly against the house instead.
Yard area drains
Surface drains positioned in low spots across the yard to collect standing water. Basins fill with debris and outlet lines clog, turning the drain into a decorative grate over a mud pit.
Pop-up emitters
Spring-loaded discharge points at the end of downspout extension lines. They open under pressure to release water and close when flow stops. Debris and root growth prevent them from opening.
Dry wells
Underground chambers that collect drainage water and allow it to percolate into the soil. Sediment accumulation reduces capacity over time, causing the system to back up.
Warning signs
Signs your landscape drains need service
These symptoms indicate your landscape drainage system is not functioning properly and needs professional attention.
Soggy yard near downspouts after rainDownspout extensions or underground connections are blocked, dumping roof runoff directly at the foundation.
Basement seepage in the same spot every stormExterior drainage is missing, failed, or clogged in the area directly above the interior leak.
Pop-up emitters that no longer openOutlet lines are blocked with roots, sediment, or debris, preventing the system from discharging water.
Standing water in the yard days after rainFrench drains or area drains have lost capacity due to silt buildup, root intrusion, or pipe collapse.
Mulch or soil washing across the lawnThe drainage system is overwhelmed and water is creating its own path, carrying landscaping material with it.
Foundation cracks or efflorescenceWater pressure against the foundation from failed drainage is causing visible structural damage.
Our process
How Honest Drain handles landscape drain service
Every visit follows a structured approach designed to diagnose the problem, restore the system, and give you an honest assessment of its long-term condition.
Walk the property
We map every drain, downspout, and outlet on your property. We identify the symptom areas, trace drainage paths, and determine where the system is failing.
Clean and jet the lines
We flush the lines with high-pressure water, clear debris from basins, and service pop-up emitters. Stubborn blockages get hydro jetting treatment.
Test the system
We run water through the entire drainage system and document what flows where — and what does not. Camera inspection is used for underground lines that are not responding to cleaning.
Honest recommendation
Cleaning fixes most landscape drain problems. When repair or replacement is needed, we explain exactly why and provide a flat-rate quote before any excavation.
Document the system
We provide a simple map of your drainage system showing drain locations, pipe runs, and outlets — useful for future maintenance and any landscaping work.
Common issues
Common landscape drain problems we repair
- Root intrusion in French drain pipe and downspout extensions
- Collapsed or crushed underground drain pipe
- Disconnected downspout-to-pipe transitions
- Failed or clogged pop-up emitters
- Silt-filled French drain gravel that no longer absorbs water
- Improper slope causing water to sit in the pipe instead of flowing
- Dry wells at capacity that need cleaning or expansion
What this service covers
- French drain inspection and cleaning
- French drain repair and replacement
- Downspout extension service
- Area drain and yard drain cleaning
- Pop-up emitter service and replacement
- Dry well cleaning
- Outlet locating and verification
- Camera inspection of underground lines
- Hydro jetting for root removal
- Honest repair vs. replacement guidance
FAQs
Landscape drain service FAQs
Most landscape drainage systems should be inspected and cleaned annually. Properties with heavy tree cover, mature root systems near drain lines, or clay soil may need more frequent service. Regular maintenance prevents the gradual buildup that leads to system failure.
Many clogged French drains can be restored with hydro jetting and root removal. If the pipe is collapsed, the gravel is fully saturated with silt, or the system was improperly installed, replacement may be necessary. We camera the line to determine the condition before recommending either approach.
If water pools after cleaning, the issue may be insufficient drainage capacity, improper grading, or a failed outlet. Honest Drain evaluates the entire system — not just the individual drain — to identify what is actually causing the problem.
Related services
Where to go next
Need landscape drain service?