French Drain Installation in Charlotte & Rock Hill
A French drain is a gravel-filled trench, usually with perforated pipe, that collects water and carries it away from your home. Wetlock installs interior French drains with sump pumps for crawl spaces, plus curtain, standard and open French drains outside.
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Interior French drains
French drain with sump pump. Installed inside the crawl space along the foundation to collect water that gets in and send it to a 3/4 HP sump pump. Usually part of crawl space waterproofing or basement waterproofing.
Exterior French drains
Exterior drains deal with water before it reaches the house. Wetlock installs three types, and the right one depends on where the water comes from.
Curtain drains
A curtain drain is a French drain placed uphill of the house. It intercepts groundwater moving downslope and carries it around or away from the home before it reaches the foundation.
Standard French drains
A standard French drain is a gravel trench with perforated pipe, placed closer to the problem area. It collects water where it gathers and carries it to a safe outlet.
Open French drains
An open French drain leaves the gravel exposed on top so surface water drains straight in. It works well along foundations and in low spots where water pools.
| Drain type | Where it goes | What it handles |
|---|---|---|
| Interior French drain | Inside the crawl space or basement, along the foundation | Water that has already gotten in; sends it to a sump pump |
| Curtain drain | Uphill of the house | Groundwater moving toward the home |
| Standard French drain | Near the problem area | Water collecting in one area of the yard |
| Open French drain | Along foundations and low spots | Surface water that pools |
Pair them with channel grate drains and downspout extensions for a complete exterior drainage plan.
Gravity discharge vs. sump-assisted discharge
Where the yard slopes away from the house, a French drain can carry water downhill to an outlet by gravity. Where there is no downhill outlet, the drain sends water to a sump pump that pumps it out. The right design depends on your lot’s slope, soil and where the water is coming from, which is why every drain plan starts with an inspection.
Built for clay soil
Much of the Charlotte region sits on dense red clay that drains slowly. After a heavy rain the ground stays saturated and water finds the lowest path, which is often your crawl space. A French drain gives that water an easier path to follow.
Signs you may need french drains
- Puddles in the crawl space after storms
- Water running toward the house
- Soggy yard areas near the foundation
- Erosion along the foundation
- Water stains at the base of walls
- Wet spots that never dry out
How your project works
Free Inspection
We crawl the whole space or walk the full basement, take moisture readings and photograph everything.
Clear Explanation
We show you the photos, explain what is causing the problem and answer every question.
Written Proposal
You get an itemized plan with options and exact pricing. No pressure, no surprise add-ons.
Done Right
Our own crew completes the work, cleans up and walks you through the finished result.
French Drains FAQ
What is the difference between a curtain drain and a French drain?
A curtain drain is a French drain placed uphill of your home to intercept water before it reaches the house. A standard French drain collects water closer to the problem area.
What is an open French drain?
An open French drain is left with gravel exposed on top so surface water drains straight in. It works well along foundations and in low spots.
When do I need an interior French drain?
When water gets into the crawl space. The interior drain collects it along the foundation and sends it to a sump pump.
French Drains near you
Based in Rock Hill, SC, serving the Charlotte and Columbia regions. Our primary markets:
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