Orlando French Drain

Thousands of satisfied customers
Local and family owned
15+ years in business
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Licensed & Insured Exterior Drainage System Installation Orlando FL

Dealing with standing water, soggy lawns, or moisture near your foundation? Our team designs and installs exterior drainage that moves stormwater away from your home, protects structures, and restores usable yard space. We bring 15+ years of experience with Central Florida’s sandy soils, intense summer storms, and high water tables.

We use laser-verified slope, non-woven geotextile, and SDR-35/HDPE piping to build durable systems that work season after season. We handle Sunshine 811, HOA coordination, and ROW permits for curb outlets. You get clear communication, clean worksites, and results you can measure. For reliable Exterior Drainage System Installation Orlando FL, contact us for a free on-site assessment and written estimate today.

Exterior Drainage Done Right: Safer Property, Drier Yards, Lasting Results

Flooded turf, pooling at patios, and damp foundations aren’t just annoying - they threaten your home, landscaping, and hardscapes. Hiring professionals for exterior drainage system installation is the smart way to fix the root cause, not just the symptoms. With our engineered approach, you’ll see faster runoff, stable soils, and cleaner surfaces after every storm - without the guesswork.

Safety & Risk Elimination

Excess water undermines slabs, creates slippery walkways, and can push moisture toward your foundation. We design systems that move runoff to legal discharge points using area drains, trench drains, and daylight/curb outlets to reduce slip hazards and structural risk.

Our crews follow OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart P for trench safety, mark utilities with Sunshine 811, and separate roof and yard flows per Florida Plumbing Code. The result is a safer yard and reduced liability - especially around play areas, pool decks, and driveways.

Professional Results & Quality

Your system is built with proven methods: laser-verified slope (~1% where feasible), #57 washed stone with non-woven geotextile (4–8 oz) for filtration, and durable piping selected for site conditions. We use NDS catch basins with cleanout tees for serviceability.

We size systems with NOAA Atlas 14 rainfall data and plan discharge correctly - daylight, curb core (with ROW permit), or basin tie-in. That means faster drainage, fewer backups, and components that hold up in Orlando’s intense downpours.

Time & Stress Savings

There’s no learning curve for you. We bring the right equipment - laser level, mini excavator, sod cutter, plate compactor - and a trained crew to complete most residential projects in 1–3 days, weather permitting.

We protect landscaping, stage materials to minimize lawn impact, and restore sod or mulch when finished. You get one point of contact, text/email updates, and a schedule you can count on - without weekend DIY trenches or uncertain results.

Cost-Effective Solution

Improper slope, wrong fabric, or cheap corrugated pipe can clog, collapse, or fail. We help you avoid rework by choosing the right materials - perforated SDR-35 PVC or dual‑wall HDPE where appropriate - and specifying pop-up emitters, check valves, or pump systems only when they add value.

By preventing erosion, protecting hardscapes, and keeping water away from structures, a well-designed system saves money long term - fewer repairs, less landscape loss, and no need to “redo” the drain after the next rainy season.

Peace of Mind & Warranty

We’re fully insured, and our team holds NDS Professional Drainage Contractor Certification and FDEP stormwater compliance training. We verify flow before backfilling and document as-built elevations for your records when requested.

You receive a written workmanship warranty and a maintenance plan with cleanout locations. If gravity outfalls aren’t feasible, our sump-and-pump solutions include Zoeller or Liberty pumps, check valves, and backwater protection - backed by product warranties.

Our Exterior Drainage Installation Process

We make drainage upgrades straightforward and predictable with a proven, permit-ready process built for Central Florida properties.

Site Evaluation & Utility Locate – We walk the property, identify problem areas, mark utilities with Sunshine 811, and take laser elevations.
Design & Transparent Proposal – You receive a clear plan with pipe types, basin locations, discharge method, and a fixed-price estimate.
Permits & HOA/ROW Coordination – We handle City of Orlando ROW applications for curb outlets and supply HOA-ready diagrams if needed.
Installation & Protection – Using trenchers or mini excavators, we install drains with geotextile, #57 stone, and proper slope; we protect and restore turf.
Verification & Cleanup – We water-test, confirm elevations, provide as-built photos on request, and review maintenance points before we leave.

Why Choose Orlando French Drain for Exterior Drainage in Orlando

At Orlando French Drain, we combine field-tested installation with engineering-minded design to solve water problems the first time. Homeowners and HOAs choose us for responsive service, documented methods, and clean jobsites. When you want Exterior Drainage System Installation Orlando FL handled by certified pros who understand local codes and soils, we’re the team you can trust.

Certified Expertise & Engineering Mindset

Our team holds NDS Professional Drainage Contractor Certification, FDEP Stormwater Inspector (FSESCI), OSHA 10/30 safety training, QCIS stormwater compliance, and ICPI PICP credentials for permeable systems. We apply NOAA Atlas 14 rainfall sizing and design with maintenance in mind - cleanouts, access points, and CCTV-friendly layouts.

Need more than a rule-of-thumb layout? We offer engineered exterior drainage design for complex sites, integrating bioswales or rain gardens where infiltration is feasible and code-compliant.

Licensed, Insured, and Code-Compliant

We operate under Florida Certified Underground Utility & Excavation Contractor (CUC) and Florida Certified Plumbing Contractor (CFC) licensing. We follow Florida Building/Plumbing Code separation of storm and sanitary systems, NPDES BMPs, and City of Orlando ROW guidelines for curb cores and aprons.

Before digging, we open Sunshine 811 tickets and excavate within tolerance zones by hand when needed. Expect safe crews, inspected trenches, and compliant discharges that won’t create neighbor disputes.

Purpose-Built Equipment and Materials

Accurate grades require precision. We use a laser level/transit, grade rods, and plate compactors to set stable bases and consistent slopes. For pipes, we specify perforated SDR-35 PVC or dual‑wall HDPE for strength, and solid SDR‑35/HDPE for conveyance to discharge.

Systems include non-woven geotextile (4–8 oz), #57 stone for void space, NDS basins and grates, cleanout tees, and pop-up emitters. Where gravity won’t work, we install sump basins with Zoeller or Liberty pumps, check valves, and backwater protection.

Local Knowledge and HOA-Friendly Deliverables

We know Orlando soils, from Baldwin Park’s sugar sands to Windermere’s lakefront lots and Lake Nona’s flat grades. We plan around high water tables, tree roots, and setbacks, and we help with HOA approval packets.

Need proof for stakeholders? We can provide as-built photos, spot elevations, and a simple maintenance plan - ideal for HOAs, insurance, or resale documentation.

Clear Communication, Warranty, and Post-Install Support

You receive a single point of contact, schedule updates, and daily cleanup. After installation, we water-test lines, review cleanout locations, and recommend service intervals. If issues arise, you’ll have a written workmanship warranty and a responsive local team.

We also offer CCTV inspections and hydro-jet cleaning for existing drains - so you can maintain performance long after the project is complete.

Exterior Drainage Projects Backed by Local Experience

We’ve delivered successful exterior drainage system installation across the Greater Orlando & The Central Florida Region, including Winter Park, Lake Nona, Dr. Phillips, and College Park. From single-family retrofits to HOA common areas, our methods scale to your site. Whether you need yard drains, driveway trench drains, or foundation perimeter drain tile, we build systems that move water where it should go - fast and reliably.

Types of Projects We Handle

Residential: yard drainage retrofits, side‑yard swales, pool deck and patio drains, underground downspout extensions, and retaining wall weep drains. We regularly serve zip codes like 32801, 32814, 32828, and 32836.

Commercial/HOA: parking lot catch basin retrofits, curb outlets (with ROW permit), and common-area grading corrections. We coordinate with property managers and provide documentation for approvals.

Our Proven Methods and Standards

We design with laser-verified slope (~1% target where feasible) and choose pipe and fabric by soil conditions. Trenches receive #57 stone wrapped in non-woven geotextile to resist sand intrusion. Roof runoff and yard drains are separated with an air-gap and backwater protection.

Discharge planning includes daylight, pop-up emitters, curb coring with ROW compliance, or basin tie-ins. Cleanout ports are standard for future service, and we document key elevations before backfilling.

Complex Situations We’ve Mastered

Flat lots or no legal outfall? We build sump-and-pump systems with check valves and high-flow basins. High water table or shaded, saturated turf? We blend infiltration trenches or rain‑garden features when viable and code-approved.

Obstacles like utilities, tree roots, and tight access are handled with utility locators, careful hand-digging in tolerance zones, root barriers where appropriate, and compact equipment to minimize yard impact.

Results You Can Expect

Most residential installs finish in 1–3 days; larger or permit-heavy work may take 3–5 days. We protect existing sod, cut and roll turf where possible, and compact restorations so your lawn recovers quickly.

Before we leave, we water-test critical points, confirm flow, and review maintenance. Ask about optional CCTV verification of flow and a simple service plan to keep performance strong for years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do French drains really work in Florida?

Yes - when designed for Florida’s sandy soils and intense rain. The key is correct slope, #57 stone, and non-woven geotextile to keep sand out of the pipe. We also plan a legal discharge - daylight, curb outlet with ROW permit, or basin tie-in - and separate roof runoff from yard lines. With those details and proper maintenance access, a French drain can perform reliably in Orlando’s climate.

How much does a French drain cost per foot in Orlando?

Typical ranges are $35–$65 per linear foot for residential work, depending on depth, access, stone volume, fabric weight, and pipe selection (SDR‑35 vs dual‑wall HDPE). Additions like catch basins, pop-up emitters, curb outlets, or sump pumps affect price. After a site visit and laser elevations, we’ll provide a fixed, itemized proposal so you can see exactly what you’re paying for.

Do I need a permit to install a French drain in Orlando?

Most private-property subsurface drains don’t require a building permit. However, curb outlets or connections in the right‑of‑way do require a City of Orlando ROW permit and may need traffic/sidewalk protection. We handle ROW applications, coordinate Sunshine 811 utility locates, and provide HOA-friendly diagrams when needed. We also ensure storm and sanitary systems remain separated per Florida code.

What pipe works best for Orlando’s sandy soils?

For durability and clean flow, we often use perforated SDR‑35 PVC with #57 stone and non‑woven geotextile, or dual‑wall HDPE for strength in traffic areas. Single‑wall corrugated is flexible but more prone to silt and deformation. We match pipe type to soil, load, and maintenance goals, and we include cleanouts for future serviceability.

How deep should a yard drain be installed?

Most yard drains go 12–18 inches deep to intercept surface and near-surface water, while perimeter drains near foundations may be 18–24 inches, depending on grade and obstacles. More important than depth is consistent slope - about 1% where feasible - verified with a laser. We’ll choose depth, fabric weight, and stone volume based on site conditions.

Where should a drainage system discharge?

Acceptable options include daylight on your property, a dry well or infiltration trench where soils allow, a curb core with ROW permit, or a tie-in to an approved basin. Discharging to a neighbor’s yard or sidewalk isn’t allowed. We evaluate elevations, capacity, and code requirements to pick the safest, legal outfall.

How do you handle flat lots or high water tables?

When gravity won’t work, we install a sump basin and pump with check valves and backwater protection, routing to a legal discharge. We may combine shallow swales, check dams, or permeable paver sections to slow and store runoff. System sizing uses NOAA Atlas 14 rainfall data, and we design for maintenance with cleanouts and access points.

Will you restore my lawn and landscaping after installation?

Yes. We cut and roll sod where feasible, stage spoils on tarps, and compact backfill to minimize settlement. After testing, we reinstall sod or mulch and clean all work areas. Most residential projects take 1–3 days, and turf typically rebounds quickly with proper watering. We’ll outline restoration steps in your proposal.

Do yard drainage systems require maintenance?

Annual checks are smart, especially after major storms. Clear leaves from grates, confirm pop-up emitters move freely, and flush lines via cleanouts. We offer CCTV camera inspections and hydro‑jet cleaning if needed. Simple, regular maintenance keeps flow rates high and extends the life of your system.

Can roof downspouts connect to the yard drains?

We typically separate roof runoff from yard drainage with an air gap and, where necessary, backwater protection. This prevents cross-contamination and keeps yard lines from being overwhelmed in cloudbursts. We can install underground downspout extensions with solid pipe to a dedicated discharge so both systems work efficiently.