Orlando French Drain
- Thousands of satisfied customers
- Local and family owned
- 15+ years in business
- Licensed and insured
- Always FREE Quotes
Licensed Water Diversion Systems in Orlando, FL
Heavy summer storms, flat lots, and sandy soils can push water toward your home, flood low spots, and erode landscaping. We design and install systems that move runoff away from structures, driveways, and patios - protecting your foundation, yard, and investment.
At Orlando French Drain, our licensed, insured team has 15+ years in Central Florida. We use laser-level elevation mapping, proper pipe sizing, and code-compliant outlets to ensure reliable flow. From French drains to channel drains and sump systems, we tailor a solution to your property. Get dependable results with Water Diversion Systems Orlando FL designed for our climate and soils. Contact us for a free on-site drainage assessment and estimate.
Why Our Professional Water Diversion Systems Deliver Lasting Protection and Real Peace of Mind
You’re here because pooling water, soggy lawns, or garage flooding won’t fix themselves. Hiring a proven pro is the fastest, safest way to stop damage and meet local codes. We design, build, and maintain systems that work in real Orlando storms. With Water Diversion Systems Orlando FL, you get reliable flow, code-approved discharge, and a yard that stays usable - even after summer downpours.
Safety & Risk Elimination
Standing water undermines slabs, warps wood floors, and invites mold. We divert runoff away from foundations, crawl spaces, and walkways to protect people and property. Our crews follow OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart P for trenching and Florida 811 utility locate law before any digging.
We add backwater/check valves where surcharging is a risk and separate roof and yard lines to prevent cross-flooding. The result: no slip hazards at entries, reduced erosion near lakefronts, and a dry perimeter around your home.
Professional Results & Quality
We don’t guess at elevations. We map slopes with a rotary laser and size pipes and inlets using NOAA Atlas 14 rainfall data. Materials matter: PVC SDR-35 smooth-wall pipe for main runs, washed #57 stone with non-woven geotextile for French drains, NDS catch basins, and traffic-rated grates where vehicles cross.
We maintain a consistent 1–2% pipe slope, place cleanouts every 50–75 feet, and core curbs with permits when allowed. This combination delivers dependable performance that DIY kits can’t match.
Time & Stress Savings
From the first call to final cleanup, we manage everything - 811 locates, permits, HOA submittals, and inspections. Our mini-excavators, trenchers, and plate compactors speed installation with minimal yard disruption.
Most residential projects finish in 1–3 days. You avoid the learning curve, rental costs, and callbacks that come with trial-and-error. We handle the engineering details so you don’t have to.
Cost-Effective Solution
A well-designed drain costs less than repairing water-damaged drywall, repeating failed grading, or replacing a heaved driveway. We prevent future expenses by using smooth-wall pipe that clears easily, placing access cleanouts, and sizing catch basins correctly to avoid clogging.
Considering a driveway drain installation Orlando? We’ll explain when a polymer-concrete channel drain, permeable pavers, or a swale will deliver the best value for your site and budget.
Peace of Mind & Warranty
We’re licensed, insured, and trained in MS4/NPDES compliance and sediment control. You receive a written scope, photos of buried work, and a multi-year workmanship warranty. Need help after a major storm? We offer maintenance programs and priority service for catch basin cleaning.
Sleep easier knowing a local team stands behind the work - with responsive support long after installation.
Our Simple, Proven Process for Reliable Water Diversion
We make drainage projects straightforward, transparent, and code-compliant from start to finish.
- Step 1 – Site Assessment & Mapping: We walk the property, locate utilities (811), and laser-level your elevations to find true flow paths.
- Step 2 – Plan & Clear Proposal: We design to local codes using Atlas 14 rainfall data, recommend materials, and outline permits or HOA steps.
- Step 3 – Professional Installation: Trenching, bedding, and pipe installation with 1–2% slope. Erosion/sediment controls protect your property.
- Step 4 – Verification & Cleanup: CCTV camera checks, water-flow testing, and a detailed homeowner walkthrough with maintenance tips.
- Step 5 – Ongoing Support: Optional service plans for catch basin cleaning and seasonal inspections keep your system performing.
Why Choose Orlando French Drain for Water Diversion Systems in Orlando
Since 2009, Orlando French Drain has helped thousands of homeowners and HOAs protect their properties from flooding and erosion. We pair engineering-grade design with careful installation and verified performance testing. From Downtown Orlando to Lake Nona, we deliver systems built for Central Florida storms and codes - on time and on budget.
Certified Expertise and Proven Design
Your drainage should be sized for real storms, not guesswork. Our team uses NOAA Atlas 14 rainfall intensities and hydraulic calculations to place the right pipe diameters, catch basin spacing, and outlet strategy. We incorporate best practices such as cleanouts, check valves, and roof/yard line separation to prevent surcharge.
Our credentials include OSHA 10/30 safety training, CPESC/CISEC erosion control backgrounds, ICPI/PICP for permeable pavers, and NDS Professional Drainage Contractor training. This expertise shows in systems that perform during peak downpours.
Licensed, Insured, and Safety-First
We operate under Florida contractor licensing, carry full liability and workers’ comp, and follow OSHA trenching standards. Before digging, we call Florida 811 and use utility locators to protect underground lines.
Where required, we obtain City of Orlando/Orange County Right-of-Way Use Permits for curb cores or storm inlet tie-ins and comply with Florida Building Code site drainage and Florida Plumbing Code stormwater disposal. We also implement FDEP/EPA NPDES BMPs and heat/lightning safety plans during summer work.
Equipment, Materials, and Methods That Last
Expect durable, serviceable systems. We use PVC SDR-35 smooth-wall pipe for mains, Schedule 40 PVC for risers, corrugated HDPE where appropriate, washed #57 stone with non-woven geotextile, NDS basins and grates, and traffic-rated ductile iron grates for driveways. Pop-up emitters and cleanouts simplify maintenance.
Installation is guided by precision tools - rotary laser, pipe laser, mini-excavators, trenchers, and CCTV inspection cameras. We test flows with water and document slopes for your records.
Local Knowledge and Code Compliance
Orlando’s sandy soils, flat lots, and seasonal high water table demand the right mix of grading, underdrains, and, at times, sump-and-pump systems. We know how to gain HOA approvals, protect lakefront shorelines with riprap, and route gutter drainage to approved outfalls.
From College Park and Baldwin Park to Dr. Phillips, MetroWest, and Winter Park, we tailor designs to neighborhood constraints, tree roots, and existing utilities - without surprises on inspection day.
Customer-First Policies and Clear Guarantees
You’ll receive a written scope, firm pricing, and scheduling you can count on. We provide photo/video documentation of buried components and a multi-year workmanship warranty. After completion, we share a maintenance plan that keeps your system performing season after season.
If a summer squall exposes a new issue, we’re local and responsive. Our maintenance crews offer emergency drainage repair and catch basin cleaning to keep you protected.
Proven Water Diversion Systems Backed by Years of Local Experience
We design and build systems that solve real flooding and erosion problems across the Greater Orlando & The Central Florida Region. Our portfolio includes residential yards, HOA common areas, and commercial entries - each engineered for performance and code compliance. If you need Water Diversion Systems Orlando FL tailored to your property, we’ve likely solved a similar challenge nearby.
Types of Projects We Handle
Residential yard drainage systems with French drains, swales, and downspout tie-ins. Driveway trench/channel drains for garages and low entries. Patio and pool deck drainage retrofits, including permeable paver solutions. HOA and commercial upgrades for parking areas and walkways.
We regularly work in Lake Nona, Baldwin Park, Dr. Phillips, College Park, and Winter Park, as well as zip codes 32801, 32803, 32804, 32814, and 32827. We also serve nearby Windermere, Winter Garden, and Oviedo.
Our Proven Process and Methods
We start with laser-level elevation mapping, then combine positive grading with underdrains as needed. Systems maintain a 1–2% pipe slope, use SDR-35 mains, and include cleanouts every 50–75 feet. Roof downspouts are routed on separate lines to prevent surcharge.
Where gravity can’t reach the outfall, we install sump basins with 1/2–1 HP pumps, check valves, and smart monitors. Daylight discharges, curb cores, or storm inlet tie-ins are permitted when allowed by the City or County.
Complex Situations We’ve Mastered
Flat-lot homes near 32827 with high water tables needing sump-and-pump systems and backwater valves. Lakefront erosion control in 32832 using riprap and shoreline grading paired with underdrains. Tight side yards in 32804 solved with narrow trenchers and area drains feeding a permitted curb core.
Case in point: In April 2024 in Baldwin Park (32814), we eliminated backyard flooding after rain by installing 120 LF of French drain with #57 stone and geotextile, plus two NDS 1200 catch basins tied to 4-inch SDR-35 - verified by CCTV and flow tests.
Results You Can Expect
Fewer puddles, dry foundations, and usable lawns within 1–3 days of installation. Cleaner hardscapes with channel drains that actually capture sheet flow. Reduced maintenance thanks to smooth-wall pipe, access cleanouts, and properly sized inlets.
You’ll receive a closeout packet with photos, slope verification, and maintenance guidance (including catch basin cleaning intervals). We stand behind the work with a written warranty.
Other Services We Offer
- French Drain Installation
- Yard Drainage Solutions
- Foundation Drainage Systems
- Exterior Drainage System Installation
- Channel Drain Installation
- Trench Drain Installation
- Sump Pump Installation
- Catch Basin Installation
- Downspout Drainage Extensions
- Surface Drain Installation
- Basement Waterproofing
- Crawl Space Drainage Systems
- Landscape Drainage Systems
- Retaining Wall Drainage Systems
- Pool Deck Drainage Installation
- Stormwater Drainage Solutions
- Flood Prevention Systems
- Yard Grading & Drainage Correction
- Dry Well Installation
- Drain Tile Installation
- Underground Drainage Pipe Installation
- Erosion Control Solutions
- Water Diversion Systems
- Commercial Drainage Solutions
Locations We Serve
- Orlando
- Winter Park
- Windermere
- Lake Nona
- College Park
- Baldwin Park
- Dr. Phillips
- Thornton Park
- Conway
- Hunters Creek
- MetroWest
- Avalon Park
- Waterford Lakes
- Oviedo
- Winter Springs
- Casselberry
- Longwood
- Lake Mary
- Sanford
- Altamonte Springs
- Apopka
- Ocoee
- Winter Garden
- Clermont
- Kissimmee
- St. Cloud
- Celebration
- Davenport
- Maitland
- Edgewood
- Belle Isle
- Gotha
- Azalea Park
- Goldenrod
- Union Park
- Horizon West
- Seminole County
- Orange County
- Osceola County
- Lake County
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a water diversion system and how does it protect my Orlando home?
A water diversion system collects and moves stormwater away from vulnerable areas - foundations, driveways, patios, and low spots. In Orlando, we combine grading, French drains, catch basins, and channel drains to create positive flow to an approved outfall. By managing runoff from roofs and yards, you reduce foundation stress, prevent erosion, and avoid mold or slab damage common after intense summer storms.
Do I need a French drain, a channel drain, or regrading?
It depends on where water accumulates and why. French drains capture groundwater and subsurface seepage, while channel drains handle surface sheet flow across hardscapes like driveways or pool decks. Often, a small amount of yard regrading (swales) combined with downspout tie-ins solves the issue. We verify with a laser level and recommend the most effective, budget-friendly mix for your property.
How much does yard drainage cost in Orlando?
Costs vary with length, depth, site access, and outlet conditions. Typical residential projects range from a few thousand dollars for simple downspout extensions and area drains to higher for multi-inlet systems, curb cores, or sump-and-pump setups. We provide line-item proposals so you can compare options like French drain installation Orlando, patio channel drains, or swale regrading within your budget.
Can I legally discharge stormwater to the street or curb?
Sometimes, with the right permit. The City of Orlando and Orange County regulate curb cores and storm inlet tie-ins. Where allowed, we obtain the Right-of-Way Use Permit and perform compliant coring and patching. If a curb tie-in isn’t permitted or feasible, we design alternatives such as daylight discharge to grade, infiltration trenches, or retention features that meet Florida Plumbing Code and site drainage requirements.
Do Orlando or Orange County require permits for drainage tie-ins?
Yes, when connecting to public infrastructure (curb cores, storm inlets, or right-of-way work). We handle permitting, inspections, and traffic control plans as needed. For larger projects or sites near wetlands, SJRWMD/FDEP permits may apply. Our team confirms requirements up front so your project complies with local standards and avoids delays.
Will a French drain work with Orlando’s sandy soils and high water table?
French drains work well in sands if they’re wrapped in non-woven geotextile, bedded in washed #57 stone, and sloped correctly. The challenge is outlet elevation during seasonal high water. If gravity flow isn’t possible, we add a sump basin and pump, or use infiltration trenches and rain gardens designed for Central Florida soils with amended media for better percolation.
What slope should my drain lines have?
We target a consistent 1–2% slope to maintain velocity and reduce sediment buildup. Slopes are verified with a rotary laser or pipe laser during installation. Cleanouts are placed every 50–75 feet to allow maintenance. Proper slope, smooth-wall pipe, and correctly sized inlets work together to keep lines clear through Orlando’s intense summer rain events.
When is a sump-and-pump system required due to outlet elevation or seasonal high water table?
When gravity discharge can’t reach an approved outfall - common on flat lots, rear-lot low points, or near lakes during wet season - we install a sump basin with a 1/2–1 HP pump, check valve, and high-water alarm. The pump lifts water to grade or a storm inlet. We size the basin and discharge line using Atlas 14 rainfall and expected inflow rates to prevent overwhelm.
How do Orlando Atlas 14 rainfall intensities affect pipe size and number of inlets?
Atlas 14 data defines short-duration storm intensities typical in Orlando. We use it to model peak inflows, choose inlet spacing, and select pipe diameters that maintain capacity without surcharging. For example, patios with high sheet flow may need closer catch basin spacing and larger channel drain outlets than lawns. Right-sizing reduces backups during those fast, heavy cells.
What inspection steps verify a drain actually has positive slope?
We verify with a rotary laser/receiver during trenching, spot-check with a pipe laser on long runs, and record elevations at cleanouts. After backfill, we perform CCTV camera inspection and water-flow testing. Documentation with photos and slope readings is included in your closeout packet, so you have proof the system drains as designed.
Are permeable pavers a code-compliant alternative to trench drains for driveways and patios in Orlando?
Often yes. Permeable pavers can capture and infiltrate runoff, reducing or eliminating the need for a surface channel drain. We design systems with an open-graded base, underdrains if needed, and overflow to an approved outfall. We confirm compliance with local codes and HOA guidelines and size the base using rainfall data and soil infiltration rates.