French Drains vs. Surface Drains: What They Are and Why Your Yard Might Need One
North Texas clay soil doesn't mess around — it holds water like a sponge and drains slowly, which means standing water, soggy flower beds, and foundation issues are all too common. That’s where drainage systems come in.
At TerraScape Systems, we install both French drains and surface drains to keep your yard dry, healthy, and protected — no more muddy messes or slow-draining trouble spots.
What’s a French Drain?
A French drain is a gravel-filled trench with a perforated pipe buried inside. It’s installed underground to catch and redirect water that’s saturating the soil — especially in low spots or near foundations.
How it works:
Water seeps into the gravel
It flows into the perforated pipe
The pipe carries it away to a safe discharge area
French drains are great for:
Yard areas that stay soggy for days after rain
Water pooling near your home’s foundation
Wet spots around patios or walkways
Protecting trees and plants from root rot
What’s a Surface Drain?
Surface drains (also called catch basins) sit at ground level and collect water from above — like rain runoff, overwatering, or overflow from gutters. They're connected to solid piping that moves the water away from your property.
How it works:
Water flows into a grated basin or inlet
It moves through underground solid pipe
Discharges safely to the street or a drainage point
Surface drains are ideal for:
Driveways, walkways, or patios that collect water
Gutter downspouts that dump too close to the house
Low spots where water puddles after rain
Hardscape areas with little natural drainage
Why Drainage Systems Matter
Prevent damage to your foundation, lawn, and hardscaping
Reduce mosquito breeding grounds from standing water
Protect plant roots from rotting in soggy soil
Keep outdoor areas usable — no more mud zones
Which one do you need?
Sometimes it’s one, sometimes both. At TerraScape Systems, we assess your property’s slope, soil, and problem areas to design a drainage plan that actually works.
Want to stop the puddles for good?
Call us for a free consultation — we’ll help your yard stay high and dry.
Simple example of a French Drain vs Surface Drain