French Drain vs Surface Drain: Which Do You Need?
They solve different problems — and most Central Texas yards end up needing a bit of both.
Surface drains (catch basins, channel drains)
Capture water sitting on top of the ground — low spots, patios, driveways. Great for a defined puddle or hardscape runoff.
French drains
Collect water in and below the soil along a whole run — ideal for a broadly soggy yard, a slope, or water moving toward the house.
Which do you need?
A single low puddle on a patio: a surface drain. A soggy lawn or water at the foundation: a French drain, often with grading. A whole problem yard: an integrated system of both. We'll tell you straight which you actually need. Free quote.