Keep Water Away From Your Foundation With An Exterior French Drain System
Excess water around your home’s foundation is more than just an inconvenience. It’s one of the leading causes of basement leaks, foundation cracks, and long-term structural damage. That’s why an exterior French drain system is one of the most effective solutions for managing groundwater and surface runoff before it can enter your home.
At AWS, we specialize in designing and installing exterior French drain systems for homes and commercial properties across Pennsylvania and New Jersey. With over 35 years of experience in foundation waterproofing, drainage correction, and landscape grading, we help property owners permanently redirect water and protect their investment from costly damage.
What Is An Exterior French Drain System?
An exterior French drain is a buried drainage solution designed to capture and redirect water away from your home’s foundation. The system typically consists of a perforated pipe surrounded by gravel or stone, enclosed in a protective filter fabric. Installed below ground level along the perimeter of your foundation, this system collects water before it can enter your basement or crawl space and channels it to a safe discharge point.
Unlike interior systems that manage water after it’s already entered your home, exterior French drains are proactive, they stop water at the source.
Signs You May Need A French Drain System
The longer you wait, the worse water damage can get. A quick inspection by our team at A Waterproofing Solution can help you determine whether a French drain is the right solution. If you’re experiencing any of the following issues around your home or building, it may be time to consider an exterior French drain system.
- Water pooling near your foundation after rain
- Wet or soggy areas in your lawn that don’t drain
- Cracks or moisture in your basement walls
- Mold or mildew odor in your basement or crawl space
- Water damage to outdoor hardscapes or landscaping

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Benefits Of Installing A French Drain Around Your Foundation
An exterior French drain offers countless advantages for homeowners looking to prevent moisture problems. First and foremost, it helps reduce hydrostatic pressure by guiding water away from your foundation, protecting against cracks and structural damage. French drains are also highly effective at eliminating basement leaks by intercepting moisture before it seeps through foundation walls.
In addition to structural protection, French drains can improve overall landscape drainage. If your yard is frequently soggy or experiences standing water after heavy rain, this system helps regulate surface runoff and prevent soil erosion. Since a French drain enhances both the durability and safety of your property, installing one can also increase your home’s long-term value.
Why Choose A Waterproofing Solution?
As a locally trusted waterproofing company with decades of hands-on experience, A Waterproofing Solution stands out above the rest. We proudly serve homeowners and business owners throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey, offering high-quality waterproofing and drainage systems that stand the test of time.
- Licensed and Insured Professionals
- Interior and Exterior Experts
- Custom Drainage Solutions
- Reliable Warranties on Workmanship
- Free Estimates and Honest Pricing

How An Exterior French Drain Works
While simple in design, a French drain’s effectiveness depends on careful planning and installation. The process begins with excavating a trench around the perimeter of your foundation or in a water-prone area of your yard. A perforated pipe is placed at the base of the trench to collect groundwater. This pipe is surrounded by gravel, which allows water to flow easily while preventing soil from clogging the system.
The entire assembly is wrapped in a geotextile fabric that filters out debris and keeps the drain functioning over time. Once installed, the drain carries water away to a designated discharge area, such as a dry well, storm drain, or lower part of your property. When properly installed, an exterior French drain system provides a reliable, long-term solution to water intrusion.
Our French Drain Installation Process
At A Waterproofing Solution, we handle every French drain installation from start to finish with professionalism and precision. Our process includes the following.
1. On-site Inspection
We begin with a detailed assessment of your property, including grading, soil type, water flow patterns, and foundation condition.
2. Customized Drainage Plan
No two properties are alike. We’ll design a custom exterior drainage system that meets your home’s unique needs.
3. Professional Installation
Our trained team excavates, installs, and backfills your French drain using high-quality materials designed to last.
4. Final Grading and Clean-Up
We ensure the area is properly graded, cleaned up, and restored for aesthetics and performance.
We use durable, perforated piping and commercial-grade fabric and gravel to ensure your system resists clogging and handles even the heaviest downpours.
Schedule Your Free French Drain Consultation Today
If you’re tired of water issues damaging your foundation or flooding your landscape, it’s time to consider a professionally installed exterior French drain system. At A Waterproofing Solution, we make it easy. Our experienced team will inspect your property, explain your options, and design a drainage system that works with your home, not against it. Call us today at 1-610-241-7009 or request a free consultation online to get started. Let’s keep your home high, dry, and protected for the long run.

