Common questions about our services, coverage area, and process. If you don't see your question, get in touch.
How much does french drain installation cost in McDonough GA?
Exterior french drain installation in Henry County typically runs $25 to $40 per linear foot. Interior basement french drains cost $40 to $55 per linear foot. Most residential yard drainage projects in McDonough run $2,500 to $9,000 total depending on trench length, soil conditions, and site access. Georgia's Cecil red clay increases labor cost compared to sandy soils because trenching is harder and geotextile fabric must be specified carefully to prevent clay migration.
Do I need a permit for french drain installation in Henry County?
Henry County requires a land disturbance permit (LDP) for any clearing, grading, or leveling over 120 square feet. Most french drain projects involve trenching that exceeds this threshold. Permits are applied for through the SagesGov portal at sagesgov.com/henrycounty-ga. Georgia EPD also requires NPDES permits for land disturbance of one acre or more.
What causes standing water in Henry County yards?
The dominant soil in Henry County is the Cecil clay series, part of Georgia's Piedmont red clay belt. Cecil clay has very low hydraulic conductivity, meaning water soaks in slowly. During heavy summer thunderstorms, the clay surface saturates faster than it can drain. Many new-construction homes in Henry County also have final grading that drains toward the foundation rather than away, creating chronic wet areas within the first few years.
How deep should a french drain be in Georgia red clay?
In Henry County's Cecil clay, french drains typically need to be 18 to 36 inches deep to reach below the clay horizon where gravel can drain effectively. Surface-level installations in red clay fail quickly because the pipe ends up sitting in saturated clay with nowhere for water to go. Exact depth depends on where your natural outlet is and how far water needs to travel.
Does Georgia clay affect how french drains are installed?
Yes, significantly. Cecil red clay has very low hydraulic conductivity. Contractors must trench into the clay layer, wrap the pipe and gravel in heavy-duty geotextile filter fabric to prevent clay fines from migrating into the stone, and provide a reliable gravity outlet or daylight point. Installations that skip proper fabric or use insufficient gravel depth fail within two to three seasons in Henry County soils.
What areas near McDonough do you serve?
McDonough is our primary market. We also serve Stockbridge, Hampton, Locust Grove, Jonesboro, and surrounding Henry and Clayton County communities. If your property is in the I-75 corridor between Atlanta and Macon, call us and we'll confirm coverage.