Curtain drains that intercept water on a slope before it reaches your house, using a curved trench of stone and pipe placed uphill of the foundation.
A curtain drain is a French drain placed on the uphill side of a house or a wet area. It hangs like a curtain across the slope and catches groundwater and surface flow before it arrives. Homes on hillsides, near creeks or at the base of a slope can see water moving through the soil during every storm. In the rolling hills around Nashville, a curtain drain is often the cleanest way to protect a foundation without opening the walls.
We study the slope, soil and runoff paths, and we mark where water comes from. We plan a trench that curves around the area to be protected, with enough slope to carry water to a safe outlet. After utility marking we dig, line the trench with fabric, lay perforated pipe on stone, cover with stone and fabric and finish with soil and sod. The outlet may be a daylight pipe lower on the slope or a basin. We keep the trench far enough from the foundation so it does not undermine it, and we show you where the cleanouts are.
An uphill trench catches water before it reaches the foundation.
The layout curves with the slope and the area being protected.
Water leaves where it can drain freely, away from neighbors.
The trench stays far enough away not to undermine the house.
The drain intercepts water before it reaches the foundation.
Layout follows the slope and the area being protected.
Water leaves downhill, away from your house and the neighbors.
The trench stays clear of footings.
Silt control keeps the pipe working.
Access points help future service.
Every topic has its own page with what to expect and how we approach it.
Comparison guideFrench Drain TypesHow interior, exterior footing, curtain and surface drains differ in where they collect water and where it goes.Learn more 
Comparison guideWater Pressure and Water TableHow groundwater builds pressure against walls and floors, and why drainage is the key to relieving it.Learn more 
ResourceUSDAA free online tool from the USDA that maps soil types and properties, including drainage class and depth…Learn more Pick a drain, pump, repair, crawl space or drainage project, set the size and add allowances to see a ballpark planning range. Placeholder values only.
You tell us what you have seen, where and when, and we set a visit that fits your day.
We walk the outside and inside with a moisture meter, take photos, measure slopes and call for utility marking.
You review the cause, the options and a plain written scope with every line and the schedule before anything is ordered.
We handle permits, protect your property and prepare the work area, from the floor edge to the trench.
We install drains, pumps, liners or repairs, restore floors and lawns and test every system with water.
We walk the job with you, share a care guide and schedule a first checkup.
A trench with pipe and stone that intercepts water on a slope before it reaches an area you want to protect.
The idea is the same. A curtain drain is placed uphill as a barrier.
It can help when hillside water is a cause. We look at the whole picture.
Far enough to avoid the footing, and close enough to intercept water. We plan it on site.
Occasional checks of outlets and cleanouts help.
French Drain InstallationFrench drain installation with a sloped trench, fabric, washed stone and perforated pipe that collects soggy yard water…Explore 
Retaining Wall DrainageRetaining wall drainage with gravel backfill, filter fabric, weep pipes and outlets that relieve water pressure behind walls…Explore 
Grading and RegradingGrading and regrading that reshape the soil around your house so surface water slopes away from the foundation…Explore 
Yard Drainage SolutionsYard drainage solutions that combine grading, drains, swales and outlets into one plan for lawns and gardens that…Explore Tell us about your property and we will call you back to set up a visit.
Or call (615) 357-7797 to talk now.
