French Drains Installed Sydney

We deliver all drainage solutions across Sydney and we’re available 24/7 for emergencies. We ensure your drains remain flowing

french drains

French Drains That Work, Installed by The Plumbing Paramedics

Does your yard flood every time it rains? Seeing water pool near your slab or patio? A French drain may be your best fix, and it needs to be installed right the first time.

What is a French Drain?

A French drain is a subsurface drainage system that collects and redirects water away from areas where it causes damage, like soggy lawns, shifting retaining walls or saturated footings. It consists of a slotted or perforated pipe buried in gravel, usually wrapped in geotextile fabric, and is designed to use gravity to remove water from the problem zone.

French drains are not just trenches with gravel. They are engineered systems that require proper slope, flow, and connection to legal discharge points. They are a proven solution for:

  • Sloping blocks
  • Saturated soil
  • Retaining wall seepage
  • Pool and shed zones
  • Backyards without stormwater mains access

How French Drains Work

  1. Water seeps into the gravel trench from the surrounding soil
  2. Water enters the perforated pipe, which runs at a gentle downward slope
  3. The pipe carries water away to a drainage pit, dispersion trench or legal outlet
  4. The geotextile fabric prevents sediment & root intrusion
  5. Topsoil or turf is laid back over the system for an invisible finish

Need a Plumber You Can Rely On?

We’re available 24/7 across Sydney, ready to tackle any plumbing job—big or small.
Count on fast response times, licensed professionals, and upfront, honest pricing with no hidden surprises.

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What Sydney Locals Say About Us

All Drainage Relies Upon Fall

Correct fall is critical. A French drain must fall at a minimum of 1% (10mm per metre) or water will stagnate inside. If the drain is too shallow, backfilled incorrectly, or laid uphill, it fails.

We calculate fall using laser levels and drainage maps to ensure your system complies with AS/NZS 3500 and local council regulations. If the outlet point is lower than your boundary, we’ll connect to a stormwater pit. If there’s no council connection available, we’ll engineer a legal dispersal method like a soakwell or absorption trench.

Where We Install The Most French Drains

We work across The Hills District, Blacktown, and Greater Western Sydney, especially in acreage and sloping blocks in:

  • Dural: high clay content, poor natural absorption
  • Kenthurst & Glenorie: slope management and retaining wall protection
  • Castle Hill & Rouse Hill: modern infill lots with poor backyard runoff
  • Cherrybrook & Bella Vista: hard-surfaced landscapes with poor fall

Signs You Need a French Drain

  • Pooling water after light rain
  • Soggy turf or dying plants
  • Damp rising through paving or slabs
  • Water running from neighbouring property
  • Seepage from retaining walls
  • Water entering under doors or garages

Waterlogged backyard? Seeping walls?
Don’t wait for major damage. Call The Plumbing Paramedics for expert French drain installation across the Hills. 📞 0430 054 007
Same-day drainage assessments available.

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Using The Leading Brands

We work with trusted industry brands to ensure every product we install is reliable, durable, and built to last.

Our Easy 3-Step Process

At The Plumbing Paramedics, we keep it simple and stress-free. Our streamlined 3-step process is designed to give you fast, reliable plumbing solutions without any confusion or delays.

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1

Book Now

Call us or book online — our friendly team is ready 24/7 to assist. We’ll quickly understand your plumbing issue and schedule a visit that fits your time.

2

Free Quote

We’ll assess the job and provide a fixed quote on the spot. No hidden fees, just clear pricing and complete transparency from start to finish.

3

Job Done

Our licensed plumbers show up on time, fully prepared. We get the job done right, clean up after ourselves, and leave your space just as we found it.

How We Will Respond
to Your Plumbing Enquiry

Plumbing issues can be stressful. That’s why we’ve made our process simple, responsive, and focused on quality from the moment you call.

Step 1: Book Your Job


Call us or submit your booking online. We’ll ask for a few details and arrange the best time to attend

Step 2: Confirmed ETA


You’ll receive a confirmation with your technician’s name, arrival window, and a live update when we’re on the way.

Step 3: On-Site Diagnosis


We arrive on time, assess the issue, and provide you with an upfront, fixed-price quote before any work begins

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Step 4: We Get It Done


Our fully equipped vans carry everything needed to do the job with no runarounds or delays..

Step 5: Clean-Up & Wrap-UP


We leave your home neat and tidy, walk you through the completed work, and issue a clear invoice with warranty details.

Step 6: Follow-Up (If Needed)


We check in to ensure everything’s working as it should. If there’s a problem, we’ll make it right — no dramas.

Frequently Asked French Drain Questions

Here are some of the most common queries we get about drainage

French drain pricing depends on site access, depth, length and dispersal requirements. As a guide:

  • Basic garden French drain: $110–$150 per metre
  • Retaining wall French drain: $150–$220 per metre
  • Soakwells or pit connection add-ons: $500–$2,000+

We provide fixed pricing after onsite inspection and always explain any factors that impact

A correctly installed French drain lasts 20+ years. However, maintenance may be needed if:
Roots intrude through joins
Fine silt clogs the gravel bed
Drainage outlet is damaged or blocked
We offer CCTV inspections, jet cleaning, and if required, pipe relining of old failed French drains.

No. Not unless you understand:
How to calculate minimum fall over distance
Soil absorption rates
NSW stormwater regulations
How to legally disperse water on your property
Backfill grades and gravel sizing
We’ve seen many failed DIY drains actually increase flooding by backing water toward the house.

Yes, and it’s essential. Retaining walls without drainage systems often bow, crack, or collapse due to hydrostatic pressure. We always use filter fabric and backfill correctly.

Typical installations are 300mm to 600mm deep, but we customise based on slope, soil type, and outlet height. Drains must always be below the lowest point of the area to be drained.