Crystal Palace's hillside location creates unique drainage challenges for homeowners. Those dramatic slopes that give you stunning London views can also channel rainwater straight towards your foundations.
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Victorian properties throughout SE19 and SE20 weren't built with modern drainage in mind. Clay soil combined with steep gradients means water naturally pools against basement walls and under bay windows. A properly designed French drain redirects this flow before damage occurs, preserving both your home's structure and that carefully maintained garden you've worked so hard on.
Installation begins by mapping water flow patterns specific to your property's gradient. Perforated pipes wrapped in geotextile fabric sit within gravel-filled trenches, creating channels that intercept groundwater. The system connects to existing soakaways or storm drains, working silently beneath your lawn. Most Crystal Palace gardens require 20-40 metre runs to effectively manage hillside runoff.
Twenty years solving drainage issues across Upper Norwood's varied terrain has taught us which solutions actually last. Local knowledge matters when you're dealing with everything from compact Anerley terraces to sprawling Penge gardens.




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Most residential projects in Crystal Palace range from £2,800-£5,500, depending on garden size and complexity. Steeper plots or those requiring connection to main drains sit at the higher end.
Yes, we install French drains throughout SE19 and SE20, including Upper Norwood's conservation areas, Anerley's residential streets, and properties backing onto Crystal Palace Park.
Standard installations take 3-5 days from excavation to final landscaping restoration. Larger properties or complex routing around mature trees may need an extra day or two.
Every French drain system includes a 10-year warranty covering materials and workmanship. This includes annual inspections to ensure optimal performance through seasonal changes.
Absolutely. French drains excel at lowering water tables in saturated gardens. By installing strategic runs across problem areas, we transform boggy lawns into usable space year-round.
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