French Drains in Bermondsey designed to move water away fast and safely. We install discreet drainage runs with correct gradients, gravel and membrane. Ideal for patios, courtyards and tight-access gardens across SE1 and SE16.
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If your patio holds water after rain or your lower-ground room feels damp, a properly designed French drain can transform the space. We install drainage that captures surface and sub-surface water and redirects it to a suitable outlet. In Bermondsey, we’re often called out around Bermondsey Street and London Bridge where hard landscaping and confined courtyards can struggle to drain. Our approach focuses on long-term performance, not quick fixes.
Bermondsey’s mix of converted warehouses, Victorian terraces and modern apartments means drainage problems vary from property to property. Older terraces can have compacted ground and tired gullies, while warehouse conversions may have large paved areas that push water towards thresholds. We tailor french drains bermondsey area installations to suit courtyards, side returns and communal gardens. Where access is limited, we plan spoil removal and material deliveries to keep disruption low.
Every job starts with a site check to confirm where water is coming from and where it can legally and safely discharge. We set out the run, calculate the gradient design, then complete trench excavation, install a perforated pipe, wrap with geotextile membrane and backfill with clean gravel. Outlet connection is made to an approved soakaway or existing drainage where appropriate, with multiple runs added for wider areas. Homeowners choose us for tidy reinstatement, clear communication and a 10-year workmanship warranty.
Working across the London Borough of Southwark, we’re used to tight access, controlled parking and busy streets near Tower Bridge and SE16. Ground can be compacted from historic hardstanding, and many gardens are part-paved, which increases runoff. We plan deliveries, waste removal and working hours to minimise disruption for neighbours and building managers. Where needed, we coordinate with existing manholes and levels to keep falls consistent and compliant.
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Costs depend on length, depth, access and where the outlet connection can be made. In Bermondsey, small courtyard runs often start around £900–£1,800. Typical garden installations are commonly £1,800–£4,500, especially where multiple runs or deeper excavation is needed. If a new soakaway is required or access is restricted (manual dig, skip permits), allow more. We provide a site-based quote after checking levels and discharge options.
Most French drain installations take 1–3 days, depending on the run length and reinstatement. A short trench with straightforward levels and a nearby outlet can be completed in a day. Larger gardens, multiple runs, or work around existing paving can take longer, particularly if we need careful hand-digging in tight Bermondsey access routes. Weather, buried services and the chosen finish (turf, gravel, paving) also affect timescales.
In many cases, garden drainage like French drains is permitted and doesn’t require planning permission. However, rules can change if you’re altering levels significantly, working near a party wall, or dealing with listed buildings and some conservation considerations. Discharging water into public sewers also has restrictions, so the outlet connection must be appropriate. We’ll advise on the best compliant option and flag anything that may need Southwark approval before work starts.
Yes. We provide a 10-year workmanship warranty on our French drain installations, covering correct installation of the trench, membrane, gravel backfill, perforated pipe and connections. It’s designed to give peace of mind that the system has been built to perform as specified. The warranty doesn’t cover issues caused by third-party alterations, ground movement from unrelated building works, or blockages from misuse. We also explain simple maintenance steps to keep flow clear.
We can tailor the system to your site: pipe diameter options, gravel grades, and different geotextile membrane specifications depending on soil and silt risk. Designs may include a single run along a wall, multiple runs across a lawn, or a perimeter drain for paved courtyards. Outlets can connect to an existing drain (where suitable) or a new soakaway. We’ll recommend the best layout after checking levels, access and how you use the space.
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