French Drains in Downham designed to move groundwater away from lawns, patios and foundations. Fine Landscaping installs properly graded runs with membrane, gravel and reliable outlets for long-term drainage.
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If standing water lingers after rain, a French drain can quietly carry it away before it damages paving or saturates turf. We install drainage systems across BR1, including homes near Downham Fields and the routes towards Grove Park. Our approach focuses on correct falls, clean gravel filtration and dependable outlet connections. The result is a garden that drains faster and stays usable.
Downham’s established residential estate includes 1920s cottage estates, 1930s semis and post-war housing, many with compact side access and mixed ground levels. These gardens often suffer from run-off from patios, sheds and rear extensions, especially where soil holds water. We tailor the trench depth and gradient design to suit each plot’s layout. That means effective drainage without unnecessary disruption to planting or pathways.
We start with a site assessment, then set out the run, calculate falls and confirm where water can discharge safely. Installation includes trench excavation, geotextile membrane, perforated pipe, gravel fill and tidy reinstatement, with options for multiple runs where needed. We keep you informed throughout and leave clear maintenance guidance so performance stays consistent. Local homeowners choose us for neat workmanship, transparent specifications and dependable aftercare.
We regularly work in the London Borough of Lewisham and understand access constraints on Downham’s residential streets. Many plots have narrow side passages, so we plan spoil removal, deliveries and parking to minimise disruption. Ground conditions can vary from compacted subsoil to heavier clay pockets, so we adjust gravel grades and pipe positioning accordingly. We also confirm practical outlet routes before excavation begins.
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Costs depend on length, depth, access and where the outlet can connect. As a guide, small single-run installations often start around £900–£1,800, while longer runs or multiple lines can be £2,000–£4,500+. If we need deeper excavation, additional soakaway work, or complex reinstatement around paving, budgets can rise. We provide a site-specific quote after checking levels and discharge options.
Most domestic French drain jobs take 1–3 days from excavation to reinstatement. A short run along a lawn edge may be completed in a day, while multiple runs, deeper trenches or awkward access can extend the schedule. Timescales also depend on locating services, setting accurate falls, and arranging a suitable outlet connection. We’ll confirm the programme before starting and keep the site tidy each day.
In many cases, French drains in a rear garden are permitted development and don’t require planning permission. However, rules can change if you’re altering levels significantly, working near boundaries, or dealing with protected trees or specific site constraints. Discharging water must be done responsibly and not cause issues for neighbours. We’ll advise on the likely requirements and can help you check any Lewisham guidance before work begins.
Yes—our French drain installations come with a 10-year warranty covering workmanship and correct installation of the system components we supply and fit. This includes the trench build-up, membrane placement, pipe bedding, gravel fill and connections as specified. The warranty doesn’t cover damage from third-party works, severe ground movement, or lack of basic maintenance. We provide simple maintenance guidance to help keep the system flowing freely.
We can specify different pipe diameters, gravel sizes and membrane grades depending on flow rates and soil conditions. Popular options include single runs along problem boundaries, multiple runs feeding a main collector line, and discreet inspection points for easier maintenance. Outlet choices may include connection to an existing surface water system (where appropriate) or a designed soakaway solution. We’ll recommend the best configuration after checking levels, access and discharge routes.
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