The French drain is your first line of defence against water leaks. If it's faulty or missing, the consequences are costly. Our RBQ-certified specialists install or repair your drain to Quebec's strictest standards.
⚠️ Active water in your basement? Call for priority service → (514) 730-7107
25 years
drain warranty
350+
drains installed
2–5j
job duration
160$/ft
starting price
Understanding
What is a French drain?
A French drain is an underground drainage system installed at the base of your foundation. Made of a perforated pipe surrounded by drainage stone and geotextile, it collects groundwater and carries it away from your house — to the municipal sewer or a sump pit.
When it works properly, your basement stays dry and your foundation is protected from the hydraulic pressure that causes cracks and settling.
→High-performance perforated pipe with root-resistant geotextile
→Graded, filtering drainage stone for optimal drainage
→Connection to the municipal sewer or a sump pit depending on your setup
→Meets RBQ standards and the Quebec Construction Code
80%
of basement moisture problems
are caused by a faulty or missing French drain. A camera inspection confirms its exact condition.
From $160/lin. ftComplete installation including excavation, foundation waterproofing, materials and backfill
Warning signs
Your drain is sending you signals
Here are the most common signs of a French drain that's no longer doing its job.
Water in the basement
Water appearing on the floor or coming up through cracks in the concrete after it rains — a sign the drain is no longer collecting water effectively.
Chronically damp walls
Damp patches or white efflorescence on the inside foundation walls point to persistent water that isn't being drained away.
Musty smell
A lingering musty smell in the basement means moisture is building up and mould is starting to grow.
Soggy ground around the house
Muddy or constantly wet areas near the foundation outside signal a backup or a broken drain.
Foundation cracks
Horizontal or vertical cracks in the concrete are made worse by the hydraulic pressure the drain should normally relieve.
Clay drain from before 1980
Clay drains crack, collapse and clog over time. If your house is over 40 years old, an inspection is a must.
Our method
Complete installation in 5 steps
From inspection to restoration, here's how we handle every job.
01Step 01
Inspection & diagnosis
HD camera and site visit to assess the existing drain and pinpoint the problems.
02Step 02
Excavating the perimeter
The foundation is fully exposed to its entire depth. Trees and landscaping are protected.
03Step 03
Installing the drain
Perforated pipe laid at a controlled slope, with root-resistant geotextile and graded drainage stone.
04Step 04
Connection & testing
Connection to the municipal sewer or a sump pit. Full flow test before backfilling.
05Step 05
Backfill & finishing
Backfill with crushed stone and sand. Grass seeded or sodded. Yard left clean and safe.
The most common signs are water in the basement after rain, persistently damp foundation walls, musty smells, white efflorescence stains on the concrete and soggy ground around the house. A camera inspection confirms the exact condition.
How much does a French drain installation cost?
+
The cost varies with the area to excavate, how accessible the perimeter is and the type of soil. As a guide, expect from $160/lin. ft for a complete installation including excavation, foundation waterproofing, materials, labour and backfill.
How long does the work take?
+
For a standard single-family home, expect 2 to 5 business days depending on the area to excavate and accessibility. The team protects your yard and restores everything at the end of the job.
Can a drain be repaired without excavation?
+
In some cases, a clogged drain can be cleaned by hydro-jetting or with a camera-guided cutting tool. However, if the drain has collapsed, is fractured or is made of clay, excavation and full replacement are needed.
Is the warranty transferable if I sell my house?
+
Yes. Our 25-year warranty is transferable to the new owner with written notice. It's a big plus at resale — the buyer knows the drain was installed by RBQ-certified professionals.
Do you do an inspection before the work?
+
Absolutely. We recommend and include an HD camera inspection before any work. You get the video report — so you know exactly why the work is recommended. No pressure, no surprises.
Do you work in winter?
+
Yes, we work year-round. Excavation in winter is possible with the right equipment. Timelines may be slightly longer depending on conditions, but our commitment to quality stays the same.
Real results
Basements dried out, homeowners relieved
French drain
★★★★★
"Water every spring for 6 years. After the drain was installed, the first big thaw went by without a drop. The team took care of the lawn and everything was clean that same evening."
PG
Patricia G.
Laval, Chomedey
French drain
★★★★★
"A 1970s house with a collapsed clay drain. Full replacement in 3 days. The yard was restored perfectly. The before/after video report is very reassuring."
JR
Jean-Pierre R.
Rosemère
French drain
★★★★★
"Camera inspection before the work — they took the time to show me the condition of the existing drain. Professional work, yard restored perfectly. I recommend them without hesitation."
SC
Sophie C.
Repentigny
Ready to protect your foundation?
Get a free, no-obligation quote for installing or repairing your French drain.
*
The warranty covers only workmanship defects and construction flaws related to the work performed by Fissure et Drain XT. It does not cover damage caused by ground movement, soil defects, earthquakes, exceptional flooding, work done by third parties or any unauthorized modification after the work is completed. Warranty transferable to the new owner upon written notice. RBQ 5863-7364-01.
RBQ 5863-7364-01
25-year warranty* transferable
