French Drains vs Storm Drains: Key Differences

French drains and storm drains are often mentioned together, but they’re designed for different purposes. In many neighborhoods, both systems exist side-by-side: one to control water around a specific property area, and the other to manage runoff across streets and public spaces.

What a French drain is (and what it does)

A French drain is a localized drainage system typically installed below the ground. It usually consists of a trench filled with gravel and, in many modern designs, a perforated pipe that collects and redirects groundwater or surface water away from an area—such as a basement wall, crawlspace perimeter, or yard grading points.