French drain
A gravel-filled trench with a perforated pipe that carries groundwater away from the house.
A French drain is a trench filled with gravel around a perforated pipe that collects groundwater and channels it away from your foundation, typically to a lower point or a sump pit. It's the go-to fix for chronic basement seepage or a persistently soggy yard when surface fixes like [grading](/glossary/grading) and downspout extensions aren't enough. Interior versions (drain tile) run along the basement footing and feed a sump pump. See [how to prevent water damage at home](/guides/preventing-water-damage-at-home).