Driveway Drainage. Driveway drainage solutions can be achieved in various ways, depending on the terrain of your property and how your driveway is designed. You may use a trench drains, french drains (perforated pipe), drainage swales, or just creative grading. All water should always be directed away from the house if possible, and this includes correctly grading the driveway. Sometimes, however, this just can't be done by grading, so other options must be used.