While a French drain may seem like a complicated plumbing item, it is actually a straightforward drain that can protect your property and landscape. You can choose to construct a French drain yourself or hire a professional drainage systems company to create one for you. The need for a French drain will depend on its specifications, but certain issues like basement and lawn flooding may warrant a professional installation. Homeowners often experience annual flooding in their underground basements due to the absence of a drainage system. Without a place to go, the groundwater ends up inside the home. A French drain utilizes gravity to move the water away from the home and into a secondary location, preventing further flooding.
When a home is situated at the base of a slope, its location may have been appealing at the time of purchase. However, such properties on lowered ground require drainage assistance from a French Drain due to the effect of gravity drawing water to the house during a downpour, making it highly susceptible to flooding. A French drain can be a helpful solution in such cases as it utilizes gravity to draw water away from the property and prevent it from accumulating, thereby helping to prevent flooding.
If you are looking for an affordable drainage improvement for your property, a French Drain can be a great option. It only requires a small number of parts, equipment, and labor hours, making it one of the least expensive drainage solutions. There are two basic ways to acquire a French drain, either by constructing one yourself or scheduling an installation. However, for optimal and long-lasting results, it is recommended to hire local drainage professionals such as PIERMAN to ensure the job is completed to the highest standards and will work at peak performance for many years to come.
A French drain can also help conserve water as some French drains lead to a tank where water can be stored for use in the home. A plumber can install a system to filter the water before it is returned to the residence. If you live in an area that receives consistent rainfall throughout the year, you can go off the grid by capturing rainwater, which is an excellent method to reduce your water consumption in the home.
To achieve optimal drainage and minimize issues such as wet lawns, soggy lawns, and regular foundation repairs, installing a French drain is one of the best methods. This drainage system involves a pipe with perforations that directs surface and subsurface water away from wet regions using a trench filled with rocks, preferably granite due to its durability. Installing a French drain is often simple and affordable, making it an effective solution for reducing drainage issues.
As a French drain utilizes gravity to keep yards free of excess rainwater, it is often best to place it downhill. Excavating with a 1% gradient is an efficient way to construct an artificial slope that allows gravity to do its job. To complete the installation, the trench walls are covered with a water-permeable cloth, and boulders are placed inside the trench.
To allow water to drain out easily, the perforated pipes are placed with the holes inside. The trench should then be filled with suitable aggregate to just above ground level. Finally, the leftover fabric must be used to enclose the French drain in the final stage of construction. For optimal drainage efficiency, it is recommended to locate a suitable French drain installation placement in the following locations:
- Installing a French drain around the house can prevent water from flooding the foundation and keep it dry. The main objective of a French drain is to send water away from a specific location.
- Low areas in the yard, where water is likely to collect and cause flooding, can benefit from the installation of a French drain. With this solution, water will be directed to a selected drainage position, allowing the grass to thrive.
- If your yard is prone to shifting and instability, a retaining wall can be built. This presents an opportunity to install a French drain behind the wall to reroute the water flowing downhill, thus preserving the integrity of the retaining wall. It is important to ensure that the gravel base supporting the wall is level with the pipe for optimal efficiency.
If you require professional assistance with installing a French drain on your property, do not hesitate to contact PIERMAN Foundation Repair. Our team of qualified and experienced professionals can provide expert knowledge on the best solution for your specific water problem, by evaluating your property and considering your unique situation. For an evaluation of your property and to get in touch with us, simply call us at (580) 453-0330.
