Everything You Need to Know About French Drains: From How They Work to Installation
A French drain might be the answer if you’re seeking an efficient solution for drainage issues around your home or business. Leaving pools of water to collect and sit in your yard can lead to severe problems, especially if the water floods near a foundation or low-lying building. It is best to act as soon as possible if you notice substantial water flooding. The moment you notice any pooling, your immediate next step should be searching “French drain installers near me” to resolve the issue!
French drains were created in the 1800s to drain water across larger surface areas, and this novel invention helped widespread flooding. Known as a cellar drain at the time, A French drain was revolutionary due to its ability to capture and redirect water away from pools that formed after heavy rainfall. They are still in use today, but many people don’t know how French drains succeed at mass drainage.
French Drains Explained
In order to install a French drain, a trench must first be dug in the problem area. The trench should be lined with a fabric lining along the entire stretch to keep dirt from clogging the drain. The drainpipe is then inserted into the trench to collect as much water as possible through specialty perforations in the pipe. Since the drainpipe is installed at an angle, the water travels downward and away from the flooded terrain, allowing it to disperse to other areas.
The trench is typically filled with gravel and covered with soil, creating an aesthetically pleasing and practical surface on which people can walk without falling and injuring themselves on uneven land. Consequently, French drain systems won’t ruin the look of your well-kept lawn or backyard!
These contraptions redirect water to a drainage basin or other low-lying terrain without being obtrusive, and they are an attractive add-on to any outdoor space. Luckily, this mechanism can even help rid your house of issues related to a wet crawl space. French drain installation systems can be installed in the center of a crawl space and attached to the perimeter, diverting flooding under your home to another area.
Problems Caused by Excessive Flooding
Whether you just frantically searched “who installs French drains near me” after you noticed the beginning of some flooding in your yard or have let it sit for a while, you’re in the right place if you want to obtain awareness of potential problems and take action. If left to sit, standing water can cause foundation issues, disease, soil erosion, mold growth, and foster a breeding ground for mosquitoes. This flooding can also kill plants, trees, and grass, ruining your landscape. You can also easily track mud through the home.
It can cost thousands of dollars to fix these problems, but a drainage system can quickly solve them. A French drain is particularly useful against intense flooding because it captures and diverts groundwater before it saturates the ground. Be sure to do your research about French drain installation near me to solve flooding-related issues quickly and effectively. A professional installation can keep these problems at bay for thirty to forty years.
How to Know When a French Drain is Right for You
If a problem area in your yard has flooding issues, any number of troubles could arise. For instance, maybe the water collected near your house’s foundation or another structure, such as a shed or garage. A stagnant ditch can cause erosion and other deterioration, harming the structural integrity of your buildings. In addition, pools of water may make certain areas impractical, such as a garden or playground for children. Excessive rainwater can be quite a nuisance in everyday life.
A French drain is the answer if an open ditch isn’t safe or practical in the problem area. These systems provide optimal dryness by effectively collecting water through the perforations in the drain tube. This drain constantly absorbs and redirects water as it flows into the problem area, making room for more in the process.
Severe flooding that could cause landscape, basement, foundational structure, or public safety issues should be addressed immediately. You may not be familiar with these systems and wonder, “Who installs French drains near me?” If this is the case, there are plenty of French drain and drainage specialists who are well-trained and equipped to safely dig the trench, install the drainpipe, and cover the entire system so that no one is susceptible to pitfalls.
Professional Versus Do-It-Yourself French Drain Installations
The drainpipe used in a French drain system is long, allowing for proper redirection and maximum water absorption. However, installing this pipe yourself is difficult, as you can run into terrain with boulders and other obstacles that require you to reroute or start over completely. This installation also requires intense physical labor and professional tools, such as a trencher, to properly prevent long-term water damage to your property.
French drain installation is best left to professionals with experience, training, and equipment, especially when inputting a system into a home crawl space. French drain installation can last for decades without replacement if you hire experts to get the job done efficiently and safely.
What to Know Before You Install
Whether you are doing it yourself or Google searching “French drain installers near me” to find the best professional in your area, there are some things you need to know about these system installations before the fact.
Before digging the trench, the underground utility lines on your property should be marked and noted when creating a route for the drain. There should also be an ideal location for the water to drain. Before the trench is filled and covered, the drain should be tested to see if water flows properly through the pipe and out into the drain area. In fact, it is good to leave the pipe uncovered until heavy rain comes through, ensuring that your French drain is working and that you do not need to regrade it.
When you are considering next steps, be sure to search up “professional French installation near me” and schedule a consultation appointment to further discuss a drainage system for your property.
Next Steps
French drains are excellent options for people with land that is susceptible to an array of flooding-related issues. These drain systems are well worth the money if you are experiencing these problems because they can worsen and cause other long-term concerns. A French drain can also increase the value of your home if you plan to sell it in the future since it shows that you took proper care of your home and the surrounding property.
