French Drains are underground drain systems to flow away the excess water to a designated area. When the water is directed to the lowest point, it will seep through a layer of gravel and penetrate into a perforated pipe. The perforated pipes are usually laid in a trench filled with a layer of gravel where water will seep into it and will get drained away.
Why do you need a French Drain?
It is usually installed to prevent excess groundwater near a building or landscape. This will prevent any water to damage building foundations and landscapes by draining away the water to a far location. In some cases you need a French Drain to manage the excess surface water if your land is at a lower elevation than your neighbors.
An effective drainage system is an integral part of an attractive and functional landscape. Lack of proper drainage can cause soil erosion or create water pools. A pool of standing water can also cause the plant roots to rot and form molds or fungus. It also forms a breeding ground for pests and insects that spread harmful diseases to plants and humans.
Installing a French drain in your landscape prevents you from these issues and dangers. It also keeps your landscape beautiful with an additional span of life.
How does a French Drain work?
During a storm when water flows heavily on the surface ground, it flows down to the lowest point where you have planned and installed the French Drain. The surface water drains into the trench filled with gravel. The gravel layer filters the leaves, dirt and other debris and allows the water to flow into a perforated pipe which runs along the areas where water issues was identified.
The collected water in the perforated pipe flows away and drains the excess water that keeps collecting on your landscape. Unlike typical surface trench, the French Drain collects water from its entire length rather than at a single spot.
How to install a French Drain?
A French Drain consists of a trench lined up with landscape fabric to filter the soil and debris. Then a perforated pipe is installed surrounded by a layer of gravel.
Before you install the French Drain system, you need to be aware of certain key aspects that determine how and where your French Drain system needs to be installed and its capacity to drain the excess water. For the free flow of drained water, it is important that you need to maintain a proper slope.
The drainpipe should be 12 inches to two feet below the ground surface to effectively collect and drain the water.
Benefits of a French Drain
Flood Protection
This is one of the best things with French drains. Flooding may wreak havoc in your home at any time. However, homeowners who have installed French drains have nothing to fear. These French drains go a long way in saving you from the damages that come with flooding water, especially for homes built in low areas. French drains help to quickly get rid of standing water and direct it to safer grounds.
Mold Elimination
A leaky basement exposes you to health hazards such as mold infections and other kinds of damages caused by mold. The growth of mold is brought about by excess moisture on various surfaces. If it’s allowed to spread, then you should get ready to spend on repairs and maintenance. However, if you install French drains around your home, then you can rest assured that the mold problem is solved.
Pest Control
Stagnant water is a nuisance to any homeowner. Standing water, especially in dark places, provides a conducive environment for the breeding of pests and insects such as mosquitoes. I am double sure nobody would want his pleasant sleep disturbed by nagging mosquitoes or frogs invading your home. The only way you can avoid this is through French drain installations, especially during the warmer and rainy months.
French Drains are the most efficient drainage system
French drains are very effective when it comes to drainage of standing water away from your home. The other good with French drains is that if you opt to harvest that water, then you can direct it to septic tanks and use it another time. In this case, you will prevent water from causing damage to your home and also harvest water for other purposes such as irrigation. You can achieve all this only if you let the professionals do the installations, and that’s what we do best.
French Drains can improve the quality of your landscape by maintaining proper water levels. They are usually an integral element of a sustainable drainage system. They are designed to prevent flooding of surface water, soil erosion and enhance the environment by recharging the groundwater. This minimizes the need for water treatment and supports plant and animal lives by creating a sustainable environment.
Our support team are ready and glad to assist you with any questions you have. You can rely on our service to install the French Drain in you landscape properly and have a long-lasting peace of mind.
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