What Is a French Drain, and Do I Need One?
Do you ever wish a heavy rainstorm in the fall or melting snow in the spring did not leave your yard so wet and soggy? If standing water is a common occurrence, it can result in costly issues down the road. Dry Tech Waterproofing Solutions provides trusted drainage services to customers throughout Pennsylvania’s tri-state area. Here, we’ll explore what a French drain is and when you should consider installing one on your property.
How a French Drain Works
Using perforated pipes, French drains are installed beneath the ground’s surface. They are covered with drainage gravel, and once the project is finished, they are completely out of sight. The drainage pipe is usually between 4 and 12 feet in length – just long enough for excess water to flow away from your house. The piping is often wrapped in permeable fabric to help prevent weeds, dirt, and debris from blocking the perforations.
Best of all, there are no mechanical parts. When water seeps into the ground, it passes through the gravel thanks to gravity, and goes directly into the pipe. Then, it is diverted to a low-lying area of your property, a drainage ditch, or a municipal rainwater drain in the street.
Aside from French drain installation, yard drainage issues can be handled in several different ways. Some homeowners benefit from installing a sump pump in their basement or dry well. Speaking with a professional can help you decide which options will work best to handle the abundance of water in your area.
Risks of Excess Water
- Foundation damage: Yard flooding can affect your home’s foundation, weakening its structural integrity.
- Mold and mildew: If moisture infiltrates your basement or crawlspace, it creates the ideal conditions for mold growth. From health issues to mold remediation, fungal growth can lead to other issues.
- Sump pump wear: Excess water outside means your sump pump is working harder to keep your basement dry inside, and this can shorten its lifespan.
- Mosquito breeding: Mosquitoes that potentially carry disease love standing water, so keeping your property dry can help keep these and other pests at bay.
Signs You Need a French Drain
Installing a French drain system can be useful for a variety of reasons. Not only can a drier property mean added value if you are considering selling, but it is also more pleasant for your family to enjoy and maintain. Some of the signs you may want to consider this option include:
- House flooding: If your basement or crawlspace frequently floods, a French drain can help that excess water find someplace else to go.
- Pooling water: Your backyard is the place where your kids play and your garden grows – excess water can make your property less appealing on many levels.
- Retaining wall: Homeowners building a retaining wall on a slope or hillside should seriously consider drainage to ensure it lasts and the surrounding area does not become a prime place for standing water.
A French drain is ideal in a variety of situations but may not work for everyone. Just like your rain gutters direct water off your roof, your French drain needs to be able to direct water away from your home. This requires a certain degree of slope. Otherwise, the result is standing water in and above the drain, which may lead to French drain repair services and an issue that has yet to be resolved.
If you are unsure whether a French drain is an ideal solution for your property, industry professionals can help you decide. Skilled technicians backed by years of experience in water drainage issues can inspect your property and help you come up with an ideal plan.
Call the Experts at Dry Tech Waterproofing Solutions
Dry Tech Waterproofing Solutions, a company with numerous awards by Home Advisor, specializes in basement waterproofing, drainage systems, and other services. Our service areas include Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware. We use the best technology and materials and even offer French drain repair services, so our homeowners can count on us for the lifespan of their system. Our company offers free estimates, financing options, and lifetime warranties – contact us today to get started on your next home improvement project.
