Rainwater is helpful. Rainwater is necessary. But rainwater pooling near your home’s foundation can also cause structural problems. One of the best ways to solve that problem is through French drain installation, redirecting the water to a place where it can naturally drain without affecting your home’s foundation.
What is a French Drain?
A French drain isn’t like a drain in your bathtub, and it has nothing to do with France. Instead it is a drainage system popularized by a 19th century farmer named Henry French. It consists of several main parts.
The drain consists of three main parts:
- The Trench: The French drain trench extends from where the water is pooling to the point where you want to direct the water, be it a dry well or a lower part of the yard. It is graded so the water will run in the direction it is supposed to.
- Perforated Pipe: The pipe is placed at the bottom of the trench to collected the subsurface water and drain it.
- Gravel or Rock Fill: Gravel or rock surrounding the pipe helps to filter debris and allow the water to flow easily into the pipe.
What are the Advantages of French Drains?
1. They Keep the Water Away From Your Foundation
While other waterproofing methods handle water once it reaches or even infiltrates your foundation walls, French drains direct the water away from them in the first place. This is important because even if you keep the water from entering your home, it can still exert pressure on your basement or foundation walls, compromising their structural integrity. French drains can solve this problem.
2. Improve Water Control in Poorly Draining Soils
Some soils drain water more effectively than others. If your home happens to sit upon one of the ones that doesn’t drain well, French drains can help mitigate any damage that the excess water can cause.
3. Versatility
Because of the simplicity of design, French drains are able to be used for most exterior waterproofing projects where drainage is needed.
Need a French Drain Installed in Muskogee? Call Pierman Foundation Services
Pierman Foundation Repair Services are experts at French drain installation. If your home is experiencing water issues, contact us today for a free estimate.
