A French drain is a low-cost solution to standing water. It is easy to install and maintain. If you have a house with a wet yard or a basement that floods or areas where water collects, it is viable to get the French drains installed.  Surface water can cause a lot of financial damage. To protect your precious garden, foundation, basement and the furniture you have in there, ask the drainage experts to come to the house and have a look at the problem.

Some home owners like to go ahead and make their own drains. They have to get a contractor to fix it when it clogs up. The better thing to do is to hire a good company that has the ample experience of installing a drainage system so you do not have to worry about anything. Pay once and keep at peace of mind knowing that the drains will not malfunction. French drains originated in the United States. It is designed to give the invasive groundwater a passageway of least resistance. This water is forwarded away from a structure or low-lying section of the lawn to another spot.

In the rainy season, the flooding problem can cause thousands of dollars in damages to properties located in the Gulf Coast area.  Besides looking unsightly, the standing water also poses health risks. It serves as a breeding ground for mosquitoes and since the humid climate of the Gulf Coast is highly conducive for the growth of bacteria, mold, and fungus it is good to seek a quick remedy to the problem.

The flooding problem is linked to the sloping ground. If your house was constructed on an even ground you will never have a problem with runoff water. If your neighbor’s house is constructed on an elevation, then in the rainy season, the rain water from their property may run into yours. If your soil does not absorb the water, your foundation may crack if you do not take some action on time. Many homeowners have sump pumps and use it to get the water out of the basement when it collects there.

Before it starts to pour down hard, you have to get in touch with a drainage contractor so they can build reliable French drains on your property. The drain has to be well planned and well executed.  The linear French drain is the most affordable solution and is also simple to make. It cuts off the water and redirects it away from the house. The contractor will dig a ditch using proper tools and materials. They will come to the house with round gravel, PVC pipes with holes and a trencher.

A French drain system can have an L shape or a U shape and the choice of the shape depends on the way your property is built. The trench will be dug at least 4 to 6 feet away from the house.  It will be lined with special fabric to prevent clogging.

Contractors take into consideration gravity which works in the favor of the system. The water is diverted do a spot that is downhill. Most contractors work with engineers that give their input and feedback about the drainage system design. They will advise the best possible exit point for the water. The trench is first lined with gravel and then the perforated pipes are installed.  It can then be covered with sod and decorative elements if you like. These drains can be installed on both residential and commercial properties.

Next time when it rains, the water will be diverted to the French drain and will exit in a safe spot away from the foundation. The property will look presentable and the entire family can stay safe from malaria and allergies caused by mosquitoes, mold and fungus that grow due to standing water. Malaria is life threatening and will require an unexpected trip to the nearby hospital. With a proper drainage system installed you will also not have to get an exterminator to spray the standing water to destroy the mosquitoes.  The basement will remain dry and you will not have to spend any money on renovations or repairs to the foundation.

Author Bio

George Frank is a contractor who specializes in drainage systems and their installation, he currently resides in Fort Worth, Texas and currently associated with Advantage Drainage.