French drains are more than just pipes in trenches. They are crucial in diverting stormwater from your basement, foundation, and landscaping. In order to ensure they are effective at their job, there are a few considerations that we have to make as professionals before installing them.
- The Slope. One major issue when installing French drains is the slope of the trench. Since most French drains operate by gravity flow, we must consider the slope of the trench during design. Regardless of the prevailing slope, the trench must adequately direct water away from the building’s foundation.
- Underground Utilities. As a matter of convenience, most utility lines pass underground. They include internet cables, municipal water and sewer lines, and gas lines. There’s always the looming risk of an accidental nip while excavating trenches. To avoid this, reliable professionals always work with utility providers to map out safe locations for digging on any property.
- Lining. Lining the drainage pipes is just as important as installing them. This is because French drains use perforated pipes to collect stormwater from the ground. If unlined, the holes on these pipes easily clog up due to runoff debris, which reduces their effectiveness and increases the risk of flooding. Experienced professionals understand this and line every drainage pipe with a nonwoven or water-permeable fabric. This keeps out the debris while allowing water to enter.
Overall, you should always hire a pro to handle your dirty work. Get in touch with us today for a quality French drain installation.