FRENCH DRAINS

What are French drains?

French drains are an American invention from the nineteenth century made famous by Henry Flagg French. It is a system for removing surface-level water from inside homes and in yards by way of an underground guttering system.

How do French drains work?

A French drain is essentially a trench put in your yard that pushes water away from your home. The initial point of entry is a drain at a higher point than the rest of the piping system, so water comes in and is directed down to an exit point far from your home. How is this possible? The answer is simple — gravity! As the water enters the drain and flows down and away from your home, this also prevents water from saturating the ground or entering your home in places like foundation cracks. Because the exit point for a French drain needs to be low-lying and far away, the most common places to vent water out are:

• Drainage ditches

• The street

• A dry well

• A storm drain

• Any low-lying spot on your property

How do I know if I need a French drain?

If you are experiencing any of the following, a French drain may be a great solution for you:

• Water is entering your basement or crawl space

• Your yard or driveway has standing water

• You are building a retaining wall

In these scenarios, water is likely to pool in the wrong place, which can lead to more problems like mold or damage to the structure of your foundation.

Why should I choose a French drain?

• They’re a highly efficient way of piping water away from your home.

• They’re affordable, especially compared to fixing structural damage to your home caused by water.

• We can install the entire system quickly and easily. They can be difficult to install yourself, so one of our experienced professionals can get you back up and running in no time.

• Installing one will help prevent the need for expensive work to your foundation, lawn, or basement at a later date.

Ultimately, a French drain is a simple and effective solution for preventing water buildup. It will help keep your basement and yard looking tidy and also prevent major structural damage to your home down the line. Contact Bluestone Foundation Repair for a free consultation and let us install your French drain today!