Water cannot be stopped from flowing, but it can be directed in the desired direction. Because many places suffer considerable rainfall throughout the year, drainage difficulties in residential and commercial properties have become a significant concern. In addition, it can produce hydrostatic pressure, compromising the foundation’s stability if not appropriately addressed.
Because your home’s lowest point is the crawl area or basement, even a mild rainstorm or snowfall might create flooding. Thus, by establishing a drainage system along your property’s foundation, the HydroHelp911 French drain installation service provider in Gastonia, NC, can assist you in fixing your drainage concerns.
The HydroHelp911 French drain is part of a complete waterproofing system for your home’s foundation. This custom-made French drain post piping system gathers water at the floor and wall seams, where most crawl space flooding occurs. It also catches water from the walls and diverts it away from the core of the floor.
What is a French drain system?
A French drain can be described as a drainage system with a gravel-filled trench connected to a perforated pipe that gathers and sends water and moisture to another location. This drainage system prevents water from saturating structures or residential foundations, resulting in costly damage.
The most effective drainage solution for dealing with flooding and water concerns is a French drain system. There are several options for dealing with water in your crawl area.
A French drain installation in an existing home is a big construction undertaking. A jackhammer will be required to dig up the floor for the tunnel if it is put inside, beneath the basement floor. Substantial excavation down to the footer will be needed if the French drain is placed outside, around the foundation’s perimeter. As a result, installing a French drain in the crawl area is not recommended as a do-it-yourself project by HydroHelp911.
How does a crawl space French drain operate?
Water can flow freely across a canal thanks to French drains. First, water runs into a gravel-filled trench, then out the trench’s bottom outlet pipe.
The water flows freely through the pipe, safely draining away from the house. The bottom tube should be raised 1 inch every 8 feet in the direction you want the water to drain. The water can be diverted to one of the following locations, depending on the circumstances:
- The low-lying area of your household.
- Drainage-trench
- Dry-well
Benefits of a French drain:
- Keeps your basement or crawl space drier
- Cheap to install
- Lets you choose where water can be diverted to
- Reduces mold growth and indoor air quality concerns
Importance of adequately installed French drain system
It is critical to build a French drainage system correctly. Pooling in the drain system can be caused by poor installation. As a result, pooling can create significant concerns and complications.
When installing French drain systems, you’ll want to avoid the most typical blunders. For instance, you should always ensure that the drainage system is constructed on a slope. Gravity will carry the water out of the French drain this way.
Other house owners make the mistake of installing a French drain that is perfectly flat. As a result, moving water through the system requires more energy. Because of this, it is unable to extract subsurface water efficiently.
Finally, in a French drain, it’s critical to avoid low places and dips. Pooling can occur in certain areas. Pooling is the issue you’re seeking to avoid by installing the French drain in the first place. Furthermore, it has the potential to be exceedingly problematic.
Moisture draws the dreaded tree root, which is the natural adversary of French drains. But, even if it’s underground, tree roots adore standing water in your yard. Tree roots will obstruct the flow of water if they get into your French drain system. Therefore, the functionality of your French drain system will be harmed as a result of this blockage.
There are numerous other methods to clog a French drain. As a result, hiring an experienced professional for the job can be a good idea.
Water might collect in your property if a French drain is placed incorrectly. It can, for example, cause seasonal flooding in your basement. For Crawl Space French Drain Installation, it’s very crucial to choose an expert like HydroHelp911. The French drain may affect your property’s natural drainage pattern. The drainage system, if not done correctly, might cause more harm than benefit.
Watch the crawl space drainage system by HydroHelp911 and take a look at how we professionals work on it!
Crawl Space French Drain Installation
CHOOSING THE APPROPRIATE LOCATION
Problem areas, nearby elevation, and underlying soil conditions all influence the optimal position. HydroHelp911’s Crawl Space French Drain Installation crew will guarantee adequate slope, depth, and other variables while determining the best site. In terms of soil characteristics, sandy soil in an out-of-the-way location is recommended, but HydroHelp911’s French drain installation professionals will discover the best option depending on your property’s particular qualities.
DIGGING THE FRENCH DRAIN
The experienced technicians dig the french drain considering the city codes and inform the owner about any subway lines that need to be looked at. Typically, the average depth of eight inches to 2 feet, depending on the demographics and specifications of the household.
CALCULATING THE GRADING & DIGGING THE TUNNEL
We mark the dimensions of the trench using a knotted string and then dig the tunnel across the slope. Usually, a 5-6 inch wide trench is dug; however, a wider tunnel needs to be explored if the drainage issue is a major one.
PLACING THE FABRIC AND THE PIPE
The trench or tunnel will be wrapped in landscaping fabric and stuffed with gravel once dug. This cloth helps water infiltration by preventing dirt from accumulating on the stone. A slotted or perforated pipe is inserted at the bottom of the trench. The pipe must be pointed towards an outlet to drain away from the house.
FILL THE SPACE WITH GRAVEL.
The drain is almost complete. The gravel of a suitable choice will now be deposited. First, place another layer of landscape fabric on top of the gravel, then a layer of soil or sod at the surface.
French Drains help in relieving hydrostatic pressure
Hydrostatic pressure builds up and presses against the walls or the floor when water gathers in the soil outside your basement walls or beneath the basement floor and has nowhere to drain. The walls will begin to fold inward and possibly crack if this continues for a long time.
Hydrostatic pressure can even force water through a basement wall or floor. As a result, a proper drainage system not only keeps your basement dry but also preserves the structural integrity of your home by striving to prevent the formation of hydrostatic pressure.
HydroHelp911’s Crawl Space French Drain Installation relieves hydrostatic pressure against your foundation wall or floor by guaranteeing that the soil beneath and around your foundation is never wholly flooded.
WHEN SHOULD A CRAWL SPACE FRENCH DRAIN INSTALLATION BE DONE?
When the humidity level in your crawl space rises after a rainstorm or when the snow melts, this is the first warning. A leak of water on the floor, coming from the walls, is the next sign. When your basement floods, is the last and most obvious of the scenarios. Call HydroHelp911 to schedule a free inspection. We’ll diagnose the issue, tell you where the water is coming from, how to remedy it, and give you a quote.
WHAT IS THE IDEAL PLACE FOR A CRAWL SPACE FRENCH DRAIN INSTALLATION?
By guaranteeing that the earth is never swamped, a French drain installed inside, beneath your basement floor, or outside, submerged along the foundation footer, prevents hydrostatic pressure from building up. Gravity or a sump pump directs all surplus water away from the foundation. Please keep in mind that a French drain differs from a channel drain. Above-ground drainage systems include channel drains.
DO I NEED TO INSTALL A CRAWL SPACE FRENCH DRAIN INSTALLATION?
A French interior drain in the crawl space by HydroHelp911 is recommended when hydrostatic pressure pulls water into the basement through the junction between the wall and the floor or fractures in the floor. A rise in groundwater pressure, which is often induced by heavy rains, causes this pressure.
Removing a portion of concrete floor around the perimeter and digging a shallow trench to the footings’ base is required to install a French interior drain. The gravel is then poured and punctured, after which corrugated plastic pipe is put on top and connected to a sump basin via a filter. The pipe is finally covered in gravel, and the concrete floor is restored.
IS IT TYPICAL FOR THERE TO BE WATER IN THE CRAWL SPACE AFTER RAIN?
It’s relatively uncommon to find water under the house after a heavy storm. However, any water that does enter the crawl space should be quickly removed or dried. It’s crucial to check your crawl space regularly. If not addressed, water infiltration that stays undetected for a long time can cause considerable damage.
