If you’re wondering why such a fancy-named drain is needed in your basement, what exactly it does, or if it’s a good option for waterproofing, you’re in the right place. In this article, you’ll learn the benefits of basement waterproofing using a french drain.
Are you noticing dampness, the presence of moisture, or a collection of water in the basement? If there is water leakage in the basement, the water has a tendency to accumulate as there is not a system in place to allow the drainage of the water. This accumulation of water will cause severe damages to your foundation.
If the problem of water accumulation persists, it is time for you to contact a professional basement French drain installation team like HydroHelp911 to solve the problem of water flooding.
A French drain system can ward off some serious and expensive waterproofing issues, as the system can successfully provide efficient results to prevent water from flooding in the basement.
Why Does My House Need a French Drain?
A French drain system alone can solve your water accumulation problems in the basement. It is one of the best methods to keep water away from your house and your basement dry. A dry basement means a stronger foundation.
If your house has one of the following underlying conditions, you should consider installing a French drain system:
- Water gathering in the basement for a long time
- Water accumulating in the crawl space
- Standing water in the yard
This video will provide insight into how installing vents in the crawl space did not solve the problem.
What is a French Drain System?
In layman’s terms, a French drain is just a trench in your yard or basement that will keep the water away from your home. The system follows the concept of gravity. The procedure involves creating water through the channels, which force the water to flow away from the house.
Before installing the French drain system, you must consider contacting a basement French drain installation expert like HydroHelp911 in Hickory, NC, who will guide you through the process and take appropriate measures during the installation system. You have to be sure not to have any pipes, cables, or any other kind of installations around.
The Concept of the French Drain System
The system’s initial entry point is a drain installed at a higher point in regards to the rest of the system. When the water enters the drain, the water will be pushed away from your home, thus preventing water accumulation. This system is installed to avoid water saturation in the basement. The water can enter from gaps in the structures, cracks in the walls, doors or windows, or any other type of opening that allows leakage. The exit points of the French drain system are always kept low-lying and away from home.
Why is a French Drain System Important to Install?
The main intention of installing a French drain system is to remove the water saturated against the basement walls. If the water accumulated near the walls is left untreated, it will damage the basement walls, thus damaging the foundation’s structure.
Here, let’s look at what things you should keep in mind before constructing a drainage system in your house. Things To Consider- Drainage.
The installation procedure of the French drain for basement waterproofing by HydroHelp911 in Hickory, NC.
Prerequisites for installation of the French drain include:
- As water always tends to accumulate at the lowest point of the surface, the team will introduce a French drain at the most profound significance of the affected area.
- The existing water surface drains must not be replaced with French drains.
- If your house has a low-height foundation, you must install the French drain no less than a meter away from your home to avoid structural damage.
French drain Installation by HydroHelp911 Consists of Two Types:
- Interior French Drain Systems -The internal drain system will guide the water away from the home and keeps the moisture at bay in the interior of your basement.
- Exterior French Drain Systems -The exterior drain system is responsible for driving water away from the outer perimeter of the house.
The Installation Process:
1. FIND THE APPROPRIATE SPOT
During the heavy rains, check on the site where the water is pooling. Mark this spot, as this will be where you will dig a trench—Mark the track’s route from the start to the endpoint without violating the rules and the regulations. The exit point of the channel must be far away from the location as the trench will guide the excess water away from the exit point.
2. DIG THROUGH THE ROUTE THAT YOU HAVE MARKED PREVIOUSLY
Now start digging the trench alongside the route that you have drawn. The trench you dig must run down a slope to seek some efficient results since the concept of the French drain system is based on gravity.
3. INSERT THE FABRIC FILTER
Once you have dug up the trench, it is time to insert the water-permeable fabric filter along the length of the trench. Keep about 10 inches of extra fabric on the entry and exit points. Push the fabric filter on the surface of the trench to create a depression.
4. FILL THE TRENCH WITH GRAVEL
After the fabric filter is inserted in the trench, you have to fill the trench with gravel up to 3 inches of height.
5. INSTALL AN INLET GRATE
At the entry point of the trench, install an inlet grate. The water will enter the drain from here.
6. CONNECT THE PIPE WITH THE INLET
Next, you have to connect the inlet grate with the pipe and then insert this pipe above the gravel. Once the tube is inserted, check whether the water flows through it smoothly
7. ADD A FINAL LAYER OF GRAVEL
After checking the flow of water through the pipe, add a final layer of gravel on top of the tube. Make sure the water runs through the pipe and comes out from the other side with ease
8. COVER THE TRENCH
Lastly, cover the trench entirely with soil and get it at the same level as the ground.
To conclude, a French drain system is a simple concept that will prevent the water from saturating in the basement. In addition, this system will keep your yard neat and keep your house away from structural damages in the long term.
HydroHelp911 comprises a squad of experts who have immense knowledge about the basement French drain installation. Our work in the past has allowed us to understand the system better, and we have successfully provided the best waterproofing solutions in Hickory, NC. To obtain the best services in waterproofing and basement French drain installation in Hickory, NC, please get in touch with HydroHelp911.
Contact HydroHelp911 today for more information on how we can help you solve this issue once and for all! We look forward to hearing from you soon!
HOW WILL I KNOW WHETHER MY PROPERTY WILL NEED THE INSTALLATION OF A FRENCH DRAIN SYSTEM?
Before installing a French drain system, the owner must contact a knowledgeable basement French drain installation expert, HydroHelp911, in Hickory, NC. Our crew will pay a visit to your location, and only after inspecting the problem will our team advise installing a French drain pipe, depending on the nature of the damage.
WHAT PROBLEMS WILL A FRENCH DRAIN SOLVE?
The French drain system is responsible for solving innumerable problems related to unwanted water accumulation in the basement of your house. Excessive and long-term water saturation will damage the foundation’s structure and give rise to molds, fungus, bacteria, mildews, etc. Constant accumulation of water not only weakens your foundation but also harms your house’s interior.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I CHECK THE GRATE?
The grate needs to be given attention at least twice a year to ensure there are no blockages. First, make sure there is no waste or any form of debris blocking the grate. Next, flush out the trash from the grate by spraying water with pressure into it.
IS INSTALLING A FRENCH DRAIN BETTER THAN OTHER WATERPROOFING OPTIONS?
French drain systems can be a little on the expensive side as compared to other waterproofing methods, but it is the best option for problems that are not small. In addition, the French drain system provides the most efficient results as it will guide water away from your house and not let it gather in one place. Other methods like applying sealants and paints do not provide the same protection as the French drain system.
WHERE SHOULD THE FRENCH DRAIN PIPE END?
When building a French drain system, ensure it ends at a location away from your home and is at the lowest point. This process is done to ensure the water can go away from the water-logged area. You can exit the French drain pipe in a gutter, gravel pit, or dry well.
