French drain system & installation in Silver City GA

Perhaps you’ve noticed some oversaturated areas in your yard. These area with pooling water can prevent flowers and grass from growing. If this is the case in your yard, it is recommended to contact a waterproofing expert, like Schmitt Waterproofing, to come out and inspect your yard. Schmitt Waterproofing will investigate any areas in your yard that have water issues, they will then determine what needs to be done, and provide you with a free estimate.

What Is French Drain?

For areas in your yard staying soggy and swampy, installing a French drain can be an ideal fix. This type of drain is commonly used in most parts of the world. The French drain was named after Henry F. French, a farmer from Massachusetts. He constructed the first ever French drain in 1859. A French drain is built underground, has a trench that slopes at an angle that contains gravel and uses a perforated drain pipe.

This perforated drain pipe, when building a French drain, is covered with filter fabric. This filter fabric allows water to flow through the perforated drain, but not various debris. A French drain works by draining water away from areas in your yard that you don’t want water in. The, then collected water flows through the perforated pipe to an area where it can be absorbed by the soil.

Yard Drainage Issues

Do you have areas in your yard that have large sinkholes, or an area where water isn’t absorbed into the ground easily? If so, you might have some drainage issues in your yard that need to be addressed. Standing water can be a breeding ground for mosquitoes and prevent vegetation from growing.

A French drain can help pull the over-saturation to other areas of the yard, or to a nearby street. French drains are also known as curtain drains, or shallow French drains. A shallow French drain has a trench with a width that is about 12 inches and a depth that is between 12 to 24 inches. Since a French drain needs a slope to help funnel the water to another area, it is ideal that the minimum slope be 1 inch for every 8 feet towards the area where the water is being relocated.

Once the trench is dug, it is lined with filter fabric and the bottom of the trench is filled with gravel. Then a 4-inch perforated drain pipe is set on top of the gravel and refilled with drainage rock. The filter fabric is then folded over the drainage rock and then either covered with top soil or sod.

Shallow French drains are typically built in an area that is higher in elevation than where the water pools. This allows the water in the pooling area to flow into the French drain rather than staying in the depressed area of the yard.

Do French drains work in heavy rain?

Yes, French drains are designed to effectively handle heavy rain and provide drainage for excess water. The primary purpose of a French drain is to collect and redirect water away from an area that is prone to water accumulation, such as around foundations, basements, or low-lying sections of a property.

When heavy rain occurs, the French drain system works by allowing water to enter the perforated pipe or drain gravel surrounding the pipe. The water then flows through the pipe, which is typically sloped to facilitate proper drainage, and is directed away from the problem area to a more suitable location, such as a storm drain or a designated drainage area.

The effectiveness of a French drain in heavy rain depends on several factors:

1. Proper Design and Installation: A well-designed and properly installed French drain is essential for its effectiveness. The drain should be installed at the correct depth, slope, and location to capture and redirect the maximum amount of water.
2. Sufficient Capacity: The size and capacity of the French drain system should be appropriate for the anticipated water flow during heavy rain events. This includes factors such as the diameter of the perforated pipe and the depth and width of the gravel or aggregate bed surrounding the pipe.
3. Maintenance: Regular maintenance is important to ensure the French drain remains free of debris or blockages that could hinder its ability to drain water effectively. This may involve periodic inspections, cleaning or flushing the drain if necessary, and repairing any damaged sections.

By considering these factors and ensuring a properly designed and installed French drain system, it can effectively manage heavy rainfall by collecting and redirecting water away from vulnerable areas, helping to prevent water accumulation and potential water damage to structures.

Things to consider when to install french drain

1. Water Problems: If your property has issues with surface water, such as pooling water or a soggy lawn, or a wet basement, a French drain might be a good solution. It can effectively redirect water away from your property and prevent water damage.
2. Soil Type: Certain types of soil drain water better than others. Clay soils, for example, don’t drain well and can lead to water problems on your property. If your property has poor draining soil, a French drain can be beneficial.
3. Terrain: If your property is on a slope and water tends to accumulate in certain areas, a French drain can help by redirecting the water and alleviating the problem.
4. Cost: The cost of installing a French drain can vary depending on the size and complexity of the project. It can be a significant investment, but it might save you money in the long run by preventing water damage to your home.
5. Resale Value: Improving the drainage of your property can potentially increase its resale value. Buyers are likely to appreciate the fact that they won’t have to deal with water issues.

Call Schmitt Waterproofing today at 404-531-7302, or fill out an online form to set up a free estimate. It’s never too early to address issues in your yard. We have a trained team that can help you find the right solution to your drainage needs at a great price.