Problems with water around your premises may easily turn from small nuisances to expensive catastrophes. Pooling water in your yard, a wet basement, or a foundation problem are all indications that your premises require improved water control. French drains are a tried and tested solution that has served homes for ages, and for that reason, they are one of the safest options for regulating water movement and stopping the resultant damages.
What are French Drains? And How Do They Work?
French drains are subterranean drains that are installed to channel water away from certain locations on your land. Although their name would have you believe otherwise, they were not discovered in France – their name comes from a 19th-century American farmer who promoted the use of French drains.
The system consists of several key components working together. A trench is dug in the area where water collection is needed, typically sloped to encourage water flow toward a desired drainage point. This trench is lined with filter fabric to prevent soil from clogging the system. Coarse gravel fills most of the trench, creating space for water to flow freely. A perforated pipe runs through the center of the gravel bed, collecting water and channeling it away from the problem area.
The Water Collection and Diversion Procedure
Water enters the direction of least resistance naturally, and French drains use that concept. As the surrounding soil becomes saturated with water, the water enters the gravel-filled bottom trench, where it travels more easily than if it were in hard-packed ground. The perforated pipe gathers this water and transports it away to a point for drainage, such as a storm drain, dry well, or lower part of your yard.
The process occurs constantly, regardless of snowmelt or rain. The system operates without any electricity or mechanical components and without any maintenance. The storage facility keeps the extra water for a short while as the pipe slowly transports it away from the premises.
Preserving Your Property Investment
French drains have a series of benefits that protect both your home building and yard investment. One of the most crucial is protection for the foundation. Pooling around your base could result in flooding in your basement, foundation settling, and structural deterioration that ends up costing you thousands to repair. French drains direct the water away prior to reaching the foundation and therefore prevent those expensive damages.
Soil erosion control represents another significant benefit. Heavy rains can wash away topsoil, creating unsightly gullies and undermining walkways or driveways. French drains capture this runoff before it gains enough momentum to cause erosion, preserving your property’s grade and appearance.
Proper drainage is also a benefit for landscaping and gardens. Plants require water, yet they’ll drown and develop fungal disease if they are overwatered. French drains eliminate unnecessary watering while giving soil the moisture that plants really need.
Making the Right Decision for Your Property
Effective water management isn’t just taking care of current problems, but taking care of those yet to be faced. French drains are a long-term solution that lasts for generations with little upkeep needed. You could have surface water issues or desire moisture intrusion kept at bay for a drier cellar, and these systems provide reliable service.
If you are experiencing water management problems on the property, taking the advice of those who install French drains in Oklahoma City will enable you to make the best judgment for your specific situation. Proper installation ensures that your system will effectively protect your investment on the property for years to come.
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