Do you have a soggy yard or a wet basement? Then a French drain system is your cure. Here is how they work and when to use them.
What is a French Drain?
A French drain is a gravel filled trench that includes a perforated pipe. It’s used to direct surface and underground water away from a specific area. It allows standing water to get directed towards the lowest point allowing it to seep through the gravel, down the pipe and drain into a more suitable area. The gravel that is in the trench blocks excess debris so that the water can easily reach the pipe and maximum drainage is obtained.
Properties that have a lot of clay in the soil will often have issues with drainage or pooling water. Clay will soak up water, hold it, and not let it move through the earth and disperse easily. This is a common problem we find when working on properties in Kelowna and the surrounding areas. Once the necessary amount of clay is removed from the area, we look for the best option to dig a sloped trench and install the French drain system. French drains systems differ from typical surface drains because they collect water over the entire length of the drain instead of only in one particular spot.
Where Should I Install a French Drain?
Notice where water pools on your property. Especially if it sits for hours, or days after a rain. Some of the most common drainage problems home owners face are:
- Flooding in a backyard
- Damage to an outdoor patio
- Damage to a home’s foundation
- Damage in low-level areas like a basement.
There are many factors to consider before installing a French drain system. Slope is essential. A downhill course must be sloped enough to keep water running along to its intended destination. Generally, you want at least 1% of slope for every 100 feet of length. As for depth, you will need between 8 inches to 2 feet deep for many water diverting projects. Related systems such as those built around a foundation or sub-ground living space may be deeper.
If you are experiencing a soggy yard or pooling water around your property, call Kelstone Contracting for your free estimate today.