Yard Drainage Solutions in Aurora and Surrounding Areas
Understanding the French Drain
In the world of water management, simplicity often reigns supreme. Water naturally flows downhill, seeking the path of least resistance. The French drain, a clever invention, harnesses this principle to redirect water away from your home and keep your property dry.
Contrary to its name, the French drain’s origin has nothing to do with France. It’s named after Henry French, a 19th-century judge and farmer from Concord, Massachusetts, who championed this ingenious concept in his 1859 book on farm drainage.
How a French Drain Works
The brilliance of a French drain lies in its straightforward design. It consists of a gently sloped trench filled with round gravel and a strategically placed perforated PVC pipe. This pipe is wrapped in a nylon filter sock to prevent clogging and contamination.
Here’s how it operates:
- Water Collection: When rainwater or excess moisture accumulates, it naturally finds its way into the trench.
- Gravel Reservoir: The trench is lined with ¾ inch washed gravel, providing a reservoir for water storage.
- Perforated Pipe: At the bottom of the trench, the perforated PVC pipe collects the water.
- Smooth Diversion: The water effortlessly flows through the pipe, away from your home’s foundation.
To ensure optimal functionality, the trench’s bottom should be sloped at about 1 inch for every 8 feet in the direction you want water to flow. Depending on your property’s layout, the redirected water can find its way to a low-lying area, a drainage ditch, a dry well, or even the street.
When Do You Need a French Drain?
Problem: Surface Water
A shallow French drain might be the answer if you’re dealing with surface water issues like a perpetually soggy lawn or a driveway prone to washouts. Positioned uphill from the problematic area, this drain intercepts and redirects water, effectively drying out the spot.
These drains are typically shallow, measuring about 2 feet deep and 1.5 feet across. In areas with trees or shrubs, we may opt for a solid pipe to prevent root intrusion.
Problem: Water Over Your Foundation
When water threatens to infiltrate your basement through the top of your foundation, a different approach is needed. A French drain, positioned around the perimeter of your home, approximately 12 to 14 inches below ground level, intercepts the water before it reaches your foundation.
At Everseal Basement, we specialize in crafting tailored yard drainage solutions to suit your specific needs. Whether you’re contending with soggy lawns or basement seepage, our expertise and dedication ensure effective results.
Don’t let excess water dampen your property’s value or compromise your basement’s integrity. Contact Everseal Basement today, and let us find the ideal drainage solution for your needs.
Give us a call, and say goodbye to drainage issues!
