- French drains are known to be one of the most effective drain styles because they prevent foundational damage and water complications.
- Professionals can effortlessly handle your drainage issues and they will make sure your french drain will last a lifetime.
- Rain Guard Inc. in OKC wants to help you with your french drain installation, reach out today.
Are you tired of having a soggy yard after every time it rains? French drains make an effective way to move water away from your property to avoid potential water damage. Named by Henry French, he popularized the french drain in the 1800’s and its been a popular way to lead water away from your home ever since. The french drain can be installed indoor or outdoor and was designed to prevent standing water, yard and basement flooding, and foundational damage. You may still be confused about french drains, so lets go over the top questions of french drain installation together.
Top 10 FAQs About French Drains
There are many aspects of a french drain that may leave you wondering how it works, how it is installed and more. Not to worry! We will go over the basics of your french drain installation process and help you better understand the ins and outs of your new french drain.
1. What Is a French Drain And How Does It Work?
A french drain is a trench filled with gravel and a perforated pipe wrapped in permeable fabric. Water will seep through the rocks and enter the pipe so it can flow downhill and away from your property. When Rain Guard Inc. does your french drain installation, we make sure to create a path of least resistance for water to flow through, so it avoids pooling. These french drains are able to help reduce the pressure around foundations and retaining walls, so you can avoid the hassle that may occur if they have water damage. These drains work for both surface water and ground water management.
2. Where Should A French Drain Be Installed On A Property?
There are a few main places your french drain should be installed. The top areas are along foundational walls, in low-lying yard areas, and behind retaining walls. They will help to prevent basement flooding and soil pressure damage. French drain installations should be places in areas where water may settle and potentially cause damage. Soggy areas in your yard, around driveways and patios, and anywhere water may accumulate. The placement of your french drain will heavily depend on the soil grading, landscaping, and problem areas. Overall it is best to reach out to Rain Guard Inc. so we can help you with your french drain installation.
3. How Deep Should A French Drain Be Installed?
Another question you may have about french drain installation is how deep it should be installed. The typical depth of a french drain can be anywhere between 8-12 inches. Surface drains will usually be more shallow where interior drains may require deeper trenches. The reason why deeper drains may be needed is because they may be needed near foundations or retaining walls for them to be effective. If you’re curious about the slope of the drain, they should slope around 1 inch per 8 feet for proper drainage.
4. What Materials Are Typically Used For A French Drain?
The next question on your mind is probably what type of material is used for french drain installation. Usually perforated plastic pipes, or even PVC pipes, will be used. As mentioned, a water permeable fabric wrap like geotextile fabric will be used to prevent clogging from soil or rocks. Typically gravel or crushed rocks are used at the top of the drain to ensure water has the ability to easily flow through the cracks and can promote water flow. If you have a lot of trees, or any that may be in the way of your french drain, sometimes a solid pipe will be used around those areas to make sure roots don’t intrude on the drain.
5. How Much Does It Cost To Install A French Drain?
Costs for french drain installation depend on many factors. The average cost ranges anywhere between $10-$65 for each foot of drainage needed. The cost of the french drain installation is also dependent on the type and location of the drain. Exterior drains can be $1,000-$6,500 for 100 feet. Interior basement drains will run you quite a bit more because of the complexity of the installation. There will also be extra costs for the sump pump installation which can be up to $4,000 as well. The last cost to keep in mind is landscaping repairs, permits, and restoration costs. This depends on the location and area of your drain but it is important to think of all these cost factors when considering a french drain installation.
6. Can A French Drain Be Installed DIY Or Should A Professional Do It?
If you’re more of a DIY type of person, your next question is likely: can i do my own french drain installation? We would recommend you leave it to the professionals but that is not to say you couldn’t do it alone. French drain installations you do yourself will cost you in physical labor, sweat, and stress. French drain installation professionals, like the ones at Rain Guard Inc, have the knowledge and will abide by all local laws & regulations. They will also use the proper materials as well as ensure the proper sloping is used, which is crucial.There may even be warranties offered when you go to the professionals. Overall it is possible to do your own french drain installation, but we strongly advise against it.
7. How Long Does A French Drain Last?
A french drain installation that is done properly can last a lifetime. Depending on where you live and what type of soil you have to work with, mineral deposits and sediments may slowly reduce efficiency over time. Like most home projects, regular monitoring and maintenance will extend the lifespan of your french drain. Wet and rainy areas will cause more wear and tear on your french drain but you shouldn’t be constantly worrying about it. Leave it to the professionals at Rain Guard Inc. to handle your french drain. The high quality materials we use, along with proper installation, will increase the longevity of your drain.
8. What Are The Signs That A French Drain Is Clogged Or Not Working?
If you’re worried about your french drain installation not being done properly, there are a few tell tale signs that you can look out for. Persistent standing water in problem areas is a good place to start. This shouldn’t be happening when your french drain is installed properly. Slow drainage or a soggy lawn is also an easy way to tell something may be wrong. If there is visible damage or erosion to the retaining walls, that may be a sign of an issue as well. Overall, it is unlikely you will have a clogged french drain, especially if you just installed your french drain installation, but if you’re worried about issues, reach out to Rain Guard Inc. and we would be happy to help.
9. Can A French Drain Prevent Flooding In My Basement Or Yard?
Yes! That is precisely what french drains are used for. When a french drain is properly installed it will redirect water away from your property before it can cause damage. Interior french drains are very effective in preventing basement flooding and water damage. Drainage combined with sump pumps will improve flood prevention measures in low slope areas. If you are tired of basement flooding and water issues, Rain Guard Inc. is happy to help you with your french drain installation, call us today!
10. How Do I Maintain A French Drain System?
It is easy to maintain french drains. The best way to protect them and ensure they are working properly is to inspect them regularly. Yearly inspections will help and all you need to do is check the water flow. Another way to maintain the french drain system is to regularly clean the gravel in the drainage outlet of any debris, especially after big storms or an extra rainy season. If you’re looking for some above and beyond tips, we have some of those too. You can remove plant roots or blockages that could potentially clog the pipe. Repairing damaged fabric will also help your drain stay clear of issues. You may even want to schedule a professional cleaning or flushing if you deem it necessary.
Professional French Drain Installation In OKC
French drains not only protect against the damages that surface water can cause after a heavy rain or melting snow, but they also siphon the excess water beneath the surface and away from your home. This water would otherwise remain stuck under the surface and lead to soil erosion and the structural instability of your home. If a french drain seems like the water management solution for you then we’re here to help. Leave the french drain installation to us!
Looking for a different kind of drainage system?
Our services go beyond providing french drains. We also specialize in other types of underground drainage systems, as well as seamless gutters, commercial gutters, leaf filters, gutter guards, and more. In order to keep your guttering system feeling like brand new gutters, consider opting for our gutter maintenance services. We look forward to helping you achieve the rain water management system you need.
Contact Rain Guard Inc
We have 3 offices across the Oklahoma City metro area to best serve you.
OKC Office
Edmond Office
Norman Office