French drains are typically made of perforated pipes in a gravel-filled trench. They improve drainage on your property by capturing water that enters the pipe and distributing it to a large drainage area. They allow roof runoff to flow downhill or to designated areas away from your home.
Foremost Foundations & Construction can install or repair your French drains. Here is some information on how these systems work and why you should consider them for your home.
How French Drains Work
To work properly, French drains need gravel to filter the water, allowing clean water to flow through the pipes. Without gravel, the pipes will quickly clog with mud and dirt. In addition, the pipe draws water away from the exterior walls of your house and prevents water incursion in or under your concrete foundation, crawl space, and home.
There are several ways to set up the drainage system, including a retainage pond, city storm drain, or ditch. Some homes have French drains that carry water to the sump pump. Whenever possible, we install French drains on a slope, making it easy to direct water away from the home.
Do I Need a French Drain?
Whether your property sits on top of a hill, in a valley between two hills, or on flat ground, it’s crucial to have proper drainage. Drainage is even more important if you are at the bottom or top of the hill, which may make your home vulnerable to erosion or flooding.
Here are some of the common signs that you might need a French drain in your home:
Musty smells coming from your crawlspace
Flooding during storms
Warped or un-level floors or foundation
Standing water in your yard
Cracks in your brick or sheet rock
Advantages of French Drains
If you've noticed signs that you need better drainage on your property, you might wonder if French drains are your best option. Here are just some of the advantages of choosing this simple, affordable drainage control system:
Affordability. If you have a moldy crawlspace prone to flooding, these drains are a cost-effective way to save yourself the hassle of pumping out water every time it rains.
Efficiency. French drains might look like simple pipes, but they are an efficient way to keep water from eroding your foundation or invading your home. Water damage can lead to expensive issues, including pest infestation, structural damage, mold, and mildew.
·Landscaping. If you have property that slopes away from your house, these drains can prevent erosion.
Low Maintenance. All you do is periodically wash the pipes out with a hose or power washer.
Foremost Foundations & Construction can install French drains quickly and effectively.
For French drain installation and maintenance, call us at (601) 405-1052 or request an appointment online. We also offer many other reliable services to protect your home in Central and South Mississippi or Mobile, AL.