When Do You Need to Use French Drains?

French drains are a great option for homeowners looking to protect their property from standing water and flooding. So what exactly is a french drain? A french drain is a trench filled with gravel or rocks that helps to divert water away from specific areas of your property. It typically consists of an underground pipe, which collects and carries the water away from the area you are trying to protect. Here are some of the key signs that you could benefit from installing one:

You Have Poor Drainage on Your Property:

If you have wet spots in your yard that don’t dry up quickly, you may need a french drain. Having poor drainage in your yard can lead to flooding and can damage the foundation of your home.

A French drainage system helps divert water away from the area, allowing it to disperse properly and avoid pooling.

You Notice Water in Your Basement or Crawlspace:

If you find that your basement or crawlspace is often wet, a french drain can help keep the area dry. Water in dark, unseen areas has the potential to do tremendous damage to your foundation and walls and can even lead to severe mold problems. A proper drain system in place is a preventative measure that can save you a lot of time, stress and money.

You Live in an Area Prone to Flooding:

Elevation is a huge factor when considering this type of drain system. If your property is situated in a low-lying area that’s prone to flooding, you may want to consider installing a french drain as a preventative measure. This will aid in the event that flooding should occur and can help keep your home safe from excessive damage.

You’re Installing a Retaining Wall:

If you plan to install a retaining wall on your property, it’s important to make sure that you also have some type of drainage system in place. This will help in the prevention of water pooling where it should not as a result of the wall, and keep the ground behind and under the wall from becoming unstable. When building a retaining wall, a french drainage system is preferred because it relocates the water efficiently, and far enough away from being any kind of threat to the foundation of the structure.

If any of these scenarios apply to you, a french drain may be the perfect solution for keeping your property safe and dry. You can consult a professional landscaper or contractor to help identify if this type of drainage system is the right choice for your home. With proper installation, you can rest assured that your property will be well-protected from standing water and flooding.