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French Drain Repair
Chesterbrook, PA
Common Mistakes Made When Installing French Drains
French Drains Chesterbrook, PA are a type of trench drain that is used in order to remove sediment, sewage, and stormwater runoff from underground. A French drain is usually a large trench filled with stone or gravel or containing an interconnected perforated pipe that directs surface water away from a site to a lower level, generally beneath the earth.
The main problem with French drains is that they often have limited capacity. In fact, some trench drains are not designed to cope with typical urban drainage requirements.
Generally, French drains are intended to cope with slopes that are less than one inch. Slopes with a gradient of more than fifteen degrees are not suitable for French drains as they are too steep to pass through with a regular diameter French drain. In most cases, French drains are constructed to run between two opposing retaining walls that are parallel to each other. However, it may also be possible to install a drain between retaining walls that lie parallel to each other.
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How do you Install a French Drain?
During French Drain Installation, it is necessary to install a French drain screen. This is usually comprised of a thick plastic mesh, a material such as crushed stone or paving slabs, and a series of hooks or nozzles. The mesh is then attached to the upper, French drain pipe and a pressure washer is used to blast holes in the mesh to allow water to pass through. After the French drain has passed through the hole in the mesh, the remainder of the trench is left in its original position, with the mesh and drain pipe above the soil.
Generally, French drains are used to remove excess groundwater from residential areas and to prevent flooding in the home. The French drain is placed in a strategic location in the yard to catch any runoff from a driveway or street. In doing so, the French drain can then divert excess water away from the foundation of the home. In fact, French drains are one of the best options for improving the quality of the groundwater supply in a yard.
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What are the Precautions you need to be aware of?
When it comes to installing French drains, there are some precautions that need to be taken. To begin, it is important that homeowners start by preparing the area they will be installing the French drain in.
This includes selecting the correct landscape fabric, making sure the soil is loose and soft enough to fill the French drain, digging a hole for installation, and cutting the landscape fabric to the correct size. Many people underestimate the amount of work involved in installing French drains and underestimate the amount of time it will take.
Another common mistake made when installing French drains is that homeowners will dig their French drains too small. The problem with doing this is that, over time, water from the soil can cause wear on the French drain. If the French drain is installed too large, the gravel can be washed away. Even if the gravel is washed away, over time the soil will settle and create additional problems. An incorrect installation can end up costing more money than needed.
As previously mentioned, one of the most common mistakes made when installing French drains is not selecting the correct landscape fabric.
Many homeowners will simply choose a material that will not withstand wet conditions and may cause damage to the French drain over time.
For example, many homeowners choose vinyl tile or perforated metal pipe for installation because it is relatively inexpensive. Unfortunately, this material is not appropriate for French drains. The bottom line is that French drains require a larger gravel bed with deeper pockets of soil in order to work properly.
Finally, another common mistake made when installing French drains is installing the French drain above the existing surface drainage. This is not a good idea, as French drains work better when placed within the topsoil of the yard. Installing the French drain above the surface can make the drain appear smaller and will actually require an even heavier installation in order to accomplish the same result. By choosing a landscape layout that includes excavation around the perimeter of your home, you will be able to install French drains at an angle so that they will work better for both yard drainage and water collection.
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