514-901-0999

FRENCH DRAIN ALERT!

Don't wait for signs of water damage to call the foundation repair experts. Book now at 514-901-0999 for your free same day inspection.

What Is A French Drain?

A French drain or weeping tile (can also be referred to as a blind drain, rubble drain, rock drain, drain tile, perimeter drain, land drain, french ditch, sub-surface drain, sub-soil drain or agricultural drain) is a trench filled with gravel or rock or containing a perforated pipe that redirects surface water and groundwater away from an area. French drains are primarily used to prevent ground and surface water from penetrating or damaging building foundations. French drains may be used as a septic drain field at the outlet of a typical septic tank sewage treatment system. This solution is also commonly used in conjunction with retaining walls to relieve ground water pressure.

In most homes, an external French drain or drain tile is installed around the foundation walls before the foundation soil is backfilled. It is laid on the bottom of the excavated area, and a layer of stone is laid on top. In many cases, a filter fabric is then laid on top of the stone to keep fine sediments and particles from entering. Once the drain is installed, the area is backfilled and the system is left alone unless it clogs. French drains are often installed around a home foundation in two different ways: buried around the foundation wall on the external side of the foundation, installed underneath the basement floor on the inside perimeter of the basement.

French Drain Installation

Installing a french drain around the inside perimeter is most commonly done after the house has been built. Most commonly, this is done in response to a wet basement or right before performing a basement finishing. To install a french drain the perimeter of the basement floor is jackhammered down to the footing and the concrete is removed. A layer of stone is laid down, and a perforated drain pipe is laid on top of it. Water is collected from the basement wall floor joint as it enters, and a pump is installed to remove water from the house and away from the foundation. An interior french drain installation is an effective way to waterproof a basement but requires the use of a sump pump to ensure water is dispersed when experiencing heavy rain and melting of the snow. Many contractors will install plastic sump pumps that can quickly break down or neglect to install a battery backup sump pump, making the basement vulnerable to flooding during power outages. 

While an exterior french drain can operate for ten years or more without the need for maintenance, it is prone to clogging without any warning and can eventually lead to a flooded basement. When there is no filter, sediments can make their way through the stone as years pass and clog the drain, and when the filter fabric is present, that can instead clog with sediments. It may be wise to provide clean-outs, much as is done with sanitary sewers, to provide access for inspection with a camera snake.

When Do You need A French Drain?

  • When you are faced with surface water damaging your driveway, walkway, lawn, leading to washout damages.

  • Water, humidity and mold related issues within your basement.

  • Retaining wall.

  • Unmanaged roof rainwater.

Call Us For Your Customized French Drain System!

Solage Solide has access to various french drain systems to meet the needs of your foundation. No one french drain system is used in all applications, depending on various factors (slope, environment, previous foundation repairs) we focus on providing you with a lifetime guaranteed solution.