French drains implement the concept of water flowing downhill to address water drainage issues that homeowners have. These devices prevent water from pooling and may divert it to a nearby street, a drainage ditch, a low-lying area on the property, or a dry well. Keep reading to learn about multiple instances where someone might need a French drain in Dallas.
Your Yard Is Soggy
A homeowner may have a soggy yard if their area experiences heavy rainfall throughout the year. They may also have a soaked yard if their yard is flat or otherwise has poor drainage. This excess water in a yard can make it difficult for a homeowner to grow plants, and they may start to see brown spots develop in areas that receive too much water. A French drain can fix this problem, as it redirects water to other areas around a homeowner’s property where it won’t hinder the growth of the existing vegetation.
Your Driveway Is Pooling With Water
Besides a soaked yard, a homeowner may have a driveway that pools with water. This can create slipping hazards for residents and visitors. It can also result in chips, cracks, and other water damage over the long term. A French drain can help address these issues. A shallow French drain is useful, as it collects excess water directly underneath the surface and diverts it away from the pooling area. Installers can use non-perforated piping whenever the French drain passes through sections with shrubs and trees so that roots can’t penetrate and clog the pipes.
You’re Building a Retaining Wall
A retaining wall is a structure that helps support a landscape and prevents the soil from shifting or eroding. If a homeowner wants to build a retaining wall on a hillside, they can install a French drain to prevent water from pooling at the wall’s base. Without a French drain, water may pool and compromise the wall’s structural integrity.
Installers can place the French drain directly behind the wall’s first line of blocks or stones for the most effective results. Ideally, it should also lie on the same base or footing that reinforces the retaining wall. When installers put this device in, they can mitigate the risks of silt clogging the drain. A common technique is covering the wall’s base with landscape cloth before installing the French drain’s pipe and complementary drain gravel.
You Have Water in Your Crawlspace or Basement
Water in a crawlspace or basement can be detrimental to the property. The water may cause mold and mildew to develop, which can lead to health issues and a weakening of the home’s structure. Professionals can install a deep French drain around the house’s perimeter to address this problem. Ideally, the installers place the French drain at the foundation’s footing level so that it can access water before it can get into a crawlspace or basement.
The best solution for water-related issues might be different for each homeowner, but installing a French drain could be a solution if you have any of the water-related issues mentioned above.