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Wet basements are frustrating to homeowners and business owners, and French drains can often solve their problems. Anyone who isn't sure whether to have a French drain installed in Little Rock can benefit from learning more about it. After understanding how it works, its benefits and what's involved in French drain installation, it's easier to fully appreciate the value this type of drain brings to a property.
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What Are French Drains?

French drains consist of trenches, perforated pipes and loose gravel. The trenches are lower than the ground, and the pipes are perforated to allow water to enter and travel through. The gravel that's placed around the pipes in the trenches helps excess water enter easier. At the end of a trench is a collection or exit point for the water. There are two types of French drains, which are interior or exterior.

Interior French Drains

Interior drains are usually along the bottom of the basement's perimeter. They're lower than the floor to allow excess moisture to enter the trench. There's a lowest point, which is where the water collects and can be drained or pumped out.

Exterior French Drains

With an exterior drain, a professional digs a trench that angles away from the home. An outdoor drain routes water away from the basement, making it an excellent first line of defense. Like an interior drain, it has a lowest point where the water exits. Most people choose an outdoor yard drain when looking for "yard drainage contractors near me."

How Do French Drains Function?

Water always flows to the lowest point, which is why trenches with pipes that travel to a lower exit point make this simple design ideal. The loose gravel allows for easier drainage of the surrounding soil, and the perforated pipes in the trenches help channel water away. By moving groundwater away from a yard and any structure on the property, the drain helps reduce static pressure on basement walls. This reduces crack, leak and seepage risks.

With exterior drains, there are several options for water exit points. However, the exit point must be approved for the property, and approved points can vary by location and slope. Some common points on sloped properties may be streets, lower drainage fields, ditches or dry wells. On properties that lack a slope, owners may need a sump pump. If there's an existing septic system, the pump can connect to that. It may also move water into dry wells or storm sewers.

How Does a French Drain Work?

Thanks to gravity, water always flows to the lowest point and collects there before draining into air pockets and loose soil. French drains encourage the water to drain from the surrounding soil by providing an accessible channel for the water to flow. The reduction of water in the soil surrounding a basement’s walls reduces the amount of static pressure on the walls themselves, which helps prevent seepage and leaks.

However, in order to drain correctly, the French drain installation must be done correctly. The perforated pipe and the trench drain it is placed in must use gravity to direct water out of the saturated soil and towards a specific discharge point.

While they vary by property and location, some examples of discharge points for a French basement drainage system include:

• Streets and roadways
• Drainage ditches
• Drainage fields
• Dry wells

For properties located on flat, non-sloped lots, sump pumps may be needed to ensure water flows away from the home and into a septic system, storm sewer, or one of the discharge points listed above. Of course, this can add to the French drain cost.

Is it Time to Consider a French Drain Installation?

Homeowners considering yard drain systems should choose an option that makes the most sense both functionally and financially. Nonetheless, the cost of water damage can greatly exceed French drain cost.

Here are some telltale signs it is time for a drain installation:

• Basement smells musty
• Basement floods when it is raining or snowing
• Visible leaks and/or seepage
• Cracks in the foundation
• Over-saturated soil and standing water
• Elevated basement humidity levels
• Water stains on floors or walls

For anyone still unsure of whether or not French drains are the right solution, it is best to contact a professional. Drainage professionals know what to look for when inspecting a property and can provide the right advice.

When Does It Make Sense To Install a French Drain?



Although French drains are great for many properties, they're not the right solution for everyone. Our professionals are happy to assess properties to see if a French lawn drain will help. These are some signs that it may be time for French drain installation:

• Water stains are visible on the floors or walls in the basement.
• The basement floods after heavy rainfall.
• There's mildew or mold growing in the basement.
• There are musty smells in the basement.
• Leaks, seepage or foundation cracks are visible.
• The basement has high humidity.
• There's over-saturated soil outside or standing water in the yard.
• No drainage system or waterproofing system exists to protect the basement.

Some people may not know if there's a waterproofing system in the basement or a lawn drain. In some cases, there may be an existing drain. However, it may have been installed incorrectly or may not be ideal for the property's features and slope. A professional assessment can reveal any problems.

​When it comes to advantageous drainage solutions, we often recommend French drains because of how many combined benefits they offer. These are some examples:

Cost
To appreciate the true value of French drains, it helps to understand their cost in relation to other benefits. For their longevity and low maintenance demands, the cost makes them even more beneficial. Also, they don't cost a fortune to install. With the savings most business owners or homeowners enjoy by choosing French drains, they have money for other improvements.

Property Improvement
In addition to protecting a structure on a property, French drains can protect the yard. If there's an in-ground pool in the yard, removing excess groundwater can reduce pressure on the walls. Also, drains prevent over-saturation of garden beds, landscaping, plants and the grass. For families with yards, this makes it easier to use the space for socializing or for a children's play area.​ Since mosquitoes breed in standing water, a drain also helps discourage these pests.

Highly Efficient
For people who are frustrated by excess moisture in the yard and basement, an exterior French drain may be an end-all solution to the problems. It removes moisture from the ground and prevents excessive basement moisture in the first place. Also, French drains are efficient since they can connect with septic systems. They effectively prevent costly damage, which makes them an excellent choice.

Low Maintenance
Like other types of drains, French drains develop clogs over time. However, they're easy to clean with a pressure washer. Spraying the drain channels periodically helps loosen clumps, and drain snakes can loosen more difficult clogs.
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Fast Installation
Our drainage experts near you have the right equipment, skills and technologies to quickly install French drains. They know how to assess properties, accurately measure slopes, determine ideal drainage solutions and more. Also, they know how to make drains fit better into existing landscapes.

Why Hire a Professional for French Drain Installation?

We understand that people who want Little Rock French drains installed want to avoid spending a fortune, want quality work and want some assurance that they can trust the people they hire. This is why we strongly recommend hiring a professional. As professional contractors, we offer the peace of mind, quality and reliability that customers deserve. DIY installations can lead to serious problems, including property damage or physical injury. These are some important reasons to hire a professional:

Safety
Safety must always come first. There are underground gas lines, water lines and cables on properties. Professionals know how to find and avoid damaging underground lines and fixtures. They have the right safety gear and equipment to reduce injury risks, and they are trained to practice high-level safety measures at all times.

Slope Knowledge
With an exterior French drain, it's critical to have a thorough understanding of slopes and how to measure them. Professionals know how to determine the right angle for a drain based on slope and other important property features. If a yard drain isn't installed properly, it puts the property and structure at risk. Also, it winds up being a waste of money. Professionals know how to do everything correctly to help customers maximize the benefits of their investment.
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Compliance Issues
Whenever there's a drain installation on a property, there are legal issues to consider. Little Rock French drains must comply with building codes and laws regarding exit points. Professionals know how to select the right solutions, obtain permits and handle every compliance measure.

Maintenance
In addition to installing drains, professionals can maintain them. They can recommend a customized maintenance schedule for annual inspections, cleaning and more. When they know how a drain was installed, it's also easier for them to diagnose issues if property owners have any problems in the future.

Insurance
An insured professional company provides much more peace of mind than hiring a handyman or doing a DIY project. With insurance, property owners know that they're not responsible if any workers are injured during the process. They know that any potential damages or mistakes won't be their liability. When a company is insured, it gives customers the assurance that they won't be paying more than they should and aren't making a risky investment.

Specialized Knowledge
It would cost a small fortune for business owners or homeowners to buy their own equipment and supplies. It would also take time to learn the correct installation methods, slope measurement and more. A yard drainage specialist near you can buy discounted bulk gravel and supplies, and they have all the right high-quality equipment to finish jobs quickly.

Our Partners: Seattle outdoor yard drainage solutions & french drain system, San Antonio landscape architect