What
is a French Drain
What is a French
Drain? A French drain can be used to help solve
a wet basement problem. While all by itself it cannot
solve all of the problems, it can be one of the tools
to solve some problems. So you’re probably wondering
what is a French drain, how
a French drain works, and how will it help
you?
Ironically the French
drain system was not originally constructed
to solve water problems around foundations. A farmer
in Concord, MA developed the idea of this type of drainage
for farming. His name was Henry French, and thus the
term “French Drain” was born. This simple
concept has remained virtually unchanged since it’s
conception in 1859.
The French drain
system is begun by digging a trench about six
inches wide and 2 feet deep that slopes away from your
foundation. Then fill the trench with clay, gravel or
a porous pipe (with gravel over the pipe). The trench
must slope away from the foundation so that the surface
water can drain away. Terminate the trench to a distant
area of your yard or even better into a city storm drainage
system. Local building codes must be consulted to determine
the correct way to terminate the French drain.
So, this will solve surface
water problems in your yard, but what about other
water issues that can cause a wet basement? Since
every home is different, the best thing to do is consult
with a professional waterproofing contractor who can
inspect your home and help you choose a complete system
solution for keeping your basement dry. And now you
know how a French drain works.
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