In some yards, the land naturally contours in a fashion that allows water to pool in certain areas. In severe cases, this can result in substantial flooding — not to mention extensive damage to a home’s foundation.
This is why it’s sometimes wise for homeowners to install a French drain. Are you interested in learning about French drains and their benefits? This basement waterproofing company in Downers Grove, Illinois is going to explain below.
What Is a French Drain?
A French drain is a trench that’s dug in a problem area of a yard. These drains are connected to perforated pipes. These pipes catch groundwater and then redirect it to different areas throughout the yard. This helps prevent water pooling, and thus keeps your yard as functional as possible regardless of weather.
Not all yards need French drains. If your yard doesn’t have any drainage issues, you can get by without them. If water pooling is common in your yard, however, your basement waterproofing company in Downers Grove, Illinois may recommend installing one.
How Can a French Drain Help Keep a Basement Dry?
The primary purpose of French drains is to keep water from pooling in their corresponding yards. This alone is beneficial enough for many homeowners. However, the benefits don’t stop there. French drains can also be beneficial in terms of basement waterproofing efforts.
What’s the connection? It’s all about reducing hydrostatic pressure against the home’s foundation. The more water that accumulates against the outside of a home’s foundation, the more hydrostatic pressure it will be subject to. The more hydrostatic pressure it’s subject to, the higher risk it has of cracking, and the more water it will allow through to the basement on the other side.
French drains, of course, reduce instances of water pooling. Therefore, by strategically installing a French drain, you can go a long way in keeping water away from your home’s foundation. The French drain will push the water to other parts of your yard, ensuring that it doesn’t all accumulate against the home’s foundation.
A French drain isn’t an integral part of a basement waterproofing system. However, it can most certainly improve the capabilities of a home’s drainage system.
How Do You Maintain a French Drain?
Like all waterproofing and drainage entities, French drains require maintenance from time to time. The maintenance required for French drains is typically quite straightforward.
Specifically, it’s recommended that you clean the inside of the drain. You can remove any dirt, tree branches, and other debris that may lead to blockages. If you don’t clean the inside of the drain on a regular basis, they can eventually become clogged, resulting in poor drainage and pooling water around your property.
You might be asking: how do you clean the inside of a French drain? It’s best to use a device like an electric sewer snake. This can be put down into the drain where it will pull away existing debris. Snake your drain once a year or so, and it should be good to go for decades.
Need some help with this process? If so, do not hesitate to get in touch with a reputable basement waterproofing company in Downers Grove, Illinois.
Looking for a Basement Waterproofing Company in Downers Grove, Illinois?
Are you having trouble with water pooling in your yard? Hoping to install a French drain? If so, and if you’d like to have it installed by the best basement waterproofing company in Downers Grove, Illinois, ULB-DRY Waterproofing is the company to call. Contact us today to request a free estimate on your project.