Foundation Drainage

A well-built foundation should provide a sturdy base for your property while also protecting it from the elements. If you have noticed water seeping into your basement or excessive humidity, this could mean that you have an issue with drainage around your foundation.

With that in mind, French Drains USA, LLC is your source for dependable irrigation and drainage systems that will help keep the lower level of your property clean and dry.

If you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation, get in touch with us at (800) 249-1746.

What are Foundation Drains?

Foundation drains, also known as footing drains or perimeter drains, are systems designed to manage water around a building's foundation, where the house meets the ground. These drains are installed either inside or outside the foundation walls and collect and redirect groundwater and rainwater away from the foundation to prevent water from accumulating around or under the structure.

This helps to alleviate:

• Hydrostatic pressure
• The risk of water infiltration into basements or crawl spaces
• Damage to the foundation walls due to moisture
• …and more

French Drains USA, LLC’s Foundation Drainage Solutions

Our drainage contractors offer a range of foundation drainage services to safeguard your property from water damage.

Our services include:

• Interior and exterior foundation drains
• Sump pump installation and maintenance
• Grading and landscape drainage solutions
• Basement waterproofing services
• …and more

Interior Foundation Drainage Systems

We install interior foundation drains beneath the basement floor and around the perimeter of the basement or crawl space. These drains collect water that seeps through or around the foundation walls and direct it to a sump pump, which then pumps the water away from the foundation.

Exterior Foundation Drains

Exterior foundation drains, on the other hand, are installed outside the foundation walls, usually at the base of the footing. They intercept groundwater before it reaches the foundation walls, diverting it to a suitable drainage system or away from the property through gravity flow.

Why Do Footing Drains Clog?

Footing drains can clog for various reasons, including the accumulation of dirt, debris, and sediment over time. Tree roots can also infiltrate the drain pipes in search of water and cause blockages. Additionally, improper installation or aging infrastructure can contribute to drainage issues, leading to clogs and potentially affecting the drainage system’s ability to manage water around the foundation.

How Often Should You Invest in French Drain Cleaning?

Lots of debris, grit, and grime can find their way into your French drain system. To maintain optimal performance and prevent clogs, it's recommended to invest in French drain cleaning annually or as needed—especially after heavy rainfall or if you notice signs of reduced drainage efficiency. Regular cleaning helps ensure that water flows smoothly through the drain, protecting your property from potential water damage.

Our French drain cleaning process involves a thorough inspection to identify any blockages or buildup. We then use specialized equipment to remove debris and sediment from the drain pipes, ensuring proper water flow and drainage.

Signs You Might Consider Foundation Drainage

Our professionally installed footing drains are a valuable addition to any property that has water collecting around the foundation. That being said, it isn’;t always easy to tell if this is the right solution for the issues you are experiencing. We recommend keeping an eye out for the following issues and contacting us to take a look if you find:

• Excess humidity in your basement
• Water leaks
• Mold growing at the base of your walls
• Cracks in your foundation
• Water pooling around your property

Can You Install French Drains on Properties Without a Slope?

We can install French drains on properties without a natural slope, but they require a minimum artificial slope for effective drainage. Ideally, the slope should be at least 1% (1 foot of drop per 100 feet of length) to ensure proper water movement towards the drain's outlet. There is typically no maximum slope limitation for French drains, as steeper slopes can enhance drainage efficiency.

However, installing French drains on very steep slopes may require additional engineering considerations to prevent erosion or drainage issues. Proper installation techniques, including trenching and gravel placement, can make a world of difference in these situations.

Personalized Consultations on Foundation Drain Installation

If you are constantly at odds with your wet basement, know that we work hard to provide our clients with effective and long-lasting solutions for perimeter drainage. We hope to do everything we can to help you understand the benefits of our work and why we are the right team for the job. We begin by fully inspecting your property to determine details, such as the slope of your property and any underground utilities. Once we have fully assessed your property, we can set up a plan for completing the work and provide you with a valuable basement drainage system.