If you live in an area where the soil is moist and there is a lot of underground water, you might have to install a French drain to redirect water from one spot to another. The downward slope of the drain will transfer the moisture and water from a damp spot where water has been accumulating to a garden irrigation system like a dry well, or a rain garden. This protects the foundation of a home from damage caused by damp and water accumulation. When the water is moist and the climate does not permit the ready evaporation of the water in the soil, French drains have to be installed to keep the top soil free from wet spots.
When the drainage is very poor you may experience the accumulation of groundwater in the basement of your property. Accumulation of undesirable water is not healthy as it can result in the development of wood rot and mold. These harmful conditions are bad for the occupants of the property. If the home owner should suspect that groundwater is building up, a French drain could help in solving the issue.
The mechanism of the drain is to construct a narrow ditch or trench that should be about 2 feet wide and up to 6 feet in depth. A PVC pipe should be laid down in the virgin soil, with the slope lowering in elevation from start point to end point. The gradient of the pipe should allow the water to flow away from the walls of your home. The pipe should then be covered with 12 inches deep gravel that has been washed. In some cases the pipe is not required. The ditch is lined with gravel and rocks when used in the garden. A layer of filter fabric can then be placed over the gravel so that soil does not clog the pipe. A perforated clay pipe can be used to line drain so that dirt, sod and foliage do not clog up the water flow. Fill the remainder of the trench with top soil to its original level.
If you are unable to do the job yourself get a qualified professional to do the job of installing your French drain. An experienced contractor would be more skilled in allowing the proper drainage and waterproofing of your property. Those professionals who work on home improvement services and yard drainage can provide you with an effective French drain. Oklahoma City residents can find experienced contractors in the area.
French Drain Oklahoma City – If you are seeking to install a French drain, Oklahoma City based Bill’s Custom Concrete will provide drainage and restorative work and all types of waterproofing and concrete work. Call 405-755-3975.
