Connecticut French Drains
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French Drains in Connecticut
A basement can add livable square footage and value to your home, but a wet basement can be nothing short of a frustrating nightmare. Fortunately, there is a solution for this all-too-common problem: a French drain.
For homeowners experiencing problems with their drainage systems, a French drain installation is an investment worth making. Keep reading to learn all about these drainage systems and whether or not an exterior French drain is the right solution for your Connecticut home.
French Drains: What are They?
French drains come in two varieties: interior and exterior. For most Connecticut homeowners, an exterior French drain is a good place to start as it protects against not only soggy lawns but wet basements as well.
The design of a French yard drain and basement drainage system is simple. To start, trenches are dug angling away from the home. Then, perforated pipes are placed in the trenches, which are then covered with rocks. Since the trench or trenches are angled away from the home, excess surface and groundwater can be collected and routed away from the basement. The water exits away from the home at the lowest point of the drain.
French interior drains are designed much the same way. They still involve trenches and perforated piping. However, they are typically located along the basement’s perimeter and the water is pumped out.
A basement can add livable square footage and value to your home, but a wet basement can be nothing short of a frustrating nightmare. Fortunately, there is a solution for this all-too-common problem: a French drain.
For homeowners experiencing problems with their drainage systems, a French drain installation is an investment worth making. Keep reading to learn all about these drainage systems and whether or not an exterior French drain is the right solution for your Connecticut home.
French Drains: What are They?
French drains come in two varieties: interior and exterior. For most Connecticut homeowners, an exterior French drain is a good place to start as it protects against not only soggy lawns but wet basements as well.
The design of a French yard drain and basement drainage system is simple. To start, trenches are dug angling away from the home. Then, perforated pipes are placed in the trenches, which are then covered with rocks. Since the trench or trenches are angled away from the home, excess surface and groundwater can be collected and routed away from the basement. The water exits away from the home at the lowest point of the drain.
French interior drains are designed much the same way. They still involve trenches and perforated piping. However, they are typically located along the basement’s perimeter and the water is pumped out.
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.
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.
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Why Use French Drains?
Connecticut homeowners with French drains can say goodbye to moldy, musty, and damp basements once and for all. Although there are other drainage solutions, French drains are a recommended first line of defense for several reasons. Here are just some of the benefits French drains have to offer:
• Affordability
French drains, especially on the exterior, are quite affordable compared to other basement drainage and waterproofing solutions. This saves a homeowner valuable money that can be used on landscape improvements, basement remodeling, and other projects to further improve their home and its value.
• Efficiency
For homeowners in Connecticut, moisture is always an issue. Between the humidity, rain, and snow, trying to effectively manage moisture without the right french drain system can be both frustrating and costly. French drains utilize basic science to efficiently direct water away from structures into an approved discharge area, preventing moisture from seeping into basement walls and causing the need for costly repairs.
• Speedy Installation
In addition to working fast to eliminate excess water, French drains installed by drainage professionals can be up and running in to time at all. Drainage pros can also identify ideal drainage points and incorporate drains into existing landscaping for added aesthetic appeal.
• Low Maintenance
Like other types of exterior drain systems, French drains can fill with sediment and clog over time. However, they are easy to clean. A pressure washer can be used to remove clogs and wash away the sediment into an appropriate discharge area.
• Landscape Support
French drains do more than keep water out of basements. They also help maintain landscaping and prevent damage caused by pooling water. With proper drainage routing the water away from gardens, play spaces, and other areas of the lawn, families can transform their damp and soggy exteriors into wonderful outdoor spaces.
Connecticut homeowners with French drains can say goodbye to moldy, musty, and damp basements once and for all. Although there are other drainage solutions, French drains are a recommended first line of defense for several reasons. Here are just some of the benefits French drains have to offer:
• Affordability
French drains, especially on the exterior, are quite affordable compared to other basement drainage and waterproofing solutions. This saves a homeowner valuable money that can be used on landscape improvements, basement remodeling, and other projects to further improve their home and its value.
• Efficiency
For homeowners in Connecticut, moisture is always an issue. Between the humidity, rain, and snow, trying to effectively manage moisture without the right french drain system can be both frustrating and costly. French drains utilize basic science to efficiently direct water away from structures into an approved discharge area, preventing moisture from seeping into basement walls and causing the need for costly repairs.
• Speedy Installation
In addition to working fast to eliminate excess water, French drains installed by drainage professionals can be up and running in to time at all. Drainage pros can also identify ideal drainage points and incorporate drains into existing landscaping for added aesthetic appeal.
• Low Maintenance
Like other types of exterior drain systems, French drains can fill with sediment and clog over time. However, they are easy to clean. A pressure washer can be used to remove clogs and wash away the sediment into an appropriate discharge area.
• Landscape Support
French drains do more than keep water out of basements. They also help maintain landscaping and prevent damage caused by pooling water. With proper drainage routing the water away from gardens, play spaces, and other areas of the lawn, families can transform their damp and soggy exteriors into wonderful outdoor spaces.
Why Hire a Professional To Install French Drains?
French drains are designed to be simple and straightforward, but installing them takes specialized knowledge, experience, and tools. Even “handy” Connecticut homeowners should leave the installation to professionals for a number of reasons, including:
• Safety
Professionals know all of the potential safety risks. Prior to french drain installation, they locate the underground utilities, such as the gas lines and water lines, and make sure to avoid them. They also safely remove any patios and other hardscaping materials if needed, which can be dangerous work without the right experience and equipment.
• Licensed and Insured
Reputable drain installation professionals are licensed and insured to cover any potential problems and provide clients with peace of mind. If there is any property damage, homeowners are not liable for any repair or hospital bills.
• Knowledge and Expertise
Prior to installation, a drainage professional will assess the slope of a lot to ensure the excess water will drain away from the home. Knowing how to precisely measure slopes and identify drainage points takes experience and specialized training, which most homeowners simply do not have.
• Right Equipment
Properly installing French drains takes much more than a pick and a shovel. Professional installers have every piece of equipment needed to precisely install any exterior drain. They also have access to bulk prices on materials like gravel and landscaping fabric, giving homeowners the opportunity to save money while enjoying a high-quality finished product.
• Worry-Free Maintenance
When working with a professional drain contractor, homeowners can also benefit from a customized maintenance plan and ongoing maintenance. No two properties are the same, and professionals can provide homeowners with the best advice for maintaining their French drains, perform annual inspections, and offer additional support. Proactive maintenance is a must for clog prevention and homeowners can’t afford to ignore it.
• Permit and Code Compliance
There’s plenty to consider when installing French drains or taking on other improvement projects, one of which is obtaining any necessary permits and ensuring the work done is up to code. Unfortunately, many homeowners never even think about the compliance side of things when going the DIY route, only to end up facing legal issues.
Professional drain contractors are familiar with Connecticut’s building and landscaping codes. They also know which permits, if any, are needed and how to install drain systems without interfering with local watersheds or adjoining properties.
French drains are designed to be simple and straightforward, but installing them takes specialized knowledge, experience, and tools. Even “handy” Connecticut homeowners should leave the installation to professionals for a number of reasons, including:
• Safety
Professionals know all of the potential safety risks. Prior to french drain installation, they locate the underground utilities, such as the gas lines and water lines, and make sure to avoid them. They also safely remove any patios and other hardscaping materials if needed, which can be dangerous work without the right experience and equipment.
• Licensed and Insured
Reputable drain installation professionals are licensed and insured to cover any potential problems and provide clients with peace of mind. If there is any property damage, homeowners are not liable for any repair or hospital bills.
• Knowledge and Expertise
Prior to installation, a drainage professional will assess the slope of a lot to ensure the excess water will drain away from the home. Knowing how to precisely measure slopes and identify drainage points takes experience and specialized training, which most homeowners simply do not have.
• Right Equipment
Properly installing French drains takes much more than a pick and a shovel. Professional installers have every piece of equipment needed to precisely install any exterior drain. They also have access to bulk prices on materials like gravel and landscaping fabric, giving homeowners the opportunity to save money while enjoying a high-quality finished product.
• Worry-Free Maintenance
When working with a professional drain contractor, homeowners can also benefit from a customized maintenance plan and ongoing maintenance. No two properties are the same, and professionals can provide homeowners with the best advice for maintaining their French drains, perform annual inspections, and offer additional support. Proactive maintenance is a must for clog prevention and homeowners can’t afford to ignore it.
• Permit and Code Compliance
There’s plenty to consider when installing French drains or taking on other improvement projects, one of which is obtaining any necessary permits and ensuring the work done is up to code. Unfortunately, many homeowners never even think about the compliance side of things when going the DIY route, only to end up facing legal issues.
Professional drain contractors are familiar with Connecticut’s building and landscaping codes. They also know which permits, if any, are needed and how to install drain systems without interfering with local watersheds or adjoining properties.
Why Choose Us?
When waterproofing a basement, it’s important to work with a reputable, trustworthy company who specializes in basement waterproofing and drainage systems. Here are some of the reasons to work with us:
• Each of our contractors are fully licensed and insured to provide homeowners with the peace of mind they deserve.
• Our portfolio and references speak for themselves, and we’re happy to provide them upon request.
• Experience matters, and we have plenty of it along with dozens of positive reviews.
• Our customers and their properties are treated with care and respect before, during, and after the installation process.
• From the first visit to post-project cleanup, our customers can expect nothing but the very best service and results.
• We go above and beyond to provide the best customer service and keep homeowners informed from start to finish.
• Our contractors can explain each of the drainage options and help property owners select the best one.
• We don’t believe in guesswork, so every customer receives an estimate of the project costs prior to installation.
The Bottom Line
French drains can provide suitable properties with an effective and affordable yard drainage and basement waterproofing solution. To best mitigate the risks of mold and water damage, it’s important to work with a professional who specializes in exterior drain installations. Our experienced team of drainage pros proudly serve the Connecticut area. Give us a call to learn more about French drains and schedule a site visit today.
When waterproofing a basement, it’s important to work with a reputable, trustworthy company who specializes in basement waterproofing and drainage systems. Here are some of the reasons to work with us:
• Each of our contractors are fully licensed and insured to provide homeowners with the peace of mind they deserve.
• Our portfolio and references speak for themselves, and we’re happy to provide them upon request.
• Experience matters, and we have plenty of it along with dozens of positive reviews.
• Our customers and their properties are treated with care and respect before, during, and after the installation process.
• From the first visit to post-project cleanup, our customers can expect nothing but the very best service and results.
• We go above and beyond to provide the best customer service and keep homeowners informed from start to finish.
• Our contractors can explain each of the drainage options and help property owners select the best one.
• We don’t believe in guesswork, so every customer receives an estimate of the project costs prior to installation.
The Bottom Line
French drains can provide suitable properties with an effective and affordable yard drainage and basement waterproofing solution. To best mitigate the risks of mold and water damage, it’s important to work with a professional who specializes in exterior drain installations. Our experienced team of drainage pros proudly serve the Connecticut area. Give us a call to learn more about French drains and schedule a site visit today.