What are french drains?
Are you tired of dealing with flooding in your yard or garden? Heavy rain and stormwater can lead to water pooling on your lawn, leaving large muddy areas and smelly, dirty standing water. Worse than that, poor drainagecan cause water to flow towards your home and cause damage to the foundations!
French drains are the ideal solution to prevent surface and ground water from damaging your property's foundations. They are the preferable drainage solutions as french drains are cost effective to install and require low maintenance.
What is a french drain?
French drains are an effective and long-lasting solution to heavy rains, providing superior protection for plants, lawns and soil. By reducing the presence of standing water in your garden or field, you can avoid odours, mould growth and erosion - ensuring a healthy environment that encourages grass growth.
The basic principle of a french drain is to use basic scientific principles of gravity to efficiently draw excess water from an area that it may otherwise accumulate. A hollow drainage pipe is placed at various levels of stone or gravel and creates an easy path for moisture-prone areas around foundations to redirect their excess down into the soil – not towards your property!
In areas where terrain is too flat to allow for natural water drainage, the French drain provides an effective solution. This technique utilises gravel layers that help direct groundwater into a pipe system, which then moves it away from sources of flooding or standing pools of water and transports it safely elsewhere. Through this method, problem free drained surfaces are possible even in locations with otherwise minimal inclines.
Signs you need a french drain
- Water pooling on your lawn
- Soil erosion
- Affected areas have unpleasant smells
- Retaining walls have cracks appearing
- Damp stains appearing on your floors or walls
- Your topsoil washing away when it rains
How is a french drain installed?
#1- A drainage trench is dug sloping in the direction that you want the water to go (away from your property)
#2- Fill the trench with gravel or stones and cover them with permeable drainage fabric to allow the water to flow through whilst stopping weeds growing
#3- PVC or flexible piping can be used but either way, holes must be drilled or slits cut into the pipe to allow water flow
#4- Use landscape fabric to wrap around the piping to stop roots or dirt from blocking the drainage system and then fill the remainder of the trench with gravel, or alternatively, some gravel and then top with turf if you wish for your french drain to be concealed
Why choose to install a french drain?
- French drains allow groundwater and surface water to drain away from your property
- French drains are low maintenance, only requiring occasional inspection and cleaning
- French drains can be covered in stones, plants or turf so they're out of view
- French drains are quick to install with minimal up upheaval
- French drains are extremely durable
Local french drain specialist Brisbane, Logan & Redland Bay
If you would like a french drain installed by your leading local plumber, or have any drainage questions, call our team at Purity Plumbingon 0488 856 891or complete our online enquiry form.