Exterior French Drain

A French drainage system is an easy and fast solution to home or business owners that need to redirect water away from their property. Water that sits in a basement or near a foundation can cause irreparable damage, which will result in costly repairs and constant maintenance. Virginia Beach Drain Pros will ensure that your exterior French drainage system is installed, quickly and professionally to ensure that your property is safe from flooding or water damage.
 
What is a French drain system?
An outdoor French drainage system essentially is a trench that is covered in rocks. The purpose of the drainage system is to redirect water away from your home or business through pipes. The drainage system is compiled of several elements. The first part of the system is the elevated section which is known as a drain field. The drain field is where the excess water that is on the surface enters the drains. The second element of a French drainage system is the drain's exit point. The exit point is the lowest area at which the water exits the drain. A French drainage system is the solution for you if have water that is pushed through the basement of your home. The water that sits beneath the foundation puts pressure and slowly begins to leak through. With a French drainage system, the water is redirected elsewhere before this has had a chance to happen. 
 
How do French drains work?
Water will always look for the lowest point of an area and work its way there, this is where the French drainage system comes into effect. It provides a better and more accessible path that encourages water to be moved in a different direction. For the drainage system to function correctly, it needs to force the water down from the surface and towards the discharge point. The drain will need to slope downwards, to naturally direct the water. The water is then, diverted to a drainage ditch, a spot that lays lower than the surrounding area near or on your property, dry well, or street. 
 
How to check if your French drain is working 
The best and most accurate way to check if your French drain is in working order is to look at your lawn or basement where the water would normally sit. If there is water in excess where it should not be, then it is more than likely that it is not working. The issue could be due to a variety of reasons. The most common reason for a drainage system that does not work is due to a clog. When the water seeps through the soil towards your French drain, it will bring debris or sediments. The sediment can gradually build up over time and slow or completely stop the water flow. 
 
Advantages of the external French drain
A French drainage system can be a big blessing for your home or business. It is one of the most efficient ways to redirect water away from your property. The choice of where you want the water to flow is completely up to you. Unlike some other water drainage options, a French drain is surprisingly affordable, especially compared to waterproofing and repairs you may need should your home flood. What would normally be a soggy and wet lawn will now be transformed into an area where you can play and walk with your family, children, or four-legged children without worrying about a soggy mess.