French drains can save homeowners money by preventing basement damage caused by excess water. However, installing one requires expertise that’s usually best left to the pros. It involves a long trench that must be positioned to ensure it won’t impact other public or private property areas. It also needs to slope down at a rate of 1%, or about a foot drop, for every 100 feet.
Insurance
In addition to cost, you’ll also want to consider whether a French drain contractor has liability insurance. This is especially important if the contractor needs to break through concrete or dig a trench that could interfere with buried utility lines, such as water, sewer, and electricity. A French drain can become clogged or cause problems if it isn’t correctly installed. This can lead to costly repairs and potentially even foundation damage. Hiring a professional with experience installing French drains can help prevent these issues from occurring. While you may be tempted to save money on labor costs by installing your French drain yourself, it takes a lot of work. The process involves digging through tough soil, which can take a long time if it’s rocky or dense. In addition, you’ll need to call 811 before starting the project to avoid hitting any buried utility lines. This critical step should be considered, as it can save you thousands in potential home repair bills.
Experience
French drains are a simple and aesthetically pleasing solution to drainage problems, but they can be difficult for homeowners to install. In most cases, the best option is to hire a professional. They can help ensure the project is completed correctly and save homeowners time, money, and hassle. A French drain is a trench filled with gravel and a perforated pipe, often in the landscape or near a home’s foundation. It is designed to redirect water from problem areas and prevent flooding in low-lying areas. The pipe is typically made of corrugated or PVC plastic and is slotted or perforated at regular intervals so that water can enter and flow through it. Excessive water can damage lawns, patios, and walkways, erode soil, and even cause basement and foundation damage. It can also attract mosquitoes and other pests. An adequately installed French drain can help protect your property and add value to your home. In addition, it can protect the health and safety of your family. Ask potential contractors about their experience in drainage work and what type of guarantee they offer.
Reputation
A French drain, curtain drain, perimeter drain, or weeping tile is a subsurface drainage system that prevents water from collecting and pooling around foundations or other structures or saturating the ground below. A French drain system uses gravel-filled trenches with perforated or slotted pipes to collect, divert and transport water away from the structure. Depending on the project, the piping may be made from corrugated plastic or solid PVC and is often slotted or perforated at regular intervals to allow for flow. Some areas that expect a significant amount of water collection and saturation may require larger diameter piping. The gravel or aggregate used in a French drain should be large enough to prevent the clogging of the piping, and the trenches should have a slope that directs water toward a discharge outlet. Homeowners planning to install a French drain should ensure their neighborhood has no zoning or other restrictions before digging.
Pricing
Homeowners need to get project estimates from several contractors before settling on one. This way, they can ensure they’re getting the best price. It’s also a good idea to ask about any permits that may be required and any other associated fees or costs. The cost of a French drain can vary depending on the type and size of the installed system. Materials like piping, pea gravel, fabric filters, and catch basins will be inexpensive. However, labor can be a significant factor in the overall cost. For instance, labor costs can increase significantly if workers have to dig through hard soil or break out a basement floor with a jackhammer.
Customer Service
While some homeowners feel that DIY French drain installation is an excellent project to take on, it can be much easier to hire an experienced drainage expert. A professional trench tool will drastically reduce the time it takes to dig a French drain and may save you rental costs or equipment purchase pricing. A French drain is a slightly sloped trench filled with gravel and topped with perforated pipe to channel water away from the problem area. It is a centuries-old way of dealing with excess surface water that can damage property and limit usable space. The drainage system must be buried deep enough to prevent soil erosion from clogging the French drain. It may also be necessary to place a landscaping strategy at the drain’s exit point to resist erosion from rushing water. While French drains seem simple in concept, they are complex and require careful planning to avoid unforeseen problems. A skilled drainage specialist will help you identify your unique issues and find the best solution for your needs.
