French Drain Contractor of Chicago, IL
No one wants a damp basement, but it’s all too easy for water to get inside. Improper drainage in the yard can do more than just make the basement damp, too. If there is a significant amount of rainfall, it could lead to a soggy lawn or a flooded basement. Instead, homeowners worried about protecting their homes and lawns may want to look into having a French Drain installed.
French drains can be installed inside or outside the home, depending on where the water collects when it rains. They are a simple solution to issues with drainage in the yard and can be installed by a professional quickly, preventing further damage to the home or yard the next time it rains. If you’re interested in learning more about whether a French drain might be the right drainage solution for your home, contact a French Drain Contractor today.
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How a French Drain Works and What it Does?
French drains can be installed indoors or outdoors. An Exterior French Drain can be helpful in protecting against dampness in the basement and excess water in the lawn, so it is often the first choice for homeowners worried about drainage in their yard. If a homeowner is worried about flooding in the basement, an Interior French Drain may be installed to help move any water that gets into the basement out again.
So how does the French drain work? A French drain is simply a trench that has a pipe inside it. The pipe is perforated to allow water to get into it and move away from the home. The trench and pipe are installed at an angle to encourage proper drainage in the basement or yard, and the water exits at the lowest point. French drains are typically covered up with rocks to allow water to flow through them without leaving the French drain visible. Whether it’s used for Basement Drainage, moving water in the lawn, or for another purpose, the goal is to move the water to somewhere it won’t cause damage. End locations for French drains will include ditches, a dry well, a drainage field, or a street. If there is no slope to move the water to the correct point in the property, a sump pump may be needed to push the water.
Is a French Drain Needed?
Sometimes, homeowners may worry that a French drain isn’t really needed or that another Yard Drainage option might work better. They may wonder if a French drain is necessary for their yard or if they don’t need anything at all. A few ways to tell if a French drain is needed include the following, but it is always a good idea to talk to a professional if there is any concern that the yard isn’t draining as expected.
Basement Floods After Rain or Snow
If the basement tends to flood when it rains heavily or there is a lot of snow melting, a French Drain System may be a good idea. The French drain can move the water away from the basement, preventing it from getting inside in the first place.
Basement Smells Musty
Musty smells in the basement are more than an annoyance – they’re a sign that there may be mold or mildew growing in the basement. This typically happens if there is water getting into the basement, so a Yard Drainage solution may be needed.
Visible Leaks in the Basement
If there are visible leaks in the basement, something is needed to keep the water out and make sure the basement stays dry. Doing this will help prevent the growth of mold or mildew and can help prevent flooding.
Standing Water on the Lawn
If there is any standing water on the lawn after it rains a lot, the lawn isn’t draining properly. It is important to look into ways to correct the drainage to prevent oversaturation of the soil that could damage the lawn or allow water into the basement.
Foundation Cracks
Foundation cracks can occur when the ground shifts over time, something that can happen if the soil is washed away or compressed due to poor drainage. The cracks will need to be handled by a professional, and drainage will be needed to prevent further damage.
Top Benefits of Installing a French Drain
While there are various Drainage Solutions for homeowners to consider, there are a number of benefits they may see if they opt for a French Drain. Some of the reasons this might be a good idea can include the following.
Less Expensive
French drains are one of the least expensive methods for improving drainage in the yard. They cost less for a professional installation than other solutions, cost less to maintain, and will not require a lot of upkeep or replacements over the years.
Highly Effective
A French drain is an excellent way to move water to where it should go when there is a lot of rain or snow. For the overall cost, it is highly effective and may be a much better deal compared to other options available today.
Fast Installation
It doesn’t take long for a professional to install a French drain. They’ll need to dig the trench, place the pipes in place, and then cover them with rocks. They may also need to install a dry well for collecting the water if there isn’t a good place for the water to go.
Easy to Maintain
Maintenance generally consists of pulling any weeds growing near the French drain and making sure it isn’t damaged. If any repairs are needed, a professional can get them done quickly. In most cases, maintenance is minimal for the homeowner.
The Cost of a French Drain Installation
As one of the least expensive drainage options today, a French drain is a great way to move water from the yard and prevent the basement from being flooded or damaged by water. The Cost to install French Drain can vary based on how complex the project is, so it is a good idea to get an estimate before making any decisions. That said, the cost is generally less than $75 per linear foot, with some options being as low as $10 per linear foot.
The average price can vary based on the condition of the yard, the length needed to move the water, any other items that need to be installed, such as a sump pump, and related factors. A professional estimate will give homeowners the opportunity to find out exactly what’s needed for their yard and how much it will cost before the installation begins.
Is Installing a French Drain a Good Idea?
Is it better to install a Downspout Drain, or should a French drain be used to move water further? The slope of the yard and other factors on the property can determine if a more extensive drainage solution is needed to help protect the home. If the yard slopes toward the home or is flat, so water can’t easily move away from the home, a Basement Drain or lawn drain will definitely be worthwhile.
A basement or Lawn Drainage system helps move the water away from the home’s foundation, preventing water from damaging the foundation or getting inside the basement. With the high cost of flooding and mold remediation, the French drain can be an incredibly worthwhile investment for homeowners who are worried about the rain or melting snow getting inside their homes.
Home Values and French Drains
Is a Yard Drain Installation like a French Drain going to have an impact on the home’s value? The answer is yes, but it is a positive impact in most cases. If the area has poor drainage, but there is a drainage solution in place, the home will be better protected against rain and snow. This is always a positive, so having a French drain installed can help increase the value of the home. A potential buyer, whether that’s now or years down the line, will likely prefer a home with a French drain already installed over a home that doesn’t have one and may have drainage issues.
Who Installs French Drains?
When a French drain needs to be installed, homeowners may wonder who they should call. Landscapers will often offer French drain installations, but they may not be the best choice for the job. The installation must be done properly to make sure the water drains away from the home quickly and efficiently when it is raining. One that’s not installed properly may move some water from the home but may not be as effective during heavy rainfall. Instead, it’s better to work with a contractor who specializes in French drain and Yard Drain Installation to make sure the job is done right.
Hire the Pros or DIY?
Homeowners can purchase the supplies to install a French drain or other Storm Pipe Drain, but it is going to be a much better option to leave it to the professionals. Since the slope needs to be calculated carefully to move water efficiently and any errors during the installation can interrupt the flow of water, it is important to have the job done by someone who knows what they’re doing. A professional will make sure the slope is correct for the entire length of the French drain, eliminating potential drainage issues.
While the installation process isn’t complex once the slope is determined, it is hard work to dig the full trench. A professional can get the job done faster and easier since they have equipment designed for this specific task. They also have insurance to cover any injuries or damages that may happen during the installation and can make sure any permits that are needed are obtained before the job begins. Overall, it’s a much better idea to trust the installation to the pros to make sure everything is done right.
Preparing for a French Drain Installation
In many cases, the homeowner won’t have to do a lot of preparation for the French drain to be installed. It may be a good idea to do basic yard cleanup tasks before the professional arrives so there’s less to do before the French drain is installed. During the consultation, the contractor can let the homeowner know if anything else needs to be done to prepare for the installation, but in most cases, the contractor will handle everything, so the homeowner has nothing to worry about.
If you’re worried about flooding in your basement or poor drainage in the yard impacting your home’s foundation and lawn, it might be a good idea to look into a French drain for the lawn or basement. We offer expert installation services and can provide more information specific to your home to help you decide if this is the right solution for you. Call us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about whether a French drain is needed and, if so, what to expect when we do the installation.