It's April, and that means that April showers are on their way to create challenges for many homeowners. If your yard doesn't drain properly and/or if your foundation has cracks, the rainy month of April can make a mess of your yard and your basement. Homeowners know the damage that too much water can do to their home, and must get rid of the water as soon as possible.
Installing a French drain in your yard can get rid of excess water and keep both your yard and your home dry and comfortable.
What is a French Drain?
A French drain is a trench or ditch containing gravel and a perforated pipe that redirects water away from a home. When it rains, the water seeps through the cracks in the gravel and is then sent into the pipe at the bottom of the trench, which carries the water safely away. These drains typically redirect the water to the street, a lower part of your yard, a drainage ditch, or more.
French drains are crucial for keeping excess water out of your yard and your home. Sometimes, your downspouts and sloped soil aren't enough to get rid of all the water, especially during the rainy season. French drains add an extra line of defense and help keep the water away from your yard and your home.
How Do I Know if I Need a French Drain?
If you notice soggy grass or big standing puddles of water in your yard, this is a huge indicator that your yard isn't getting rid of all the water it should. An overly wet yard can erode your soil, which means you lose a big part of your yard's defense for keeping water at bay. Additionally, if you've noticed water leaking into your basement, a French drain could move the water away before it can even reach your basement.
Two Types of French Drains
Depending on the characteristics of your yard and whether you have a soggy yard or basement, you will need either a shallow or deep French drain. Shallow drains are most commonly used to get rid of extra surface water in yards. These types of French drains are installed uphill of the soggy part of your yard and help move water away from the area to dry it out.
Deep French drains are best used if your problem is extra water in your basement. These are placed around the perimeter of your home and redirect water away from your basement. Deep French drains are also used if you need to get rid of excess water in your yard but your yard is too flat for a shallow drain to work effectively.
French Drain Installation in Northern Virginia
Do you have too much water in your yard or basement? Installing a French drain can keep extra water at bay! NV Waterproofing offers professional French drain installation in Northern Virginia, DC, and Maryland. Our waterproofing experts are experienced, knowledgeable, and dedicated to your satisfaction.
Call us today at 1-703-690-3889 to learn more about French drains or our other wet yard solutions!
