There’s nothing worse than a wet backyard or a flooded basement. Both are very possible if your home has a couple of factors working against your favor. Do you have a sump pump? They fail. Do you have heavy clay based or highly compacted soil with a low laying area in you yard where water pools? In both of those situations, your drainage contractor may recommend an exterior French Drain system. An exterior French drain system includes a channel that collects water and moves it quickly away from your house. If you think that it may be time for a French drain system, then call us at 512-453-4932 now!

Drain Systems

A drain system, is a method that is used to prevent water from penetrating a building foundation, with the ultimate goal of distributing any standing water away from areas like:

  • Behind retaining walls
  • Surface water
  • Standing water
  • Areas of yards where children play
  • Areas where water traditionally tends to pool

Water always flows downhill and by the easiest route possible. The basic concept behind a French Drain System is a slightly sloped trench filled with round gravel and perforated pipe that’s used to divert water away from your house.

How does a French Drain Work?

French drains work by providing an easy channel for water to flow. Water runs through the spaces between the round gravel and into the perforated pipe at the bottom of the trench. Installers place the pipe with the holes facing down so the perforations don’t get clogged. Water then travels freely through the pipe, with the water ultimately being sent away from the house. Every situation is different, but with a French drain several things happen with water. In those situations water is:

  • Diverted to a low-lying area of the property
  • Drainage ditch
  • Dry well that has an exterior sump pump
  • Street

Gutter downspouts can be channeled directly from the house directly into the French Drain which helps keep the yard free of water. We build our French drains with the most modern and highest quality techniques. Our work is guaranteed and built to last.

Where Are French Drains Located

Though French drain systems can be installed either indoors or outdoors, the best place to put a French drain system is you notice that water pools or sits after one of the characteristic flash floods that we are known to have in the Austin, TX area. The average French drain can last decades before needing any type of maintenance. If your home requires a sump pump, there is a good chance that you are a candidate for a French drain.

A French Drain Keeps Your Yard Dry

When it comes to keeping your front or back yard dry, one of the few time tested methods of controlling water that works is the French drain system. If you’re fed up with a soaking wet backyard, a flooded basement or standing water behind your expensive retaining walls, then it’s time to give us at Austin Drainage + Landscape Development a call at 512-453-4932 for a French drain system installation today.