French Drains 101
In this post, we will cover:
What: what are French drains?
Who: who made them “French”?
When: when do you need to install a French drain?
Where: where should they be used?
Why: Why do we need French drains at all?
WHAT IS A FRENCH DRAIN:
French drains are dirt trenches filled with gravel, rock, or both, containing a perforated pipe that redirects surface water and groundwater away from an area.
French drains are primarily used to prevent ground and surface water from penetrating or damaging building foundations, and as an alternative to open ditches or storm sewers for streets and highways.
WHO NAMED THE FRENCH DRAIN:
Henry Flagg French, a lawyer, judge and farmer from New Hampshire, “wrote the book” on drains in 1859 and created what we know today as french drains. His book, Farm Drainage, is still available online through the National Archives and can also be found here. In his book, he traced the known history of drainage pipes back to the Roman Empire and to ancient Mesopotamia.
3. WHY DO YOU NEED FRENCH DRAINS:
French believed health and hygiene would dramatically improve in houses where the basement or lowest level of the house was dry. Unfortunately, up to that point in the 1800s, many houses had marshy, damp and moldy conditions, especially during the rainy season! Standing water outdoors was a fertile breeding ground for pestilence like mosquitos, which could cause diseases like malaria. So, he recommended a drain that looks like this:
4. WHERE DO YOU NEED FRENCH DRAINS:
Essentially, wherever water flows around your property, you will need a french drain. Incredibly, Henry Flagg French’s drains that he installed in the 1850s are still functioning today in New England. Why? Because, when properly installed and situated, it redirects the flow of water and acts as an almost natural filtration system.
5. WHERE SHOULD A FRENCH DRAIN BE USED:
This is a question for a trained professional, who will be able to survey your property and create a drainage plan similar to this:
BONUS QUESTION: What happens when French drains are not installed, or are not installed properly? Well, something like this:
We hope you enjoyed this post!
If you have a:
leaky basement
marshy yard
puddling driveway
buckling foundation
Give us a call TODAY to schedule a consultation! 814-221-7424
