Drainage can make or break your property. Excess water can lead to excess problems you’ll want to be resolved immediately. Here at Kustom Lawn Kare, we offer a very effective French drainage service. Since many people do not understand how this service works, we thought that this week’s blog should discuss all things involved in French drains.
Hopefully, this blog will allow our future or current customers to understand our French drainage service better and give them the information they need on the topic in general.
The actual definition of a French drain is a trench filled with perforated pipe and gravel that allows water to drain naturally from your lawn or yard. The scale of your French drain is dependent upon the overall size of your property.
Do not get us wrong. It is possible to build and connect a French drain on your own, DIY style. However, that is not recommended because the slightest inaccurate measurement or thing missed can cause a ton of water damage, broken pipes, and a mess under your lawn or yard.
How do I know I need a French drain? When should a French drain be installed?
A French drain is a pipe that needs to be placed in the ground to collect rainwater and water runoff or buildup. French drains are needed in yards that have a drainage problem. The French drains are then installed and used to transport the excess water to lower-lying areas where the water will not cause any damage.
Why should I get a French drain installed?
Water runoff or buildup is a big issue on lawns, yards, and properties everywhere. Water buildup on a lawn can cause problems like:
- Flooding
- Water Damage
- Death of your lawn over time
- An overwatered lawn
- If severe, it can cause damage to other parts of your property.
Water buildup is no joke. If water stays on your lawn and builds up more and more over time, it leads to lawn issues such as:
- Pests and insects living on your property
- An extremely moist lawn that will be constantly overwatered
- Fungi forming on your lawn
- Lawn disease
- Dead grass
To check more about water issues on a lawn, check out our other blogs here.
Are French drains effective? Do French drains really work?
The French drain systems are indeed really effective. This is because drains are unlike any typical surface. The French drain system collects water over the entirety of the drain, for the whole length of the drain, compared to just one specific area of collection. French drains rely on gravity to help push the water along the pipe’s path to the designated area of discharge.
Where should I place my French drain? Where should a French drain be placed?
It is suggested that French drains run along the center of a “low area” or areas in need of drainage and be located at the end of a designated drainage point. There needs to be a decent amount of “fall” in the French drain so that the water can run smoothly downhill towards the end of the drain.
Are French drains a bad look for my property? Can French drains be placed underground?
The simplest French drain is usually placed in a trench-like structure and filled with stone or gravel and, in fact, can be left open. This form or style of the simple French drain could be a bit of an eyesore. If the look of the French drain is bothersome, you can cover the French drain with a few inches of topsoil and sod to be less visible in your lawn or yard. Just do not forget about it!
What kind of maintenance does a French drain require?
Just like most things, a French drain needs some maintenance. The French drain should be cleaned and “serviced” once per year if you are not having any problems. Since we here at Kustom Lawn Kare have a French drainage service, we would be the ones that would check, service, maintain, and fix your French drain if necessary.
How long does a French drain last? What is the lifespan of a French drain?
A French drain’s lifespan is dependent upon how and who installs it. An adequately installed French drain that uses quality materials can last decades before even needing maintenance. The average French drain lasts ten years. So ten years to multiple decades is a huge difference and is solely reliant on proper installation, which is why we suggest professionals install your French drain!
What are some benefits of a French drain install or service?
French drains, when properly installed, have some great benefits for your lawn or yard, as well as for you! Again, the only way to guarantee these benefits can be received is if professionals install and provide your French drain service. A French drain install and service provides benefits such as:
- Prevention of standing water
- Cost-effectiveness
- Providing a pleasing look.
Prevention of Standing Water – The French drain brings water away from your home and other places on your property, ultimately lowering the chances of water damage long-term.
Cost-effectiveness – Most French drains, even high-quality ones, are reasonably priced, and the benefits outweigh the cost.
A pleasing look? – For the most part, no one really wants to look at a French drain on their property. This leads to many creative and aesthetically pleasing looks for the French drain. Some people choose to layer it with stone, pebbles, topsoil, small plants, or grates. These types of additions will continue to keep the great look of your property and will still provide a much-needed service.
To get the most out of your French drain service, you need to hire a professional. Professionals will ensure the French drain is installed correctly, maintained, and lasts longer, so you receive the benefits of the service.
Lucky for you, Kustom Lawn Kare has a French drain service!
If you are a resident of Olean, Cuba, Cuba Lake, NY, or their bordering areas, you can call the professionals at Kustom Lawn Kare today!
Do not forget to ask us about our other lawn care and landscaping services as well!