How do I know if my French drain is problematic?
July 7th, 2022
Even if you don’t see it, it is there, and its importance is very great. We are talking here about the French drain. Indeed, the French drain is in fact a drainage system, piping and it is installed around the foundations of a house. Its main purpose is to direct storm water away from the foundation of the house with the help of a sloping trench or membrane that collects the runoff and leads it to the sewers. The following article will give you information to help you assess whether your French drain is problematic or not.
Do business with a professional
If the ground around the house collects water following precipitation for example, the drain is used to evacuate the excess water. To properly maintain your drainage system, it is essential to have it inspected at least once a year. Indeed, many professionals have camera-based drain inspection equipment, which saves you from having to do intrusive excavation to check the condition of your drain system.
What to watch out for Certain situations should give you a hint. For example, if you notice any of the following situations in your home, it is strongly recommended that you have your French drain inspected, which could be the source of the problem. If you notice an increase in the humidity level in the house and more specifically in the basement, that your concrete floor is damp, that you notice the presence of mould on the walls and on the floor or that you notice infiltrations of water in the spring, these are signs that your drain may be defective. The same applies if you notice cracks on the walls or on the foundations. What causes clogged or damaged drains? A French drain has a lifespan of about twenty years. Its degradation will depend on several elements such as soil conditions and where it is located. The composition of the soil can also have its influence as in the case of clay soils which retain a lot of water, and which make drainage much more difficult. Abundant vegetation with invasive roots could also block or damage the drainage system. When a drain is clogged or damaged, water seeps into the foundation of the house and moisture forms. Over a long period of time, mould and fungus form in the walls. It is an environment that can jeopardize the health of the occupants of the house and in particular the youngest or the elderly! In addition, when the foundation walls contain water, they can rot and therefore deteriorate more quickly. Investing to replace a drain is not that expensive if we compare this investment to the costs generated by the consequences of a defective drain. If you have any doubts about your French drain, do not hesitate to contact professionals who will be able to shed light on your situation and solve the problem at the source.
