Kansas City French Drain Service.

A wet basement can be more than a nuisance. It can impact a home’s overall condition, value and functionality. Some homeowners in the Kansas City area put off dealing with the problem because they assume that the issue would be difficult and expensive to deal with. However, a French drain system is an effective and affordable solution to this common problem. After you learn more about this drainage solution, you can confidently decide if it is right for your home.

What Is a French Drain?

When you initially research these systems, you will find that there are interior and exterior French drains. An exterior system is suitable for preventing the bothersome problem of a wet basement, and it can also address the problem of excessively muddy yards.
 
This system is comprised of long, perforated pipes that are installed in trenches in the yard. The pipes are angled downward as they move away from the home. Through this design, they capture excess moisture in the yard, and they channel that water away from the house. The water exits the pipe at its lowest point, and this is typically well away from the home.

 
How Do French Drains Work?

Water naturally flows to the lowest area that it can reach without hindrance, and it easily sinks through loose soil. The drainage pipe used in this system is installed in a sunken trench, so water is naturally channeled into the trench and pipe. Generally, the trench is filled in with gravel so that water can reach the perforated pipe more easily. Through this process, static water pressure on the exterior of the basement walls is reduced. The walls are kept dry, and the water is carried by the pipe to a more desirable location.
 
A critical element of these systems is gravity. When the trench and pipe are installed at a downward angle, the water is carried away from the house. There are four types of discharge points that are commonly used. These are drainage ditches, dry wells, streets and low-lying drainage fields.
 
An exterior French drain may still be an effective solution for flat lots. A sump pump can be installed to facilitate the movement of water away from the house. Often, a sump pump is used to take excess water to an existing septic system, a nearby storm sewer or a well.

Signs that French Drain Installation is Needed

While these systems are effective, a basement drainage system is not always necessary. You understandably want to allocate your funds in the most cost-effective way possible. How can you know if you need to start researching drainage systems for your home? These are top signs that your home could have drainage issues:

• Dry water stains are on the basement’s exterior walls and floor.
• The basement feels humid and smells musty
• There are visible signs of moisture seepage on the basement’s exterior walls.
• The basement floods when the snow melts or after a strong rain shower.
• The soil around the house is excessively moist in areas, or you notice puddles after it rains.
• There are cracks in the foundation.
• There are no waterproofing or other basement drainage systems in place.

If you are still unsure if this is the right lawn drainage solution for your property, your next step should be to schedule a consultation with a specialized contractor. Through a consultation, the professional can determine if your home would benefit from a yard drain.