French drains are an excellent drainage system for most properties. A key benefit of installing French drains is that they don’t typically need much maintenance. However, that doesn’t mean you can install a French drain system and forget about it.
As with any element of your property, French drains can develop issues over time. Even with proper maintenance, you may eventually need to overhaul your French drain system. Here are some key signs you need to call your local French drain contractor for drain repair or replacement.
Standing Water
When working correctly, French drains should keep the land around your home from becoming saturated after it rains. As an underground drainage system, French drains are designed to collect water from the soil and direct it away from your property.
If you see standing water in your yard or garden after it rains, something is not working correctly with your French drains. You’ll need to investigate to see if a part of the system is clogged or damaged, then take action to correct the issue.
New Pests
Standing water on your property or around the French drain itself is a magnet for rodents and insects. This ready water source can attract various pests and can lead to significant infestation problems if left unchecked.
If you notice an unusual uptick in mice, rats, or bugs on your property or in your home, it’s worth checking your French drains to see if there’s a problem. Some routine maintenance to clear the drain may take care of the issue, but you may need to address more serious repair or replacement actions upon inspection.
Unexpected Vegetation Growth
We often want lush, healthy vegetation with our lawns and gardens. However, an unusual spike in plant growth, especially near a French drain, can be a sign of a clogged or damaged drainage system.
If your French drain isn’t moving water away from your property correctly, that excess moisture can encourage plants and weeds to grow and prosper. If you see more abundant vegetation than expected, it’s worth checking out your French drain to see if there’s an issue.
Visible Debris Buildup
It can be hard to know when or if there’s an issue with your French drain since most of the system is underground. If you suspect there might be a problem, though, you should inspect the drain outlet for excess debris.
Some debris, like soil or leaves, is to be expected, but it shouldn’t be a significant amount. If you inspect the outlet and see a buildup of dirt, twigs, leaves, and/or rocks, that’s a sign that there’s a problem higher up in the French drain system.
If it’s working correctly, your French drain should filter most debris before channeling excess water away from your home. If a lot of debris is being swept away along with the water, your drain is letting in far more than it should.
If you need help inspecting, repairing, or replacing your French drains in Jacksonville or the surrounding area, call Daniels Landscape & Irrigation, LLC, today. We are your local French drain experts, and we’re happy to help with all your French drain installation, maintenance, and repair needs.
With Daniels Landscape & Irrigation, LLC, you can expect outstanding customer care, knowledgeable team members, and comprehensive drainage solutions tailored to your property. Our family-owned company has over 29 years of experience providing exceptional French drain and landscaping services throughout the Jacksonville region. Daniels Landscape & Irrigation, LLC—Quality and Service You Can Trust!