When you’ve invested in a drainage system to move water away from your home, finishing the job right is critical. In the case of French drains, an inexperienced drainage contractor may try to replace excavated soil in drainage trenches after digging them out.
Although putting soil back in a trench may seem logical, it’s a critical error. If your contractor suggests this step, don’t let them do it. You might even consider finding a more knowledgeable professional to take over the job. At the very least, you should request a different backfill solution so your French drains remain effective after initial installation.
Proper French Drain Installation
Installing a French drain system is a great long-term solution for removing excess water from your property. Proper drainage protects your home’s foundation, reduces flooding and water damage, and improves lawn health.
French drains use underground channels containing perforated pipes to direct water away from your property. Your drainage contractor should dig these channels on a downward slope. Water drains into the pipe, and gravity helps it flow down and away from your land.
French drains only work if water can consistently enter the drainage pipe. Long-term drainage success relies on two essential features:
- Lining the trench with drainage fabric
- Filling the trench with drainage rock (not soil)
Drainage fabric creates a water-permeable barrier between the drain trench and the surrounding soil. Water can flow in, but soil stays out. This barrier is vital since soil eventually clogs the perforated pipe and compromises drainage.
Filling the trench with drainage rock preserves the channel’s shape and allows water to reach the pipe without impediment. Unlike soil, drainage rock won’t significantly settle or become more dense over time. Even though the trench is filled, the space between each rock allows water to reach the pipe and drain away freely.
Why Soil Backfill Doesn’t Work
Filling a drainage trench with soil, on the other hand, is a recipe for disaster. While your French drains might work fine initially, the soil will ultimately clog the pipe and counteract the system’s efficacy.
Additionally, soil becomes less permeable over time. Water may pass through easily at first since the soil will be loose from excavation. However, it will gradually compact, and you’ll be back where you started—with a yard that can’t properly drain.
When it comes to French drain installation, choose an experienced drainage and landscaping professional. A knowledgeable contractor can help you protect your home and enjoy a well-drained property for years to come.
Call Daniels Landscape & Irrigation, LLC, today for expert French drain installation in Jacksonville and its environs. We have over 29 years of experience helping homeowners in Florida protect their property from excess water. We offer prompt, effective drainage solutions and top-notch workmanship. Whether you’re looking for French drain installation or need service for an existing system, we’re here for you. Daniels Landscape & Irrigation, LLC—Quality & Service You Can Trust!