Knowing what to expect during French drain installation helps you understand the process and plan for any disruptions to your property or home life. While the process might look slightly different from job to job, the overall approach is generally the same.
French Drain Structure
A traditional French drain consists of three essential elements:
- A sloped trench lined with landscaping fabric
- Washed gravel
- A perforated pipe
French drains collect excess water and transport it away from your property. The sloped trench, lined with landscaping fabric, uses gravity to help water flow away from your home without allowing soil or debris to enter.
Gravel covers the bottom of the trench. A perforated pipe sits on top of the gravel layer, and more gravel covers the pipe to complete the drain. The gravel serves as an additional filter and also preserves the overall structure of the drain. Excess water enters the drain through the gaps between the gravel pieces and flows away from your home with the aid of gravity.
French Drain Pre-Installation Stage
A reliable French drain contractor will first determine if a French drain is suitable for your property. Reasons to avoid French drain installation include:
- Overly dense or loose soil
- An insufficient slope
- An overly steep slope
- Disputed property lines
- Pre-existing utility lines
- Regulatory exclusions
Your French drain contractor should be able to tell you why a French drain is right for your property. They should also recognize and resolve any potential conflicts before starting work.
Before beginning the installation process, your contractor should also determine the best placement for your drainage system. They should consider where excess water tends to accumulate, as well as your preferences regarding location.
Excavate, Install, and Finish
Excavation
Once placement is determined, the installation process can begin. Your French drain contractor will likely mark the location of the drainage channel so that they can excavate the correct area. Their team will dig out the channel, ensuring adequate dimensions and correct slope along the way.
During the excavation stage, you can expect significant disruptions to your property as your contractor and their team dig the trench. There will likely be piles of soil next to the trench, as well as workers, machinery, and tools throughout your outdoor space.
Installation
When the trench is ready, the installation team will line it with landscaping fabric, then fill the bottom of the trench with gravel. Next, the team will place the perforated pipe and cover it with additional gravel.
As part of the installation process, your French drain contractor should also establish an access point (often called an inlet grate) at the start of the French drain. The access point is critical for yearly maintenance and to assess the condition of the drain if any issues arise.
Finishing
Before departing, your contractor should test the drain, remove all remaining materials, and ensure that you are aware of any next steps regarding maintenance and upkeep. It may be advisable to schedule your initial maintenance check to have a professional assessment of the drain after the first year.
If you need help with French drain installation in Jacksonville, call Daniels Landscape & Irrigation, LLC, today. We provide top-notch customer service and expert French drain installation throughout the Jacksonville region. Our family-owned company has over 29 years of experience, and we offer comprehensive drainage solutions and landscaping services to meet all your outdoor needs. Daniels Landscape & Irrigation, LLC—Quality & Service You Can Trust!