French Drain
French Drain Installation in Springfield, Nixa, Ozark & Republic, Missouri
History of
French Drain Systems
You may think the French drain was invented in France, but in reality, it was created by Massachusetts attorney Henry Flagg French in 1859. The concept was defined in his book “Farm Drainage; the Principles, Processes, and Effects of Draining Land” to support the agricultural industry. In addition to increasing the value and usability of farmlands, Henry strongly believed that wet basements could make a person sick by breathing in the “vapors from wet, swampy places.” Henry traveled to the United Kingdom and the Netherlands in 1857 after the death of his first wife from consumption and learned about water drainage systems, which ultimately formed the basis for his book. The French drains he installed at his two homes are still functional today!
Here is a bit of interesting trivia. Daniel Chester French, son of Henry Flagg French, created the famous Lincoln Memorial built in 1922. Seventy-two years later, his father’s drainage technology was needed, and a French drain was installed around the memorial in 1994!
For effective yard drainage and professional French drain installation in Springfield, trust Glennstone Outdoor Drainage. Our expert team ensures your drainage system is top-notch and tailored to your specific needs.
Photo from Library of Congress
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a closer look at
Traditional French Drains
French drains are utilized to channel subsurface water away from your home or help dry up saturated areas in your yard. Most of the residential French drain installations we perform in Springfield are created by digging a trench in the yard, typically 18 to 24 inches wide by 18 to 24 inches deep. Next, a non-woven geotextile fabric is placed into the trench, covering the bottom and both sides of the trench and extending onto the yard. This type of fabric will keep dirt and sediment from clogging the drainage system over time while allowing water to flow through it.
Following this, a perforated pipe (4 inches to 6 inches in diameter typically) is placed in the trench. The perforations in the pipe allow water to seep into the pipe (also referred to as drain tile). Then, the pipe is covered with limestone rock (typically 1.5 to 3 inches in diameter). This creates voids in the subsurface surrounding the pipe to allow water to flow through the voids and into the perforated pipe. The remaining filter fabric is then “burrito-wrapped” over the top of the rock, encapsulating the French drain system.
For effective yard drainage solutions, trust Glennstone Outdoor Drainage for professional French drain installation in Springfield. Our expert team ensures your drainage system is durable and efficient, tailored to your specific needs.
• For Covered French Drains, we then cover the ‘burrito-wrapped fabric with the remaining topsoil and sod. This makes the French Drain undetectable once the new grass or sod is established.
• For Open French Drain applications, we at Glennstone Outdoor Drainage start by installing the same limestone over the top of the ‘burrito-wrapped’ fabric to the top of the trench level with the yard to allow water to fall through the voids of the rock to help with surface water issues as well as sub-surface drainage.
It’s important to note that the pipe should fall just over 1 inch every 8 feet upon its journey from the drain field to the exit point. There are a variety of ways to terminate the exit point, including pop-ups, basins, daylighting the pipe, and in some circumstances, tying into an existing public storm drain.
This French drain installation process is an excellent way to stop water before it gets into your home’s basement or crawl space. It is much more cost-effective than hiring someone to jackhammer your basement foundation and put a drain inside your basement floor. Preventing moisture from entering your basement is always preferable to avoid any risk of mold or structural issues.
We know that no one wants to spend money on water issues…that’s why we offer financing.
Learn About the
Modern French Drain Alternative
NDS EZ-Flow French Drain Systems
This all-in-one package includes HDPE slotted pipe, lightweight gravel substitute (Poly-Rock™), and geotextile fabric, making it an excellent option for homeowners with meticulously manicured lawns or other areas where access is limited. This modern French drain installation provides an effective yard drainage solution while maintaining the aesthetic appeal of your property.
• EZ-Flow installs without gravel, it’s lightweight allowing for less disturbance to your property from the equipment required to install the rock of a traditional French drain system.
• Poly-Rock™ aggregate features engineered flow channels that increase capacity. The result is a superior flow rate – 30% better than gravel and pipe.
• This product utilizes 100% recycled aggregate material, it is crush proof, and offers a 100+ year material lifespan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a French drain?
A French drain is a trench filled with gravel or rock containing a perforated pipe that redirects surface water and groundwater away from an area.
How does a French drain work?
It collects and channels water through the perforated pipe, which is then directed away from your property to prevent flooding and water damage.
What are the benefits of installing a French drain?
French drains help prevent soil erosion, foundation damage, and water accumulation, keeping your yard dry and protecting your home.
Where should a French drain be installed?
French drains are typically installed around the foundation of a house, in low-lying areas of a yard, or where water tends to pool.
How long does a French drain last?
A French drain can last for several decades, providing long-term drainage solutions when properly installed and maintained.
What maintenance does a French drain require?
Regular inspections and occasional cleaning of the drain pipe and surrounding gravel are necessary to ensure optimal performance.
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Reach out to talk about your current drainage needs. We look forward to visiting with you.
Call us
417.860.8125
Mail us
2131 West Republic Road, Suite 345
Springfield, Missouri 65807
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