FRENCH DRAIN: MAINTENANCE, REPAIR AND REPLACEMENT
- On 27 September 2023
What’s the worst thing that can happen to your home? Yes, foundation problems… When your drainage system breaks down, it’s vital to act quickly to prevent groundwater from attacking your home’s foundation..
Excavation Rive-Sud today addresses the whole question of drainage and foundations: should we maintain our French drain? How often should it be inspected? What are the warning signs of French drain problems?
What exactly is a French drain?
A French drain is a perforated pipe positioned around the foundation. The system is used to evacuate excess water to a sump pit or storm sewer to prevent accumulations at ground level.
In theory, a French drain has a lifespan of 25 to 30 years. However, depending on the region and soil composition, an inspection is recommended every 5 years. Inspections are also carried out when in doubt, or when certain signs appear, such as several foundation cracks, visible efflorescence on the bottom of the interior concrete, or excessive humidity in the basement. As with a roof, don’t wait until there’s water in the house before thinking about repairs!
The best time to discover that the foundation drain needs redoing is towards the end of winter, when the ground is still frozen and has a much harder time absorbing water.
Future homeowners… Remember to check the condition of the French drain when buying a used house. The same goes for basement renovations, for example. Otherwise, you could end up with some nasty surprises…
How to avoid French drain cracks?
Maintenance is the key! Freezing and thawing is particularly harmful to the longevity of your installations. Regular inspections ensure that your system remains efficient and protects your home from moisture over the long term.
Equipped with a micro camera, our team will carry out a complete diagnosis of your drainage system. To access the drain, our experts will focus on the access pipes, the sump pit or the storm sewer. If access is impossible, the team will have to make one or more access trenches outside. After inspection, our experts will be able to explain the specific cause of the problem and the steps to be taken to repair it, if necessary.
If the French drain is obstructed, the inspection may be more complicated. It may be necessary to unclog the drain before proceeding with the inspection.
What causes drainage system failure? Your French drain problem can be caused by several factors: root encroachment, soil subsidence, land movement, excessive sedimentation or soil contamination by iron ocher. Our experts can tell you more during your inspection.
French drain repair: how does it work?
It’s confirmed, there’s something wrong with your French drain; a cleaning, repair or replacement may be in order. Here are a few possible solutions:
- Unclogging the drain with a water jet : Sometimes, a simple pressure wash is all it takes to unclog your drain and get it working normally again.
- Partial repair of the existing drain : By identifying the correct part of the drain that’s clogged, we’ll be able to repair it punctually without touching the parts that function normally.
- Complete replacement of the French drain: In the worst-case scenario, you’ll need to replace your entire French drain. This major work can take several weeks and will involve a major construction site on your property. It’s also worth noting that your landscaping won’t be redone until the following year, to give the soil time to settle. If your exterior drain is defective, sagging or clogged, it’s best to entrust the work to an excavation contractor to ensure precise work. It’s a complex and costly operation, but you’ll have peace of mind for years to come!
And while we’re at it, why not take the opportunity to check out other upcoming excavation projects? For example, waterproofing foundation walls, insulating basement walls from the outside, improving backfill efficiency, redoing water, and sewer inlets… Talk to one of our excavation specialists, who will be able to advise you on your project.
