What are Exterior French Drains & Why We Need Them?

External French drains are a common method of diverting water away from buildings and their foundations. They are an essential component of a home’s drainage system, especially in places such as Vancouver, where high rainfall is typical. But, what is external french drain and how do they work? Let’s find out in this article.

External French Drain

So, what is an External French Drain exactly? Essentially, it is a trench dug around your home’s perimeter, often a few feet away from the foundation. This trench is then filled with gravel, which acts as a filter to allow water to enter the drain while preventing debris and sediment from entering. In the gravel-filled trench, PVC pipes serve as conduits, transporting water away from the house and to a designated drainage area.

External French drains redirect water away from the home’s foundation by utilizing gravity. As it rains, water will naturally flow downhill, and if your property is situated at the base of a slope, it can easily pool around the foundation. This can result in a variety of concerns, including flooding, water damage, and structural problems. A French drain prevents these issues by capturing water before it reaches the house’s foundation and diverting it away from the structure.

Advantages of External French Drains

Secure the foundations

One of the greatest advantages of external french drains is their capacity to safeguard the foundation of your property. When water collects around the foundation, it can permeate the concrete and other building elements, accelerating their deterioration over time.

This can result in fractures, shifting, and other problems that threaten the structural integrity of your home. Outside French drains prevent these issues by diverting water away from the foundation, so guaranteeing that your home remains sturdy and stable.

Minimize basement flooding

Another advantage of external French drains is that they can minimize basement flooding. As water pools around the foundation, it can leak into the basement and cause water damage, mold growth, and other problems. External French drains avoid this type of flooding by very conveniently pushing all the water away from the foundation, keeping your basement dry and safe.

Why Do You Need External French Drain In Vancouver?

With the frequency of severe rainfall in Vancouver, external French drains are crucial. Without adequate drainage systems, residences in this region are susceptible to water damage that can be expensive to repair. By installing an external French drain, you can protect your home and avoid water-related issues from occurring.

Vancouver Underground Drainage Experts: Your Expert Solution

At Vancouver Underground Drainage Experts, we specialize in installing PVC 4-inch pipe external French drains. These pipes are sturdy, long-lasting, and resistant to corrosion, making them a good option for Vancouver’s drainage systems. To ensure that every installation is performed correctly on the first attempt, we employ only the highest-grade materials and professionals.

So, if you are concerned about water damage to your house, contact us to understand how we can assist you!