French Drain Contractor in Richmond, VA

How the System Works

Left to its own devices, water will always seek out air pockets and loose soil on its way to the lowest point it has access to. Often, this journey will take the water across your lawn and into your basement.

A French drain system uses the force of gravity to counteract this natural process and protect your basement. The gravel-filled trenches give the water in your yard an easy place to drain into. From there, the pipes carry the water down to a safe discharge point. Depending on the specific characteristics of your property, the pipes could discharge into a drainage french ditch, a dry well, a drainage field, or the street.

If your property is completely flat, gravity might not be sufficient to send the water where it needs to go. In that case, we will install sump pumps to complete the job. One way or another, we’ll get your water away from your home and into a spot where it can’t do any damage.

Signs You Need a French Drain

While not all properties require a yard drain system, it’s important to look out for signs that your property needs a drainage solution. If you see any of the following signs, it might be time to consider French drain installation.

• Your basement floods or has a musty smell.
• There is water visibly seeping into your basement.
• The air in your basement is excessively humid.
• There are water stains on the walls or floors of your basement.
• There is standing water in your yard.
• The soil in your yard seems overly saturated.
• There are cracks in your home’s foundation.
• Your property currently lacks a drainage system.

If you’re not sure whether your home needs a French drainage system, it might be best to have a professional over to take a look. We have years of experience assessing properties in Richmond and beyond, and we’ll be able to determine for sure whether your home can cope without some sort of basement drainage system.

Why an Exterior French Drain is Right For You?

French drains are often a homeowner’s first resource when water damage has become an issue. These drainage systems are as effective as they are simple. What’s more, they are easy to conceal and take nothing away from the beauty of your yard. With so much to gain and nothing to lose, installing a French drainage system is a no-brainer for many Virginians with a persistent water issue.

French Drain Cost

Even if you like the idea of a french trench drain carrying your excess water away, you might be asking yourself, “How much does a French drain cost?” Luckily, installing an exterior French drainage system is an extremely affordable home improvement project. This allows you to take care of your property’s troublesome water issue without breaking the bank. You can even use the money you’ve saved on the installation to invest more heavily in other areas of your property.

Maximize Efficiency

By harnessing the power of gravity, the trenches in a French drainage system are remarkably efficient. Once the system is in place, it will whisk excess water away from your property without having to use any energy at all. By removing the water in such a quick and efficient manner, the yard drain system will keep your property from becoming oversaturated and obviate the need for foundation repairs down the road.

Restore Outdoor Space

When water slowly takes over a yard, the entire household suffers. Playing soccer or having a picnic isn’t much fun on a soggy lawn. With a new drainage french drain system carrying all this extra water away, you’ll be able to reclaim your yard as a space for fun and relaxation.

Fast Installation Process

Having an exterior French drainage system installed on your property is a quick, painless process. First of all, the entire project takes place outdoors. That means your daily indoor routine shouldn’t be affected in the slightest. The process should also only take a couple of days, and you’ll be able to use your outdoor space as soon as the project is complete.

Ease of Maintenance

The beauty of a simple, straightforward drainage system is that it will always be relatively easy to maintain. A bit of pressurized water is usually enough to dislodge a clog and get a blocked drainage system back up and running. Only in extreme cases will a sewer snake be necessary.

Why a Professional Should do the Job

Some homeowners assume the simplicity of a French drainage system means they can perform the installation themselves. In reality, even the handiest of property owners lack the equipment and the expertise to properly install the pipes and trenches. Rather than botching the job and creating a faulty system, you’re much better off hiring someone who can do the job right.

Safety and Property Damage

While digging trenches in a yard might seem like a straightforward job, it is actually difficult and potentially dangerous. Most properties contain gas lines and water lines. An uninitiated digger could easily damage these utilities, creating a dangerous situation for themselves and risking the physical integrity of the property. Removing asphalt or cement might also be necessary, a task which is often treacherous for amateurs.

Insurance for Worker Injuries

If you pay someone off the street to dig your drainage trenches, you could be liable for any injuries they suffer on the job. Not only are professional workers much less likely to get hurt, but they’ll also be covered by their employers’ insurance. This means you have no liability issues to worry about.

Expert Knowledge of Slopes

Understanding the physical dynamics of a property isn’t always as easy as it seems. An amateur won’t have the necessary expertise to properly evaluate a yard and determine the best layout for the trenches. Professionals, on the other hand, have an eye for collecting the maximum amount of water and depositing it in a suitable location.

Access to All the Right Tools and Supplies

Professionals have all the tools and equipment necessary to quickly and safely dig drainage trenches. They can also save money by purchasing materials in bulk. If you try to do the job yourself, you’ll be stuck using basic shovels that aren’t up to the task and wasting money on bags of retail gravel.

Easy to Contract Ongoing Maintenance

Your exterior French drain will only prove effective as long as it’s properly maintained. Once we’ve installed the drainage system on your property, we can make an agreement to conduct occasional inspections over the following years. This will allow us to free up clogs before they get out of hand and keep your system working at full capacity.

Assistance With Government Regulations

A French drainage system that’s been irresponsibly installed could have a negative impact on surrounding properties and the local ecosystem. Not only could any collateral damage ruin your relationship with your neighbors, but it could also put you in hot water with the law. Our professionals know Richmond’s environmental regulations inside and out, and all our installations are done in a responsible manner.

What Our Company Offers

We’re proud to provide high-quality French drain installation services to clients in Richmond and the surrounding area. Our licensed contractors are among the best in the business, and our customer service is always designed to ensure customer satisfaction. From providing an initial estimate to replacing the final pile of dirt, we will maintain a steadfast commitment to professionalism throughout the installation process.

Conclusion: A Lasting Drainage Solution

An exterior French drain is an affordable, efficient way to remove excess water from your property. Having professionals install the system is the only way to get the job done properly. Contact us today so we can get started. A well-drained yard is just a few steps away. 

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