Water drainage using a French Drain System is a time-honored solution for eliminating excess water in your yard. These drains are ideal for channeling water to storm sewers from low points and other areas prone to saturated soil.
Despite what you might believe, French drains were not invented in France or in such French-dominated cities as New Orleans. Instead, they were devised by Henry French, a 19th century lawyer from Concord, Massachusetts, who later was appointed Assistant U.S. Treasury Secretary. In his seminal book, Farm Drainage, French wrote extensively about these simple yet effective drains.
Despite what you might believe, French drains were not invented in France or in such French-dominated cities as New Orleans. Instead, they were devised by Henry French, a 19th century lawyer from Concord, Massachusetts, who later was appointed Assistant U.S. Treasury Secretary. In his seminal book, Farm Drainage, French wrote extensively about these simple yet effective drains.
The earliest forms of French Drains were simple ditches, pitched from a high area to a lower one and filled with gravel. The idea was that water could flow through these drains but that dirt, mud and other debris would be stopped by the gravel, thus eliminating potential clogs.
French's personal drains were simple affairs, built from left-over roofing tile installed with a 1/8 inch gap left in between tiles to admit water. Improved versions included small holes which allowed water in but kept soil, rocks and other debris out.
The advantages of the French Drain are low cost and easy installation. In addition, they can be covered over with turf after installation, making them less conspicuous.
French drains have several purposes:
* to prevent ground and surface water from penetrating or damaging building foundations;
* to disperse water emitting from a typical septic tank sewage treatment system;
* to relieve ground water pressure from behind retaining walls;
If adjoining property sits at a higher elevation, your yard may fall prey to pooling water. In this scenario, installing a French Drain could be your best bet to channel away excess moisture.
Keep in mind that some municipalities may require building permits before installing a French
French's personal drains were simple affairs, built from left-over roofing tile installed with a 1/8 inch gap left in between tiles to admit water. Improved versions included small holes which allowed water in but kept soil, rocks and other debris out.
The advantages of the French Drain are low cost and easy installation. In addition, they can be covered over with turf after installation, making them less conspicuous.
French drains have several purposes:
* to prevent ground and surface water from penetrating or damaging building foundations;
* to disperse water emitting from a typical septic tank sewage treatment system;
* to relieve ground water pressure from behind retaining walls;
If adjoining property sits at a higher elevation, your yard may fall prey to pooling water. In this scenario, installing a French Drain could be your best bet to channel away excess moisture.
Keep in mind that some municipalities may require building permits before installing a French
The advantages of the French Drain are low cost and easy installation. In addition, they can be covered over with turf after installation, making them less conspicuous.
French drains have several purposes:
* to prevent ground and surface water from penetrating or damaging building foundations;
* to disperse water emitting from a typical septic tank sewage treatment system;
* to relieve ground water pressure from behind retaining walls;
If adjoining property sits at a higher elevation, your yard may fall prey to pooling water. In this scenario, installing a French Drain could be your best bet to channel away excess moisture.
Keep in mind that some municipalities may require building permits before installing a French Drain, as federal law requires water sent to storm drains to be free of certain contaminants and sediment.
About the Author:
French drains have several purposes:
* to prevent ground and surface water from penetrating or damaging building foundations;
* to disperse water emitting from a typical septic tank sewage treatment system;
* to relieve ground water pressure from behind retaining walls;
If adjoining property sits at a higher elevation, your yard may fall prey to pooling water. In this scenario, installing a French Drain could be your best bet to channel away excess moisture.
Keep in mind that some municipalities may require building permits before installing a French Drain, as federal law requires water sent to storm drains to be free of certain contaminants and sediment.
About the Author:
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