French Drains
Imagine driving down a New Jersey street that didn’t have storm drains. You’d be better off traveling by boat than by car! Similar to storm drains, French drains are used to prevent flooding. But, unlike, the storm drains found on city property, Water Management Inc. installs a French drain system right inside your home.
As an experienced underground company, with over 35 years experience, Water Management Inc. has spent years installing French drains for customers across the state. If your basement or crawl space is wet, French Drains will keep your home dry without requiring major property disruption.
Are French Drains a Good Idea?
French drains help prevent flooding and reduce the risk of long-term water damage to your property. They can last between 30 and 40 years. They’re cost-effective. French drains can be aesthetically pleasing as they are usually covered with small rocks, plants and sometimes even decorative grates
Reasons you may need a French Drain:
- Your basement or crawl space floods frequently.
- Your current basement waterproofing system is not working properly.
- You notice visible efflorescence (a flaky mineral salt that remains after water evaporates).
- Musty smells linger in your basement or crawl space.
- Water seepage occurs.
- Family members suffer from allergies or get sick more often.
- Cracks appear in basement or crawl space walls.
- Downspouts overflow with heavy rainfall.
- Water heaters and other appliances are rusting.
- Walls are bowed or distorted.
- Water stains appear on basement walls.
French Drain Installation
French drains are most frequently installed in one of two ways, depending on the construction of your New Jersey home. These are:
- Installed by being buried around the foundation, on the external side of the foundation.
- Installed around the inside perimeter of the basement underneath the basement floor.
External French drains can often last for ten years or longer without needing any maintenance, but they are also fairly likely to clog without warning, which can be a major problem. These clogs can eventually lead to flooding in your basement, which can cause tremendous structural damage.
Water Management Inc. recommends installing a Sump Pump when putting in French Drains. Otherwise, the drain relies on just gravity to help it drain water, which is a major problem if your home is located on a hill or near a steep incline. We do offer property grading, as well.
Water Management Inc. is available 24/7
To discuss your options, call Water Management Inc. today to schedule an appointment
