French Drain Installation

in Portland OR and Vancouver WA areas

Nobody wants to deal with a foundation leak or basement water damage. The best way to help prevent any kind of water damage on your property is to have sufficient drainage. That’s why our team at Masonry Waterproofing, and Drainage Masters offers French drain installation services!

Selecting the right drainage contractor is a very important decision. At Masonry Waterproofing, and Drainage Masters, we offer foundation, basement, crawl space, and yard drainage solutions that can restore damaged sites back to almost new condition, diverting water away from critical areas, but never drying out your yard.

With more than 30 years of experience in French drain systems here in the Pacific Northwest and our unmatched guarantee, we are your local leaders in yard drainage.

What is a French Drain System?

A French drain system is a type of subsurface drain that utilizes a buried perforated pipe installed in a gravel bed with a filter sock surrounding the pipe. Installing a French drain allows water to move easily through the gravel and away from any problem area.

How Does a French Drain Work?

French drain systems are often used to protect the foundation of a house from ground and surface water that does not drain properly on its own. French drain systems use the force of gravity, redirecting the water to an area that can support it. But more specifically:

1. Water from the surrounding soil enters the gravel bed.
2. Then the water flows into the drainpipe
3. It then continues out towards the desired discharge point.

This specialized system can prevent both foundation water damage and lawn flooding in certain circumstances. Paired with expert basement waterproofing, you can protect your home from even the rainiest of winters we see in Portland OR and Vancouver WA.

Can I Install a French Drain Myself?

While it’s possible to install a French drain yourself, it’s best left to the professionals because of the complexity involved in proper installation. Otherwise, it can lead to continued water issues or even exacerbate the problem.

French Drain Installation Steps

This is how the pros at Masonry Waterproofing, and Drainage Masters do it:

1. A ditch (or series of ditches) is dug to a minimum depth of 28 inches. 
2. The ditches can also be excavated to 48 inches or deeper if needed. 
3. They are then lined with landscape fabric, to which fabric-wrapped corrugated drainage is added at the bottom. 
4. The ditch is then backfilled with drain rock.

How Deep Should a French Drain Be Buried?

The recommended French drain minimum depth is typically 18 to 24 inches below the surface of your yard. Drains have to be deep enough to effectively capture and redirect water, while not being so deep that it becomes difficult to install. Our team at Masonry Waterproofing, and Drainage Masters considers several factors during installation, including:

• Soil type and composition
• Slope of the land
• Volume of water to be diverted
• Location of the problem area
• Depth of the home’s foundation
• Local building codes and regulations
  

How Long Will a French Drain Last?

A properly installed French drain can last 30 to 40 years or even longer with proper maintenance. Clogs and damage over time can reduce effectiveness and lead to water issues resurfacing.

Are French Drains Effective in Basements?

Yes, French drains are highly effective at preventing flooding and keeping basements dry by intercepting water before it can enter the basement and redirecting it away from the foundation.

We can assess your specific basement water issues and design a French drain system that effectively protects your home’s foundation and keeps your basement dry.

Do French Drains Work in Heavy Rain?

Yes, French drains work exceptionally well during heavy rain events by efficiently capturing and redirecting large volumes of water away from problem areas. Masonry Waterproofing, and Drainage Masters’ systems are built to manage even the most intense rain events (such as severe flooding), which can quickly overwhelm inadequate drainage systems.

Yard Drainage Contractors in Portland OR

Yard flooding can occur when the top layer of soil, which contains air, becomes saturated with water. If the area is flat with nowhere to flow, it will stay in one spot for a long time until it can eventually drain. In Portland OR and Vancouver WA, our unique combination of heavy rains and geological composition make French drains an ideal solution for many homeowners.

As expert French drain contractors, Masonry Waterproofing, and Drainage Masters have the knowledge and experience it takes to find the proper solution for flooding and drainage issues. We’ve been helping homeowners for over 30 years!

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