New Orleans French Drains
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French Drains in New Orleans
If you have ever had to deal with a wet basement more than once, you know how frustrating it is to try to solve the problem. Mold and mildew can start growing, causing odors that penetrate everything in the basement and possibly exacerbating health issues. Although this is a common frustration in humid New Orleans, many property owners avoid doing anything about drainage issues in a basement until there is an expensive-to-fix problem. Today, an easy solution to use is a French drain. Having one of these drains professionally installed is well worth the money. Keep reading to learn how these drains work, their benefits and more.
What Are French Drains?
With French drains, there are actually two types. There are exterior drains and interior drains. Choosing an exterior drain is a good way to prevent moisture from entering a basement in the first place. For people whose lawns are frequently soggy or soft, this is a good starting point.
French drains are essentially trenches that have pipes with perforations, and there are rocks covering the trench pipes. However, the trenches are placed at an angle to bring excess water away from a home or commercial structure. There is one point in the drainage ditch that is lower than the rest, and this is the water's exit point.
With an interior drain design, there is still a trench and perforated piping. The water drains along the trench and collects at a point where it can be pumped out. Interior French drains are usually along the perimeter of the basement and are lower than the floor.
If you have ever had to deal with a wet basement more than once, you know how frustrating it is to try to solve the problem. Mold and mildew can start growing, causing odors that penetrate everything in the basement and possibly exacerbating health issues. Although this is a common frustration in humid New Orleans, many property owners avoid doing anything about drainage issues in a basement until there is an expensive-to-fix problem. Today, an easy solution to use is a French drain. Having one of these drains professionally installed is well worth the money. Keep reading to learn how these drains work, their benefits and more.
What Are French Drains?
With French drains, there are actually two types. There are exterior drains and interior drains. Choosing an exterior drain is a good way to prevent moisture from entering a basement in the first place. For people whose lawns are frequently soggy or soft, this is a good starting point.
French drains are essentially trenches that have pipes with perforations, and there are rocks covering the trench pipes. However, the trenches are placed at an angle to bring excess water away from a home or commercial structure. There is one point in the drainage ditch that is lower than the rest, and this is the water's exit point.
With an interior drain design, there is still a trench and perforated piping. The water drains along the trench and collects at a point where it can be pumped out. Interior French drains are usually along the perimeter of the basement and are lower than the floor.
How Do French Drains Work?
The science behind a French drain uses gravity and the basic principle of water flow. Water always flows to and collects at the lowest point. A drainage ditch angles away from a structure or away from an interior level surface, creating a lower point for water flow. The combination of loose rocks and perforated pipes allows it to drain and flow easier from the soil or surrounding area.
When the water drains away from the structure, it lowers static pressure against the walls to help keep them dry and prevent leaks. With an exterior French drain, the water must flow to an approved discharge point. This can vary by location and property type. Some common examples include streets, drainage ditches, low-lying fields and dry wells. If the property is not on a slope, a sump pump may be required. Using a sump pump, water may flow to a septic system, storm sewer or dry well.
When Is It Time To Install a French Drain in New Orleans?
When homeowners consider yard drain systems, it is important to choose an option that makes sense financially and in terms of long-term sustainability. Interior or exterior French drains are excellent options, and the right choice depends on the slope of the property and other aspects. A professional can assess the land and home to recommend an ideal option.
There are several telltale signs that it may be time to install a drain. These are some examples:
People who are not familiar with drainage systems may not know what to look for in a basement. The best way to identify any existing system or determine the right type of drain to install is to contact a professional.
The science behind a French drain uses gravity and the basic principle of water flow. Water always flows to and collects at the lowest point. A drainage ditch angles away from a structure or away from an interior level surface, creating a lower point for water flow. The combination of loose rocks and perforated pipes allows it to drain and flow easier from the soil or surrounding area.
When the water drains away from the structure, it lowers static pressure against the walls to help keep them dry and prevent leaks. With an exterior French drain, the water must flow to an approved discharge point. This can vary by location and property type. Some common examples include streets, drainage ditches, low-lying fields and dry wells. If the property is not on a slope, a sump pump may be required. Using a sump pump, water may flow to a septic system, storm sewer or dry well.
When Is It Time To Install a French Drain in New Orleans?
When homeowners consider yard drain systems, it is important to choose an option that makes sense financially and in terms of long-term sustainability. Interior or exterior French drains are excellent options, and the right choice depends on the slope of the property and other aspects. A professional can assess the land and home to recommend an ideal option.
There are several telltale signs that it may be time to install a drain. These are some examples:
- There is a musty smell in the basement because of mold or mildew.
- The basement floods after heavy rainfall.
- There is a high humidity level in the basement.
- The foundation of the basement has visible cracks.
- There is soil that is heavily saturated or standing water in the yard.
- The basement floor or walls have visible stains from water.
- There is visible water seepage.
- The basement lacks a waterproofing system or drainage system.
People who are not familiar with drainage systems may not know what to look for in a basement. The best way to identify any existing system or determine the right type of drain to install is to contact a professional.
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Benefits of French Drains
An interior or exterior French drain has plenty of benefits when it is necessary. Although there are other types of drainage systems, French drains have some excellent benefits. These are the top advantages.
Efficient
In the humid city of New Orleans, trying to manage moisture without an adequate drainage system can be costly and cumbersome. French drains use simple science and features to effectively move water away from the structure and into an approved area. This reduces damage risks to the home or commercial building, and some systems connect to existing septic systems. Reducing moisture and pooling water can also lower mosquito populations and discourage other pests.
Affordable
In comparison with other types of drainage systems, French drain cost is more affordable. For property owners who want to complete other projects as well, this leaves more money for additional improvements. A reasonable price also means a smarter long-term investment.
Helpful
Excess moisture in a yard makes it difficult to maintain a garden, a pool, play areas and landscaping. With proper drainage, families can turn their yards into their dream spaces.
Manageable
As time passes, French drains can develop clogs just like any other drainage system. However, sediment and buildup can easily be removed with pressure washing. The clogs simply wash away into the collection area. Sewer snakes can take care of stubborn clogs.
Fast
These drains work fast for removing excess water. Professionals can complete assessments quickly as well. Since the design is simple, setup and project completion times are not lengthy.
An interior or exterior French drain has plenty of benefits when it is necessary. Although there are other types of drainage systems, French drains have some excellent benefits. These are the top advantages.
Efficient
In the humid city of New Orleans, trying to manage moisture without an adequate drainage system can be costly and cumbersome. French drains use simple science and features to effectively move water away from the structure and into an approved area. This reduces damage risks to the home or commercial building, and some systems connect to existing septic systems. Reducing moisture and pooling water can also lower mosquito populations and discourage other pests.
Affordable
In comparison with other types of drainage systems, French drain cost is more affordable. For property owners who want to complete other projects as well, this leaves more money for additional improvements. A reasonable price also means a smarter long-term investment.
Helpful
Excess moisture in a yard makes it difficult to maintain a garden, a pool, play areas and landscaping. With proper drainage, families can turn their yards into their dream spaces.
Manageable
As time passes, French drains can develop clogs just like any other drainage system. However, sediment and buildup can easily be removed with pressure washing. The clogs simply wash away into the collection area. Sewer snakes can take care of stubborn clogs.
Fast
These drains work fast for removing excess water. Professionals can complete assessments quickly as well. Since the design is simple, setup and project completion times are not lengthy.
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"We tried everything to fix our water issues but nothing was working and our lawn was destroyed. We found New Orleans French Drain on google and gave them a call. They walked us through the process and were very patient with us until we made our decision. It was not a cheap job but we feel like it prevented many issues in the future. They installed an exterior french drain for us and we couldn't be happier. Please call them if you are having water issues!" - Ryan C
"New Orleans French Drain installed an exterior french drain at my home to remedy our water damage issues. Not only did they come in with the most aggressively priced quote, they completed the job within 24 hours. I cannot recommend this company enough for any and all water issues at your home." - Wayne J
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Why Hire a Professional To Install French Drains?
While a French drain's design is simple, land assessment and installation techniques take knowledge and specialized training to perform correctly. Incorrect or DIY placement can result in serious problems. These are some important reasons to hire a professional drain installer in New Orleans.
Safety Issue Mitigation
Professionals are knowledgeable about all the potential safety risks and know how to mitigate them. For example, they know how to locate and avoid gas lines, water lines, buried cables and more. Installation may involve sidewalk or patio removal or other tasks that can be dangerous without the right equipment and skills. Property owners avoid potential injuries and liabilities by hiring a professional.
Slope Knowledge
Knowing how to evaluate and precisely measure slopes is something that takes specialized training. Professionals know how to do this, how to dig trenches and how to determine exactly where to place a French yard drain to properly route water away from the home.
Insured Work
When professionals install an outdoor or a basement drainage system, the work is insured. Reputable companies have comprehensive insurance to give customers peace of mind and cover any potential mistakes, employee injuries or property damage.
Maintenance Management
Another benefit of working with a professional is having a customized maintenance plan. Every property is different, and professionals can tell homeowners how to maintain their drains, when to call for help and more. Also, they can perform annual inspections.
Equipment and Technology
For a homeowner to learn the right methods, buy the right equipment and access current technologies for installing a French yard drain, the cost is impractical. Professionals have high-quality equipment, access to the latest technologies that assist in precision work and access to affordable and high-quality products. For example, they can buy high-quality gravel in bulk for less than what a homeowner would pay directly. Professionals also pass on their savings to customers.
Compliance
With any outdoor or basement drainage system, there are legal issues to consider and permits to obtain. Professionals are aware of building codes, permit requirements and other legal issues that pertain to New Orleans properties.
While a French drain's design is simple, land assessment and installation techniques take knowledge and specialized training to perform correctly. Incorrect or DIY placement can result in serious problems. These are some important reasons to hire a professional drain installer in New Orleans.
Safety Issue Mitigation
Professionals are knowledgeable about all the potential safety risks and know how to mitigate them. For example, they know how to locate and avoid gas lines, water lines, buried cables and more. Installation may involve sidewalk or patio removal or other tasks that can be dangerous without the right equipment and skills. Property owners avoid potential injuries and liabilities by hiring a professional.
Slope Knowledge
Knowing how to evaluate and precisely measure slopes is something that takes specialized training. Professionals know how to do this, how to dig trenches and how to determine exactly where to place a French yard drain to properly route water away from the home.
Insured Work
When professionals install an outdoor or a basement drainage system, the work is insured. Reputable companies have comprehensive insurance to give customers peace of mind and cover any potential mistakes, employee injuries or property damage.
Maintenance Management
Another benefit of working with a professional is having a customized maintenance plan. Every property is different, and professionals can tell homeowners how to maintain their drains, when to call for help and more. Also, they can perform annual inspections.
Equipment and Technology
For a homeowner to learn the right methods, buy the right equipment and access current technologies for installing a French yard drain, the cost is impractical. Professionals have high-quality equipment, access to the latest technologies that assist in precision work and access to affordable and high-quality products. For example, they can buy high-quality gravel in bulk for less than what a homeowner would pay directly. Professionals also pass on their savings to customers.
Compliance
With any outdoor or basement drainage system, there are legal issues to consider and permits to obtain. Professionals are aware of building codes, permit requirements and other legal issues that pertain to New Orleans properties.
Why Choose Us?
We understand that it is important to work with a trustworthy and reputable company, especially when looking for french drain contractors near you. Our credentials are verifiable, and our track record speaks for itself. These are some advantages of working with us:
The Bottom Line
French drains near you can be an excellent addition to any property where they are suitable. If French drain installation is not the ideal choice for your property, our honest professionals will tell you what they recommend. We want property owners to be able to reduce water damage risks, mold risks and other problems. Hiring a professional is essential for proper drainage system installation and maintenance.
Our team understands that customers do not want their properties to become construction sites for weeks on end, which is why we finish French drain installation projects on schedule. To learn more about French drain cost, installation or anything else, please contact us. We proudly serve owners of residential and business properties in New Orleans.
We understand that it is important to work with a trustworthy and reputable company, especially when looking for french drain contractors near you. Our credentials are verifiable, and our track record speaks for itself. These are some advantages of working with us:
- Our contractors are fully insured and licensed.
- We keep property owners informed every step of the way and make customer service easy to access.
- Our team happily provides a portfolio and list of references.
- We have a considerable amount of experience in drain installation and maintenance.
- Our team can explain options and help property owners pick an ideal one.
- We have an excellent reputation for customer service, dependability and quality work in New Orleans.
- Our contractors provide customers with a detailed estimate before starting a project.
- We treat customers and their properties with the utmost professional respect and care during every step of the process.
The Bottom Line
French drains near you can be an excellent addition to any property where they are suitable. If French drain installation is not the ideal choice for your property, our honest professionals will tell you what they recommend. We want property owners to be able to reduce water damage risks, mold risks and other problems. Hiring a professional is essential for proper drainage system installation and maintenance.
Our team understands that customers do not want their properties to become construction sites for weeks on end, which is why we finish French drain installation projects on schedule. To learn more about French drain cost, installation or anything else, please contact us. We proudly serve owners of residential and business properties in New Orleans.