Understanding the Different Types of French Drains
Whether you are building a house or just putting in a new driveway, it is important to understand the different types of French drains. There are three major types of drains including the Catch basin, the Curtain drain, and the Footing drain. Each has their own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to learn about each one.
Collector Drain
Having a wet basement can lead to some pretty nasty surprises like mold and toxins in your basement and in your home. The good news is that there are many things you can do to protect your home and keep it dry. A subsurface drainage system is one way to go about it. It’s best to design the system for your particular needs. This is the type of home improvement that you will be proud to show off for years to come.
Using a subsurface drain is no small feat. This is the reason why most homeowners opt for a professional. The process can be time consuming but worth the investment. It’s best to do it right the first time around. The benefits of a proper job include a dry basement and improved air quality.
Footing Drain
Originally developed in the 1800s, the French drain is a method of directing surface water away from a home. In the early forms, French drains were trenches filled with gravel, but modern systems are made of perforated pipe.
In the mid-19th century, Henry Flagg French, a lawyer in Concord, Massachusetts, developed the French drain as a means of distributing water. He used these systems to drain swamps and to create fields. He was also a judge and the first president of the Massachusetts Agricultural College.
The French drain is also used to prevent groundwater from getting under a home’s foundation. When the water is drained out, it prevents the foundation from getting wet and leaky. A French drain can also be used to protect a lawn from erosion.
Curtain Drain
Whether you’re planning to build a new home, remodeling your existing one, or if you just want to fix a problem with your yard, you should consider installing a curtain drain. These drains are designed to catch surface water and redirect it away from the house.
A curtain drain is usually installed in front of the house. It can help to prevent water from accumulating in your basement or crawl space. It can also help prevent mold from forming in your basement.
Installing a curtain drain is relatively easy. The trench needs to be angled so that water can flow through it. You also need to make sure that the hole is at least one and a half feet wide. You can also use a perforated PVC pipe to line the hole.
Catch basin
Whether you’re using catch basins or French drains, it’s important to clean them regularly to prevent clogs. Cleansing them regularly also helps reduce pollutants entering your sewer system. If you’re not trained to clean catch basins, it’s important to hire a professional to do the job for you.
Catch basins are used to capture runoff water from storms. They help drain water before it can cause damage to your home. They also help prevent flooding.
Catch basins are typically found in homes, but they are also used in public areas. They are often lined concrete blocks or other impermeable materials.
You can buy catch basins for home use at home improvement stores. Some are available in the store, while others can be shipped to your home. If you’re planning on installing one, it’s important to follow the directions on the label.
Slope
Creating a proper slope for French drains is essential to their function. This will allow water to flow easily to the end point. If not done properly, the water may not move down the pipe, or may even end up pooling.
For many French drains, the slope is a combination of a few different factors. Gravel is used as the bedding material for the drainpipe, and the pipe itself is angled to allow water to flow to the destination.
The proper slope for French drains should be a minimum of one percent. This helps gravity work to its full advantage. It also helps the water move down the pipe.
Another factor to consider is the depth of the trench. If you are working on a small drainage problem, a five-to-six-inch trench may be sufficient. For larger issues, you may need to install a larger trench.