Dealing with drainage and waterproofing problems around or under your house is a hassle like no other. It is frustrating to find that there’s water in places where there shouldn't be any, especially if you know how much damage this problem can cause to your property. We’re talking about stubborn water stains, cracks in walls, damaged property foundation, and the list goes on.

The whole point is that water issues should be treated as soon as you encounter them with no delay. Otherwise, you’d be at risk of facing much greater and costlier problems. With that said, here’s a brief overview of one of our latest drainage projects in the area.

French Drain Installation by Kitsap Drainage and Waterproofing

We recently took on a quick project at Port Orchard where we met some great people. Unfortunately, they were dealing with a water issue on their gravel driveway which had standing water all winter long. This was without a doubt a drainage issue that needed to be solved quickly. With winter months approaching, they called the Kitsap Drainage and Waterproofing team at the right time.

Our team came in to assess the issue and, once they did a quick inspection, they found the reason behind the whole mess. The problem was that a thick layer of clay was spread across the site only a foot below the surface. On top of that, our team found that the homeowners’ drain was not installed correctly. We instantly knew what kind of a procedure needed to be done.

Since we take a lot of pride in our work here at Kitsap Drainage and Waterproofing, we would never suggest homeowners to pay for services they don’t necessarily need. Our goal is to solve the issue in the most efficient way possible. With that said, we fixed the clay issue and replaced the drain which was initially wrapped in plastic all the way through. Overall, it was a pretty quick job that our team finished in a day. As always, we had everything raked back to make the site look like we were never even there.

How to Know if You Need a French Drain Installed

If you’ve never dealt with a drainage issue before, you might not be familiar with terms such as French ditch drainage or drainage in general. As a homeowner, you should have a general idea of what these things are so you can recognize a high quality service when you see one.

What is a French Drain?

For starters, a French drainage system is a drainage system used to divert excess water from one location to another. As simple as that!

What is the Purpose of French Drains?

The purpose of French drains is to divert excess rainwater from certain locations within or around the property to ensure there are no unwanted water buildups that could cause serious damage. Another purpose of having a French drain is to dry up soil that is excessively waterlogged.

How Do French Drains Work?

A classic exterior French drain for yard drainage is a trench of 6 inches to a few feet in diameter. It is usually dug along a declined slope on a property. Once installed, the French drain should be covered with gravel to prevent debris or mud from entering the trench. A high-quality trench installation procedure includes laying perforated piping known as weeping tile right underneath the gravel. This serves to accelerate the movement of water that’s going through the trench. Once it’s all done, the water that goes through the gutter downspouts of the property goes directly into the French drain system and thus prevents flooding caused by excess rainfall.

Signs You Need a French Drain Checked or Installed

#1 There is water in the crawl space.
Having water in your property’s crawl space can lead to serious damage. Not only is your property foundation at risk but the indoor air quality could be compromised as well. That is because water can cause mold and mildew to build up, which leads to allergic reactions and potentially other illnesses as well. If there are signs of excess water in your property’s crawl space, you need to call the Kitsap Drainage and Waterproofing team as soon as possible. You will probably need either an interior or an exterior french drain installed, along with a sump pump if necessary.

#2 The yard is soggy and/or the driveway is washed out.
If you notice excess water in your yard or if the grass just feels soggy all the time, chances are you have a drainage issue to deal with. Similarly, your driveway could be getting washed out all the time due to heavy rainfall, which is another sign that you might need a French drain installed. Having a French drain set up will make it easier to maintain parts of your property and protect it from potential damage.

#3 You’re planning on building a retaining wall.
Last but not least, you will need a French drain installation if you’re planning to build a retaining wall on a hillside or a slope near the property. In this case, the French drain needs to be installed behind the first course of the wall to prevent water from building up or running toward the house, which could cause quite a disaster.

Call Kitsap Drainage and Waterproofing

The team at Kitsap Drainage and Waterproofing specializes in all sorts of drainage and waterproofing solutions. Whether you need an evaluation of your property’s waterproofing and drainage systems or you need drainage systems put in place as a preventive measure, our team will be more than happy to assist you.

If you’re looking for a specialized French drainage contractor, our professionals will arrive at your location with all the tools they need to make a detailed assessment as well as handle quick fixes right there onsite. In case you’re dealing with a more complex issue, our team will present you the solutions and prepare for the next arrival with the right equipment needed to get the job done. Call us at (360) 689-7176.

How to Know If You Need a French Drain Installed? - A Quick French Drain Installation in Port Orchard