French Drain Installation
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Premier French Drain Installation Services in Greater San Antonio
Foundations First Texas is your trusted foundation repair company, specializing in comprehensive French drain installation services. Serving the Greater San Antonio, TX area, we provide tailored solutions to ensure your property remains free from excess water. Our expertise encompasses a variety of French drain systems designed to meet your specific needs, including:
- Crawl space French drains
- Basement French drains
- Exterior French drains
Contact us today to discuss your French drain installation needs.
Why You Need French Drain Installation
Maintaining a dry and stable foundation is crucial for any property owner. French drain installation is an effective method to manage groundwater and prevent water-related damage. Here are several compelling reasons to consider this service:
- Prevent basement flooding
- Reduce soil erosion
- Protect your foundation
- Avoid water pooling in your yard
- Manage excess groundwater
- Safeguard landscaping
For a detailed consultation, reach out to our team of experts.
Comprehensive Benefits of Our Services
Choosing Foundations First Texas for your French drain installation offers numerous advantages. Our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction sets us apart. Key benefits include:
- Rapid response times
- Financing options are available
- All work is covered by warranties
- Complimentary estimates
- Exceptional customer service
- Dedicated to structural stability and safety
- Over four decades of experience
Contact us now to secure the stability and safety of your property.
Contact Us
For expert French drain installation services in the Greater San Antonio area, get in touch with Foundations First Texas. You're also welcome to fill out our online form to
request a free estimate. Our professional team is ready to address your needs and ensure your property remains protected against water damage.
Crawl Space French Drain Installation
Prep for Installation
Identify the area where the drainage system will be installed according to the sketch. Locate the highest and lowest points of the crawl space. The drain should end at the lowest point and start at the highest point.
At the high point, begin digging a trench about 4" deep. Ensure the trench slopes at least 1% every 10 feet towards the low point.
Installation
Once the trench is dug, place the perforated sock pipe in the trench (starting from either the high or low point). Ensure the pipe has a proper slope, using a level or performing a flood test. Spread the excavated dirt away from the trench if possible; otherwise, remove it from the site. Depending on the soil, lay a thin base layer of clean river rock.
Once the pipe is set and the proper slope has been confirmed, backfill the trench with clean river rock.
Tools Needed
- Shovel, hammer, and digging pick
- Level
- Bucket(s)
- Hose and nozzle
- Tape measure
Material Needed
- Clean river rock
- Perforated socked pipe
Basement French Drain Installation
- Lay down plastic on the concrete to keep dirt contained, ensuring a clean and organized work area.
- Mark where the pipe will be installed and determine the necessary demolition.
- Break out the slab 10" from the foundation where the drain will be installed.
- Dig 4" to 6" down from the face of the footing at the starting point, maintaining a 1% slope towards the low point.
- Once the trench is dug, place a small layer of clean river rock at the base.
- Set the pipe in the trench and backfill with clean river rock up to the bottom of the concrete slab.
- Place drainage/dimple mat four inches up the stem wall and halfway into the trench. Lay 6-mil clear plastic over the dimple mat and river rock.
- Mix and re-pour concrete to match the existing slab.
- Remove dirt and concrete, and clean up the area.
Tools Needed
- Jackhammer/rotary hammer
- Shovel and pickaxe
- Level and tape measure
- Hose, nozzle, and bucket
- Mixer with bit
- Extension cord(s)
- Vacuum
- PPE
Material Needed
- Clean river rock
- Perforated socked pipe
Exterior French Drain Installation
Installing an exterior French drain is similar to a crawl space installation. Before digging, make sure you’re not running into any gas, water, or power lines.
- Dig the exterior trench where the drain pipe will be installed according to the sketch. The trench should be 12” - 18” deep and 9” wide, with a 1% slope.
- Depending on the specifications, either a catch basin discharge or a pop-up discharge will be installed at the end of the French drain system.
- Once the trench is prepped, lay a small base layer of clean river rock.
- Install the basin or pop-up.
- Drill ¼” holes around the bottom and sides of the basin.
- Set the pipe in the trench and ensure it has the proper slope (perform a flood test).
- Connect the pipe to the discharge (pop-up or catch basin).
- Backfill the trench and discharge with clean river rock (unless specified, relocate or remove dirt from the site).
- If installing triple wall pipe, landscaping fabric must be laid down before any river rock. If installing perforated sock pipe, landscaping fabric is not needed.
Tools Needed
- Shovel and pickaxe
- Tape measure
- Drill bit(s)
Material Needed
- Pipe (perforated socked or triple wall)
- Clean river rock
- Pop-up/catch basin discharge
- Landscape fabric
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