When Should You Consider Hiring a Professional for French Drain Installation

Overview of French Drain Installation

Homeowners in Kansas City are often calling PierMagic for their waterproofing and drainage concerns. Oftentimes a suitable repair is a French drain. The French drain effectively directs away the water from your foundation, saving you from further costly damage. However, installing a French drain can be daunting, and you might be unable to handle the task if you’re not experienced in the tasks at hand. 

Here we’ll talk about the overall process of French drain installation and will outline the situations when you know a professional might be better to pull the task off rightfully. That's when homeowners call PierMagic as the Kansas City professionals.

Dig Your Trench

The French drain installation process starts by digging your trench. You should dig the trench based on how much water you want to be directed away at a time and what pipe size and drainage you plan to install. Basically, approximately the trench should be 12 and 24-inch deep and wide. This will allow the trench to be strong enough to accommodate any regular household drainage systems. 

Experienced foundation and waterproofing professionals should also take the time to dig properly with a level base and ensure it follows a consistent slope along the trench to maintain proper water flow through the right direction.

Line the Trench

After you dig your trench, it’s time to line it with a fine layer of landscape fabric. This will help prevent the dirt, debris, and roots from getting in and clogging the drainage system. 

It’s important to ensure that you’re applying enough fabric to cover your trench's whole width and length. Concerned with knowing the right amount?

Give PierMagic a call with your questions. 816-765-4800.

Lay and Connect Your Piping

Once your trench is ready and lined with the appropriate drainage fabric, now is the time to place and install the drainage pipe. Choose the type of pipe that is durable enough and fits the trench line. When you’re done laying the pipe, spread some thick 3-inch layers of gravel on top of the fabric. 

This helps channel the water away properly and prevents any types of grass and weeds from growing inside.

Test the Drain

After you’ve done everything above, test the drain and see if it’s working properly. You can pour water into the trench and observe how quickly it drains away. 

And if you notice any pooling and clogging, making the drainage slow. Then make the appropriate fixings and adjustments before filling it in the trench.

Wrap the Pipes and Fill the Trench

Finally, fold over the excess fabric lining, and fill them with sand and topsoil using a shovel. This will ensure the drainage pipe is secured and won’t shift over time. Remember to carefully trim or fold over the excess fabric lining so it’ll not loosen up over time. 

You can get a great result from your new French drain system with the proper installation and maintenance!

When You Should Hire a Pro For A French Drain System?

Lack of Experience

Installing a French drain system may seem like a simple task at first. But to complete it, you’ll need enough excellence and expertise. Because even tiny mistakes can lead to bigger issues, making you reopen the whole system and redo it again. 

If you’re not familiar with the process of French drain installation, then we recommend you hire a professional instead. 

Complex or Challenging Terrain

Installing a French drain in complex terrain can be hard. There can be steep ropes, dense tree roots, etc., as an obstacle that may require specialized techniques and equipment to remove from the way. 

Suppose you don't have the expertise to handle those obstacles or don’t have the necessary equipment to deal with them. Then you may call someone with the equipment and expertise to handle any obstacles on the way and ensure the drainage system is installed properly.

Large-Scale Projects

For large-scale drainage projects, it’s always a good idea to do the task for you. It is their job to handle such projects; they’ll know better techniques and have the necessary equipment to do the project. They can also offer you important advice on the French drain designs and layouts to make the system more effective.

In a word, letting professionals do the job will give you the surety that the task will be done correctly, reducing the potential headaches in the future.

Time Constraints

When you have a tight schedule and need to complete the project quickly, you may not get the headache and let the professionals deal with them. Professional contractors have the expertise to do the task properly within the timeframe. 

They’ll have enough members on their team to complete the installation efficiently, ensuring that your French drain system installation is done and ready to direct away the drain water. 

DIY French Drain Installation vs. Hiring Pros

When it comes to French drain installation, there are two options you have at hand. The first and most tempting is to do it yourself to save cost, and the second is to hire a professional. So which one is the most suitable for you and your home? Let's dig into it.

#1, you must understand that installing a French drain requires solid planning and excavation. If you are not a professional with much experience, chances are you don't have the expertise to pull it yourself. In addition, the job requires some level of equipment as well, which is unlikely that you will find handy at your home. 

#2, when you hire a professional, they will have the knowledge to install the drain system properly with optimum slope placement.

#3, they will have the needed materials at their disposal, which can improve the quality of the finished work compared to a DIY project. 

#4, when you get the job done by a professional, you will have a warranty, which can be peace of mind for the time being. 

#5, you can do it yourself if you have the right knowledge and expertise with the right equipment and materials. 

When it comes to French drain installation, you can make the best choice by hiring a professional to do it for yourself. This will ensure your drainage system is at the right hand, and you can get the best possible result.

If you’re considering a French Drain installation, we’re here to help! Contact us today to discuss your project and what you need. With years of experience and expertise, we know that we can deliver the best value for your money. 

So don't wait any longer. Pick up the phone and dial; we are only one phone call away!