If you are preparing for a French Drain installation in Tampa, you might find yourself in a lurch. A lurch where you have to ask a few questions. If you are not into irrigation and drainage construction or plumbing, it might be a little unsettling.

At ACS Irrigation, we understand that you have these questions. And that is why we have decided to bring these questions to the fore to provide to answers in the most reassuring way possible. We do hope that we will have been able to address the questions on your mind about French drain installation in Tampa.

What Is a French Drain?

The French drain takes its name from its inventor, Henry French, who built the first one in 1859. A French drain is a sloped trench filled with gravel or rock; the drain will usually contain a perforated pipe. The sole purpose is to redirect surface and groundwater away from areas where water collects. Since water will naturally find pockets in the soil and move downward, the drain intends to move water as fast as possible. The rock bed of a French drain draws the groundwater in from the large pockets between the rock. The water then enters the pipe and is diverted downward into a designated area.

What Are the Signs That You May Need a French Drain?

If you have areas of your lawn that are always damp or you notice standing water and mud, you need to watch out. It may be a sign that you have drainage issues. Additionally, if you notice a discoloration along the perimeter of your home from water or if your basement is always damp and moldy, that’s another sign. It may be a sign that there is standing groundwater. You can often tell areas that have drainage issues by observing how long the water remains standing after a good rain. At this time, you can decide to have a French drain in place. French drain installation will take the right knowledge too but you can count on our experienced team at ACS to get the job done.

How Much Room Will a French Drain Take?

The space and size required will usually be based on individual and specific needs. Since each irrigation problem is different, so is the solution adopted. However, the typical trench is approximately 8” to 2” deep and roughly ½” wide. The length of the drain is going to be dependent on the size and length of the perimeter of the area where drainage is a problem. This could mean the trench will need to run several feet or even yards. Complex French drains can have several channels and become very intricate. A professional will be able to figure proper sloping, pipe size, and trench length, as well as ensure that underground utilities or other subsurface obstacles are not impacted. Proper consultation will allay your fears around whether the excavation can affect other underground installations or alter the way the soil can be tilled.

How Do You know the French drain is working?

Once the  installation is done with, attention turns to functionality. Is the drain serving its purpose? How can you know that? It’s really easy; if the water pool that made you excavate the trench is still there, there is every chance that your French drain is not working properly. There might be something obstructing the flow of water but its best you have professionals look it over. If the drain is properly installed, it can go on to last decades with little or no maintenance.

The team you can trust to install your French drain in the Tampa area is ACS Irrigation. Reach out for a quote or consultation today.