French Drains: A Simple Fix for a Big Water Problem

Water is essential for life, but when it comes to your home, it’s one of the biggest sources of damage. In fact, water issues cause nearly 80% of construction-related problems. Let’s focus on how rainwater affects your foundation, yard, and crawlspace, and how French drains can be the solution.

It’s easy to spot a leak in a basement or water flowing into a garage, but even water that doesn’t make it inside can do real damage. Water pooling in your yard kills grass, creates soggy areas, attracts mosquitoes, and can soften the ground around your foundation. That moisture can seep into your crawlspace, bringing pests, raising humidity, and leading to mold, rot, and long-term structural damage.

To stop these problems, your home needs the right kind of drainage system—and in most cases, that starts with a French drain.

What Is a French Drain?

A French drain is an underground system that helps collect and redirect excess water away from problem areas. It’s typically a trench filled with gravel and a perforated pipe (a pipe with small holes) that gives water an easy way to flow out and away.

Interestingly enough, the French drain is another great “Made in America” idea and didn’t originate in France. It was named after Henry Flagg French, an American who popularized the idea in the 1800s. They were originally called a French’s drain but lost the possessive over time.

How Does It Work?

• Water enters the gravel trench, pulled in by gravity.
• The pipe inside collects the water and gives it a clear path.
• Water is then redirected to a safe place—like a lower spot in the yard, a sump pump, or a dry well.

Since the system is underground, it’s nearly invisible after installation. It won’t interfere with your yard, and in some cases, it can even be surfaced with decorative gravel to blend with landscaping.

Where Can It Be Installed?

• Yards: To fix soggy grass, pooling rainwater, or uneven low spots.
• Outside foundation: To keep water from pressing against basement walls.
• Inside basements: If digging outside isn’t an option, drains can be installed along the interior perimeter.
• Crawlspaces: To carry standing water to a sump pump when outside drainage isn’t enough.

Their effectiveness and simplicity make them a versatile tool for redirecting water in many applications.

Signs You Might Need One

• Your yard turns into a swamp after it rains
• Water is pooling near your foundation
• Your crawlspace or basement has standing water, musty smells, or high humidity
• You’ve already tried other drainage fixes and still have problems

French drains are a straightforward, long-lasting solution when water just won’t stay where it belongs.

Do They Require Maintenance?

Not much! When installed correctly—with filter fabric, clean-out access, and solid PVC piping—French drains are built to last. We keep roof water and debris out of the system, and we add access points in case a plumber’s snake is ever needed. We also use durable pipes that won’t collapse or degrade over time.

We Can Help

At Upstate Structural Repair, we design drainage systems tailored to your space—no guesswork, no pressure. We’ll inspect your home, walk you through the options, and offer a free estimate to help you make the right decision.