Sump Pumps, Area Drains and French Drains

Sump Pumps, Area Drains, and French Drains can be installed to move unwanted water away from problem areas. A pipe system with area drains or a “French drain” system can funnel water from the surface and/or surrounding soil to another location for dispersal. If there is enough slope available, water can be funnelled to the street.

A sump pump system can be installed to move water from a basement, crawlspace, or a backyard when the water has to be lifted to a higher elevation dispersal area or out to the public Storm Drain system.

What is a French Drain, and how does it work?

A French Drain is essentially a “path of least resistance” to channel water from one area to another. A French Drain consists of a perforated pipe on a bed of drain rock, wrapped by filter fabric. The fabric keeps fine dirt from entering and clogging the pipe, but allows water to enter. First and foremost, water will dissipate to the immediately surring soil but as that soil becomes saturated, excess water will enter the pipe and flow to other areas for dispersal. A French Drain can be used as the sole method to move water underground or as part of a larger drainage solution, including solid pipes, such as those used for a Storm Drain, Pumps, and Custom Underground Dispersal Assemblies. 

The right solution for your drainage problem depends on the specifics of the problem, and we can advise on relatively straightforward solutions. For complex or significant drainage issues, please consult the appropriate engineer who can design a drainage system that meets your needs. In these cases, please see our Storm Drain page.

Call us at 📞408-693-6018 or use our contact form so we can have a look and provide an estimate on an appropriate solution.