American Sewer Specialist

What Is a French Drain, and How Does It Work?

A French drain can help you avoid pooling water in your yard as well as mold and water damage to your home, which makes it an excellent tool for many homeowners and business owners. Put simply, a French drain consists of a trench laid with perforated pipe and gravel that allows excess water to drain naturally from your yard. If you’re ready to address your drainage issues head-on, call our experienced Loyalhanna French pipe repair and installation specialists today.

An Effective Drainage Solution

French drains are gravity-fed systems that divert water away from buildings and structures, such as away from your home’s foundation. The process of installing a French drain begins with digging a trench and enclosing a perforated pipe within – with either gravel or rocks. 

The pipe collects the water that seeps into the trench and directs it away from the area that could potentially experience water damage. The idea is preventing water from building up and causing problems by discharging it into a drainage ditch, a storm drain, or a dry well at a safe distance from the structure in question.

The Advantages of the French Drain

French drains are associated with many plumbing advantages that include the following:

Discuss your water management options, including the benefits of French drains, with a skilled drainage professional today.

Factors to Consider

When it comes to French drains, there are a range of factors that must be taken into careful consideration.

Slope

In order for the water to drain properly – by flowing away from the structure – the trench itself must be sloped.

Building Materials

Gravel or rock is usually the best option when it comes to lining the trench that holds the drainage pipe in a French drain. Hard rocks like washed river rocks and granite chips are excellent choices for effective drainage and filtration.

Perforations

The perforations in the pipe must be suitable for taking in water without clogging. This generally requires slots or perforations that are placed at regular intervals.

Learn More about What French Drains Have to Offer from a Loyalhanna Sewer Specialist Today

At American Sewer Specialist in Loyalhanna, Pennsylvania, we appreciate how important proper drainage is to your property, and our reputation for excellent service speaks for itself. We’re family-owned and operated and have been proudly serving satisfied customers for more than three decades. We encourage you to reach out for more information about how we can help by contacting us online or calling us at 724-879-8130 today.

Happy Clients

Browse through some reviews from happy customers and clients.

  • "When American Sewer Specialist arrived to our home, we were so relieved. Not only because they showed up so quickly, but because they were able to figure out the problem with our leaky basement within a half hour. I have recommended American Sewer Specialist to our family and friends and will continue to do so.…"

    Dan D.
  • "Deal directly with the owner, Kurt! Excellent work, reliable, and great quote. I highly recommend! Comes right out while the others make you wait."

    Justin N.
  • "I was recommended American Sewer Specialist by my co-worker. We had quite the emergency with our sewer line, and they helped us right away! I’ll definitely call American Sewer Specialist if I am ever in need of their services again."

    Jessica L.
  • "Rick and his team did some extensive work on my property, relining and fixing the 75-year-old system. They did a great job at a fair price and cleaned up nicely after the project. You need a sewer system checked out or repaired? Do not hesitate to call Rick, he is honest, upfront and will take care of the job from start to finish. Just a great family owned company."

    Howard Effron
  • "We used American Sewer Specialist to divert a natural spring away from the house and into the storm drain. We had two other companies come out to try and fix our water drainage problem but they were unsuccessful. Rick was very professional and did a great job. He answered all of my questions and fixed our water problem! I highly recommend Rick and American Sewer Specialist!"

    Brianna
  • "We owned a property in Latrobe that was under contract. The dye test failed and Rick was there the next day. He worked on our fairly massive problem and we closed on the property without a delay. He was so patient with us as we were so panicked and living 70 miles away. Big problem-big job...BUT fair price!! Many thanks Michelle and Rick!!!!!!"

    Christine DiVecchio
  • A collection of plumbing tools and copper pipes, including a wrench, fittings, and valves, arranged on a textured dark surface.
  • A close-up view of a construction site showing an excavated hole with plumbing equipment and orange hoses, alongside a backhoe..
  • A spacious basement with a vintage air compressor on wheels, stairs leading up, and construction materials scattered across the concrete floor.
  • A snow-covered outdoor scene featuring a white pressure tank, colorful traffic cones, and a festive candy cane decoration on a brick wall.
  • A construction site showing a variety of pipes and hoses, a white bucket with a red handle, and tools on a wooden surface.
  • A worker in a camouflage hat operates a large machine on a grassy hillside, with hoses and buckets around, under a clear blue sky.
  • A worker connects colorful hoses to a machine beside an open excavation, with an orange pipe extending into the ground.
  • A large, hollow pipeline lies in a sandy trench, with another pipe visible in the background, indicating construction work in progress.
  • Two workers in safety attire operate a machine with colorful hoses in a construction area, surrounded by materials and tools.
  • A partially excavated trench filled with gravel, bordered by mounds of dirt, with construction equipment visible in the foreground.
  • Construction site with a excavator, a red spray machine, and construction materials against a clear blue sky.
  • A red and black portable machine sits on a gravel driveway in front of a brick house, surrounded by construction materials and tools.
  • A worker stands at a garage entrance surrounded by construction equipment, hoses, and tools on a sunny day. Safety cone nearby.
  • A concrete trench reveals a blue water pipe, surrounded by tools and a fan, in a construction corridor.
  • A deep hole filled with water in a basement, featuring red and black hoses linked to plumbing equipment against a concrete wall.
  • A trench with exposed pipes and tools outside a house, surrounded by orange cones and construction materials.

Do you have a cracked or clogged sewer or water line?

Call us now and we’ll fix any sewer or water line problem.

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