What to Expect with an Exterior French Drain System

Cutaway of a French drain system installed on the outside of the concrete footing of a home foundation. A discharge line would also be included to send the water away from your home.

Shown in this photo are the French drain itself (filled with water), a fill of stone, and the backfilled soil.

One way of basement waterproofing that many contractors will suggest for waterproofing a basement is to install a french drain system along the outside perimeter of your home.

To install an exterior French drain, the contractor will take the following steps:

1. First, the entire perimeter of your home must be cleared. Gardens, steps, porches, etc., must be removed before the work can begin.
2. Next, the contractor will dig out the perimeter of your home. Excavated dirt will be mounded around the house.
3. The drain will be laid in a bed of stone along the bottom. The stone, and possibly a layer of filter fabric, are there to protect the drain from clogging.
4. The excavated soil will be "backfilled" on top of the system.

At Foundation Systems of Michigan, we offer many options for basement waterproofing. Schedule your free inspection to discuss the right solution for your home.

Call or e-mail us today to schedule your free quote! We proudly serve Metro Detroit, Ann Arbor, Saginaw, Traverse City, Grand Rapids, Lansing, Kalamazoo, Battle Creek, Muskegon, Jackson, Troy, Bloomfield Hills, Sterling Heights, Charlevoix, Flint, Clio, Gaylord, Madison Heights, Midland, Lexington, Mt. Pleasant, Adrian, and the surrounding areas in Michigan.

Getting Ready To Install an Exterior French Drain

You Will Need to Remove:

• Trees
• Shrubberies
• Gardens
• Porches
• Steps
• Sidewalks
• Patios
• Driveways
• ...And More