Subsurface Water Solutions

French drains and J drains are examples of subsurface drains. These drain systems are used when water is getting under the structure and causing increased moisture content in the soils which cause the clays to expand. This expansion of the clay is known as a heave. The remedy for a heave is to address the drainage problem that is causing the higher moisture content in the soils.

French drains

French drains are subsurface drainage systems. They are buried under a layer of dirt and grass approximately four inches thick. French drains are commonly used to solve the wet, soggy ground problem.

A French drain consists of a perforated pipe surrounded by gravel and separated from the dirt by a geotextile fabric. Water from the surface seeps through the grass, earth, and landscaping fabric and enters the gravel. It flows through the gravel, and then enters the pipe through the perforations. The slope of the pipe carries the water away from problem areas and to a discharge away from the building, or to a collection point where the water is pumped away.

Ewing and Ray’s french drains are designed with clean outs to allow for maintenance, if needed in the future. We recommend doing at least bi-yearly checks for cleanliness and drainage flow. If needed, the french drain can be cleaned out using a high pressure cleaning system.

J Drains

A J drain is a lower cost modular drainage system due to lower installation and material cost. However there is a decrease of filtration surface area, and therefore a decrease in life expectancy, with this system.

For additional information and resources contact us.