Do you have a French drain in your home? Be aware that this device can often be the cause of the accumulation of bacteria and the development of mold of all kinds that can spread throughout the house. It is therefore important to inspect it regularly to avoid unpleasant surprises. Find out everything you need to know about the French drain and its inspection.

How does a French drain work?

A French drain is a device for evacuating rainwater in your property using mainly gravity. In practice, the water will be naturally oriented by a previously and expressly created slope, generating a flow that drains it downstream. Thus, all the rainwater will be directed towards this slope and will not accumulate in puddles in your yard or on the lawn. The French drain is a particularly effective system for keeping strategic areas of your property dry, especially around the foundations of the house.

The concept of a French drain is relatively simple. The water is channeled through a downward sloping course, ending in a small ditch. Along the slope is installed a pipe to facilitate the flow of water. Gravel will also surround the French drain in order to disperse the water properly. In the end, the water will be discharged to a drainage ditch or directly outside your property.

It is strongly recommended to have a French drain installed in the homes of those who suffer from surface water drainage problems, especially in the lawn, and walkways that are constantly soaked during the rainy season. . Those who have problems with water accumulation in the basement should also have a French drain installed.

How can a French drain inspection detects bacteria and mold?

Inspecting your French drains regularly can prevent many problems and ensure its longevity for many years. Discover the importance of this inspection and the main method used to properly inspect your French drains.

Why inspect your French drain?

As the water flows through your French drain, it will have some failures. This is why it is imperative that you inspect the system regularly to ensure that it is working properly. The main signs that show that your French drain is no longer working optimally are the following:

  • Rainwater has a hard time draining onto your yard and takes more than 24 hours to dry out;
  • Constant humidity is present in your yard;
  • Deposits of mineral salts and mold on the concrete of your exterior;
  • The presence of strong odors;
  • The appearance of increasingly apparent cracks in the foundation of your house.

However, it is not necessary to wait for operational problems to appear before carrying out the inspection of your French drains. Indeed, if you inspect them regularly, you will be able to limit the damage caused by possible failures and you will identify the accumulation of bacteria and mold in French drains as soon as possible.

How do I do a French drain inspection?

It can be difficult to assess the condition of a French drain just by using your bare eyes. Indeed, you will have a hard time inspecting the inside of the pipes to see what is going on. The most effective method proposed by professionals is to use a mini camera that will thoroughly inspect the drains.

Not only does the camera detect clogged areas and cracks, but it also provides a good view of any mold in your device. Then, taking samples from the pipes will allow for a more in-depth analysis of the presence and type of bacteria and mold.

Have your French drains inspected by a professional

Given the fairly technical nature of the operation, you are not going to inspect your French drain yourself. This task must be left to the care of a professional who will not only inspect, but also analyze samples and then carry out the repair of the drain if necessary.

At Benjel, we have the necessary equipment to inspect your drain. The operation is carried out in depth until the source of the problem is detected. We can also identify bacteria and the presence of mold in the drain. Taking advantage of our know-how, we are able to perform an accurate and complete diagnosis on your French drain. In the event of major repairs at this level, the appropriate equipment will be used and the system will be repaired.

Do not neglect the regular inspection of your French drains to avoid the proliferation of bacteria and mold in your property. It will also allow you to catch problems in time, before the damage becomes too great and too expensive.