Foundation Drain / French Drain
Nowadays, most homes are equipped with a foundation drain, also called a French drain. This type of drain helps divert water away from the foundation to the nearest sewer or ditch in order to reduce humidity levels around the foundation. A foundation drain plays a great role in the conservation of a healthy property.
Causes of Improper Foundation Drainage
Over the years, some elements might hinder your foundation drain’s ability to function properly.
Here are common factors of French drain ineffectiveness:
- Root growth punctures, clogs, and damages French drain tubing.
- Silt and mud build up inside the French drain and end up clogging its tubing; water is no longer able to flow inside the drain.
- Tubing is clogged by a reddish sludge brought about by ferrous ochre.
- Silt buildup overlays the textile membrane which covers the foundation drain; this keeps the water from entering the drain.
- The French drain is slanted toward the building and causes water to stagnate around the foundation.
Signs of a Flawed Drainage System
Excess humidity near the foundation can cause serious problems which may in turn lead to considerable expenses and health hazards.
A defective foundation drain may be detected by the following visual cues:
- Concrete walls lined with white powder (efflorescence)
- Water stains between the walls and the floor slab
- Mold in the basement
- Swelling of the paint on concrete surfaces
- Deterioration of concrete
- High humidity in the basement
Our Solutions
Fissure 640 uses a wide range of techniques to restore optimal drainage of the foundation. We will put together a drainage solution that will best fit your needs.
Fissure 640 offers the following services:
- Drain-photo-2Pre-purchase Inspection – helps locate water infiltration problems and assesses related repair costs before closing the deal (nominal fee for expertise); untreated foundation cracks often result in the withdrawal of potential buyers
- Camera Inspection – official drain inspection with the use of a camera; report and video clip provided on demand
- French Drain Replacement – soil excavation around the foundation, removal of the defective drain, and installation of a new French drain
- Drain Installation for Ferrous Ochre – use of smooth-walled perforated PVC pipes that are compliant with obligatory standards imposed by the Quebec Standards Service (BNQ)
- Window Well Installation – essential when the window is flush with or below ground level, especially when the ground is sloped
- Interior Drain Installation – provides added drainage and damp-proofing of the foundation
- DB Certified Backfill – use of backfill specially designed for pyrite-prone soil; crushed rock does not swell in the presence of pyrite (see Pyrite section on the Foundation Cracks page)
- Installation of Cleanout Points – two rigid pipes connected to the French drain by the means of fittings (put in place at a 45 degree angle)



