French Drain

French Drains in Illinois have a limited life span. They are filtered by gravel that surrounds the French Drain. Mud and sediment build up in the gravel, then begin to clog the French Drain.

Once clogged, water builds up and the hydrostatic pressure will find it's way into your home. Water can build up in the masonry and dissolve elements such as calcium, lime and other minerals out of your cement, weakening the concrete.

Once blocked French Drains no longer drain properly, water seeps up through cracks and the seams in the floor. Pools of water can form at the low points of the floor. Water that accumulates around the foundation because of French Drain failure creates pressure on basement walls, which can crack or buckle.