French Drains and Catch Basin Drainage Systems for Florida yards and soils

Which type of drainage system works better in Florida yards and soils?

French drains and catch basin systems are the most commonly installed types of drainage systems in Florida. French drains or underdrains are designed to capture surface and sub-surface water. The pipe can be set very deep or shallow depending on the depth at which water needs to be captured. Deeper pipe requires a lower outlet elevation, so the land contour must be able to accommodate a lower outlet. If the land is flat your options are limited. An elevation or laser survey may be necessary to determine the land pitch or elevations before work begins. The majority of landscapers and drainage companies do not use proper materials and pipe. Approximately 90% of the drainage systems we design and install are replacing failed systems installed by landscapers, homeowners and drainage companies. French Drains and underdrains are often destroyed by roots entering the pipe thru slots or holes. Southern Drainage Systems has developed a method which stops roots from entering the pipe. When pipe is installed properly with the correct commercial quality materials (not the wide open stocking type that comes pre-attached to some corrugated pipe which allows sand to enter) the system can and will last for decades.

Catch basin systems are designed to capture surface water only and can cost less than French drains and underdrains. A basin (box made of plastic or concrete with a grate on top) is set flush or slightly lower than the ground with pipe attached to the basin. Water flows thru the grate into the basin and pipe which guides water to an acceptable area at a lower elevation where it is released. Basins can be set shallow or deep with extensions, but yard drains are normally shallow. We have designed a special drainage system that allows water to enter from underground without allowing dirt or sand or roots into the system. This allows our catch basin drainage systems to capture subsurface water, which greatly increases the ability to dry out saturated yards, soils and surrounding areas. This saves you money and provides an outstanding quality system.

We often hear from homeowners they are worried about leaving their home during the rainy season and going on vacation. They’re concerns about heavy rains and flooding prevents them from leaving. Southern Drainage Systems has designed and installed hundreds of drainage systems for homeowners with these concerns who now go on vacation worry free.