One of the most commonly recommended and installed drainage systems is a French drain. However, at Redco, we do not believe that French drains are optimal for most residential drainage needs. This is because they tend to back up and spill at the foundation. Instead, we use a different system that involves placing a barrel in the ground to gather small amounts of water. We then place a pop-up in the grass that allows additional water to not get trapped in the drain, but to flow out of the grass during big rainstorms. This approach reduces the risk of oversaturating soils and causing foundation failures. Another disadvantage of French drains is that they are not easily maintained. Any sediment that makes its way to the drain field cannot be removed, which can lead to clogging and other issues. Additionally, the rock used in French drains reduces the storage volume for water. Therefore, all of the drainage systems we install include an empty water retention chamber to maximize the capture of runoff. If a French drain becomes clogged, it will force the water back to the house, which can be problematic.