FRENCH DRAIN INSTALLATION AND REPLACEMENT
FREE INSPECTION
SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR FOUNDATION
Solex Expert: your go-to for French drain installation and replacement
With many years of experience in foundations, drainage and excavation, Solex is recognized on the South Shore for the quality of its installations and the durability of its solutions.
Our experts use certified methods, accurate diagnosis and top-quality materials to ensure effective drainage and prevent water infiltration around your house.
WHAT PEOPLE SAY ABOUT US
A KEY SYSTEM FOR PREVENTING INFILTRATION
What is a French drain?
A French drain is a perforated pipe installed at the base of the foundation, surrounded by gravel and protected by a geotextile. Its role is to collect and direct water away from the house to reduce hydrostatic pressure on the foundation walls.
When it is poorly installed or clogged over time, water builds up around the foundation, causing infiltration, cracks and persistent moisture. A working French drain is therefore essential to the durability and health of your home.
SIGNS OF A FAULTY DRAIN
How do you know if your drain needs to be replaced?
A clogged or faulty French drain can cause several visible problems in your home. You may notice water infiltration at the bottom of basement walls, damp stains, white efflorescence or even mold on surfaces. In some cases, cracks appear in the slab or foundation walls, along with a persistent musty smell. Outside, water pooling around the house after rain is also a telltale sign of an ineffective drainage system.
If you notice one or more of these symptoms, Solex offers a FREE inspection and a complete assessment to confirm the condition of your drain and recommend the best solution for your situation.
A STRUCTURED PROCESS FOR EFFECTIVE DRAINAGE
Our complete 8-step French drain installation or replacement method
STEP 1: FREE inspection and complete diagnosis
Analysis of the lot, slope, soil and water behavior around the foundation.
STEP 2: Safe excavation around the foundation
Careful removal of soil around the house to expose the base of the foundation without damaging it.
STEP 3: Setting up access to the site and home
Safe preparation of the work area to allow excavation and protect the surrounding landscaping.
STEP 4: Removal of the faulty drain and complete cleaning
Removal of the old drain, debris and clogged materials to start from a clean, healthy base.
STEP 5: Installation of the new perforated drain
Installation of a high-quality perforated drain wrapped in geotextile to filter water effectively and prevent clogs.
STEP 6: Installation of an access cleanout
An access cleanout is added for easy inspection and periodic cleaning of the French drain, ensuring long-term performance.
STEP 7: Filter gravel and additional drainage system
A layer of certified gravel is placed to help water flow toward the drain and provide maximum protection against moisture.
STEP 8: Backfilling, grading and site cleanup
Backfilling with suitable materials, professional compaction and grading for a stable, attractive finish.
EXPERTISE, QUALITY AND TRUST
Why choose Solex?
Foundation and drainage experts with over 15 years of experience
High-quality French drain installation
Fast, safe service
Durable, certified materials
FREE inspection and complete diagnosis
Written warranty on all work
A LASTING SOLUTION TO PROTECT YOUR FOUNDATION
The benefits of a high-performing French drain
A well-designed, properly installed French drain effectively removes water that builds up around the foundation, eliminating the risk of infiltration, cracks and moisture damage. By reducing water pressure on the walls, it provides better moisture management and helps keep your indoor environment dry and healthy. This solution prevents mold, protects the building’s structure and extends the life of your foundation. With Solex , you get a system installed to the highest quality standards, a written warranty and the peace of mind of a home protected for years to come.
COMPLETE SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR FOUNDATION
Our other specialized foundation services
Exterior foundation cracks (with excavation)
Exterior foundation cracks (with excavation)
French drains
French drains
Camera inspection
Camera inspection
Pyrite
Pyrite
WHERE TO FIND US
Get the full benefit of our expertise!
We serve the Montérégie region and surrounding areas, including:
✓ Longueuil
✓ St-Jean-sur-Richelieu
✓ Châteauguay
✓ Saint-Hubert
✓ St-Bruno-de-Montarville
✓ Boucherville
✓ Brossard
✓ Salaberry-de-Valleyfield
✓ Saint-Hyacinthe
✓ Sorel-Tracy
✓ Vaudreuil-Dorion
✓ Sainte-Julie
✓ Candiac
✓ Saint-Lambert
✓ La Prairie
✓ Chambly
PROTECT YOUR INVESTMENT TODAY
Contact us for a FREE inspection!
Don’t let a drainage problem compromise the health of your foundation. Contact Solex today for a FREE inspection. Our experts will assess the condition of your French drain and offer a durable solution tailored to your needs, with no hassle and no unnecessary costs.
EXPERT ANSWERS TO YOUR CONCERNS
Your most frequently asked questions about French drain installation
A French drain is a perforated pipe installed around the foundation that collects groundwater and carries it away from the house. It protects the foundation against water infiltration and moisture.
Homes built after the 1950s are generally equipped with one. To be sure, you can check the construction plans or have a camera inspection of the foundation perimeter.
A properly installed drain can last between 25 and 40 years. Its lifespan depends on the quality of the materials, the soil type and regular maintenance.
The most common symptoms are:
- Water on the floor of the basement
- Musty odors that persist
- Mold stains on the walls
- White efflorescence (powder on the concrete)
- Crumbling or bulging walls
Clogs are often caused by:
- Buildup of sediment and soil
- Tree roots growing into the drain
- A poor slope or faulty installation
- Aging materials
Not necessarily. Houses built on highly permeable soil or on a slab don’t always need one. However, for most homes with a basement, it is strongly recommended.
It greatly reduces the risk, but must be combined with effective surface drainage (proper yard slope, gutters, downspouts) for complete protection.
- Exterior drain: installed around the foundation, more durable and effective over the long term.
- Interior drain: placed under the concrete slab, used as a corrective solution when the exterior is not accessible.
The cost depends on the area, accessibility and soil type. In general, expect between $10,000 and $25,000 for a complete replacement.
If only one section is clogged, high-pressure cleaning or a partial repair may be enough. However, a badly damaged drain usually needs to be replaced.
- Avoid planting trees too close to the foundation
- Make sure the yard has proper grading
- Have a camera inspection and cleaning every 10 to 15 years
- Regularly check the sump and the sump pump
Yes. They seek out moisture and can get into the perforations of the drain, causing blockages.
Spring, summer and fall are ideal because the ground is thawed and accessible. Winter is rarely an option because of frozen ground.
No, if it is properly installed. It is placed below the frost line, which keeps water from freezing in the pipe.
Most of the time, no. Normal wear and water infiltration are excluded. However, some policies offer additional coverage for sewer backups.