french drain concern (house, landscaping, live)

[spedstr25]

I had a house built and have lived in it since April. The lot beside me has recently been completed and the builder decided to put french drains on both sides of that house due to standing water.

I asked for a french drain on the other side of my house due to what I believe is excessive moisture (that side is where my back yard drains to and is constantly moist to the point that the corner of my back yard on that side constantly has algae growth) and I was denied.

My concern is that with one side having a french drain and the other not that the french drain side will "dry" up much quicker causing foundation issues.

Would a french drain on one side and not the other typically be a cause for concern? If so what type of company would be best to contact to start building a case to have the builder install a french drain on that side of the house. I am still under warranty as well. Thanks!

[WorldKlas]

No, the slope of the land determines need for the French drain, it's very common only to need it on one side.

[spedstr25]

Thank you!!!

[escanlan]

Originally Posted by spedstr25

I had a house built and have lived in it since April. The lot beside me has recently been completed and the builder decided to put french drains on both sides of that house due to standing water.

I asked for a french drain on the other side of my house due to what I believe is excessive moisture (that side is where my back yard drains to and is constantly moist to the point that the corner of my back yard on that side constantly has algae growth) and I was denied.

My concern is that with one side having a french drain and the other not that the french drain side will "dry" up much quicker causing foundation issues.

Would a french drain on one side and not the other typically be a cause for concern? If so what type of company would be best to contact to start building a case to have the builder install a french drain on that side of the house. I am still under warranty as well. Thanks!

What you are describing is uneven and excessive moisture at the point where the ground is "constantly moist". At this point a specialized drain system might not be needed but you do have an apparent drainage issue that requires corrections. What you are describing has the potential to contribute to foundation movement. I would recommend that you do have this fully evaluated and since you are in your warranty period I would use the services of a licensed Professional Engineer with in depth experience in foundations as well as drainage and grading. If the builder has not properly graded the lot and/or built with issues present then let them argue with a licensed PE. If you need a recommendation I can PM you the name of an excellent PE.

[Rakin]

Sounds like you might be over watering in this wet fall and winter we've been having.
Have you cut back from the builders times? They always over water new landscaping.

[spedstr25]

escanlan yes please PM me the recommendation

Rakin I haven't watered in at least 2 months since we have been getting rain every week or two. Checked again last night and the divide between my house and the neighbors is still moist almost a week after the last rain. Its not muddy wet like it was a few days ago but still definitely moist.

[escanlan]

Originally Posted by spedstr25

escanlan yes please PM me the recommendation

Rakin I haven't watered in at least 2 months since we have been getting rain every week or two. Checked again last night and the divide between my house and the neighbors is still moist almost a week after the last rain. Its not muddy wet like it was a few days ago but still definitely moist.

Sent you a PM. Good luck and let us know how it turns out.

[loves2read]

have to checked to make sure the irrigation system doesn't have an open valve that is leaking even when the system is not "on"?