French Drain Systems
Most calls I receive involving drainage systems are mistakenly referred to as French drain systems, true French drain uses corrugated pipe and drainage aggregate around the pipe to leach water from underground surfaces. Florida soil type plays an important role in how it is constructed. Filter fabric wrapping the aggregate or pipe is sometimes used to control sediment and to keep sediment build up from forming within the pipe.
Flow Well Reservoir Systems
Flow well systems are very effective in Florida . Flow wells are similar in nature to a septic tank except it’s designed to leach inward as a collection point and release outward as the ground dries. This is especially designed for areas with elevation problems. Because water moves in both directions through filter fabric it is less likely to mat on the outside. The water weight or hydro-static pressure forces water to percolate into the soil faster. Flow wells are great for drying ground saturation problems as well and can be installed in conjunction with other drainage systems.
Excavation Width: The width of diameter is important to create the correct leaching area for flow wells to work at its full potential (approx. 6 ft. in diameter).
Excavation Depth: Water percolates in the ground at a fast rate, 4 ft. below the Earth’s surface.
Excavation Locations: Every property is different, but generally the lowest portion is the drainage area. Determining factors are elevation in conjunction with gutter down spout height . We also want to make sure the placement does not interfere with surface functionality or future property expansion or upgrade projects. (i.e. plantings, patios, home additions, etc…)
Installation: The excavated area is lined with filter fabric and the assemble canister (approx. 24” in diameter x 28.75” high) in the middle of excavated area. After integrated into drainage system, the flow well is then surrounded by drainage aggregate on all sides. After drainage aggregate is installed it is covered by filter fabric and 6 in. to 1 ft. of soil.
Clay soil is very silty and will often mat around the outside of the filter fabric and create a clay shell that traps water inside the pipe. If filter fabric is not used, sediment builds in the pipe (like a clogging vein in the body) eventually clogging the entire pipe. French drains usually have a 2-3 year success rate in silty soils such as red clay. 
Foundation Drains
A foundation drain is similar to a French drain except it is installed against a wall or along a foundation because only 25% to 50 % of the drain is exposed to silt. The success rate is much higher for drainage when installed with a good direct flow or flow well drainage system. Using waterproofing with foundation drains is a useful tool in mitigating water intrusion