Radon mitigation in Indianapolis:
protect your home and your health
Radon is an invisible, odorless radioactive gas that seeps into homes through foundations, crawl spaces, and basements. It’s the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S., and central Indiana is considered a high-risk zone. At Michaelis, we provide certified radon mitigation services in Indianapolis to reduce indoor radon levels and protect your family. Whether you’re seeing high radon test results or just want peace of mind, our in-home consultation is always free, with no payment required until you’re satisfied. If you’ve been searching “radon mitigation near me,” let us help you design a custom system based on your home’s structure and budget.
Insurance restoration support for radon-related concerns
While radon issues don’t always involve insurance, some moisture or structural concerns connected to radon entry may require claim support. We’re ready either way.
Insurance Restoration
Inspection & Documentation
Claim Support & Planning
Restoration & Settlement
Home Improvement Process
Assessment & Inspection
Recommendations & Planning
Execution & Repair
Why Indianapolis homeowners trust Michaelis for radon mitigation
Certified radon measurement & mitigation professionals
Over 35 years of service across Indiana
Free inspections and in-home consultations
Customized systems for every home layout
Financing options available
Satisfaction-first policy: no payment until you’re happy
Member of Indoor Environments Association (formerly AARST)
Michaelis Corporation is certified as a Radon Measurement Professional and Radon Mitigation Specialist by the Indoor Environments Association (formerly AARST), with AARST Member ID: A8291.
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Common questions about French drain systems
What is a French drain and how does it work?
A French drain is a trench filled with gravel and a perforated pipe that redirects water away from your home’s foundation. It collects excess groundwater and channels it to a sump pump, dry well, or storm drain.
How do I know if I need a French drain?
If your basement or crawl space has standing water, wall stains, musty odors, or repeated flooding after heavy rain, a French drain system may be necessary to control underground water pressure.
Is a French drain better for inside or outside the home?
It depends on your home’s layout and the source of the water. Interior French drains are ideal for basements with seepage or hydrostatic pressure. Exterior systems are used to block water before it reaches the foundation.
Can a French drain fix basement flooding permanently?
When properly installed and paired with sump pumps and vapor barriers, a French drain system offers long-term protection against water intrusion and foundation damage.
Does installing a French drain damage my basement?
Our installation is precise and minimally invasive. For interior systems, we remove a narrow strip of flooring along the perimeter, then restore it after the system is in place. You’ll barely notice the difference—except for the dryness.
How long does French drain installation take?
Most residential systems are completed in 1–2 days, depending on the size and complexity of the basement or crawl space.
Why choose Michaelis for my French drain installation?
We’ve been waterproofing Indiana homes since 1986. Our certified team uses proven systems, offers full transparency, and won’t take payment until you’re fully satisfied.
French drain systems in Indianapolis
Wet, leaking basements are a constant problem for many Indiana homeowners, especially during heavy rains or snowmelt. One of the most effective long-term solutions is installing a French drain system. This tried-and-true waterproofing method captures groundwater before it enters your basement, rerouting it away from your foundation to keep the interior dry, safe, and mold-free.
At Michaelis, we install interior French drain systems along the perimeter of your basement. Unlike exterior solutions, these systems are discreet, minimally invasive, and highly effective at controlling water from hydrostatic pressure or wall seepage. We cut a narrow channel around the basement floor, install a perforated pipe with a drainage bed, and connect it to a sump pump for safe water discharge. Once installed and sealed, the system becomes invisible, but the results are easy to feel.
If you’ve noticed puddles, damp walls, musty smells, or repeated basement flooding, your home may be a candidate for a French drain system. These symptoms point to a serious moisture problem that surface-level fixes like paint or caulking won’t solve. Without proper drainage, you risk foundation damage, mold growth, and declining air quality.
Michaelis has helped thousands of Indianapolis homeowners stop water intrusion with custom drainage solutions. Whether your basement is unfinished or fully finished, we’ll design a system that protects it from the ground up, and you won’t pay a dime until you’re completely satisfied.
Call now or book a free French drain system inspection and get one step closer to a permanently dry basement.
Our basement services
Explore more of our expert repair solutions designed to protect your home from the ground up.
Understanding French drains
A French drain is a gravel-filled trench with a perforated pipe that redirects water away from your foundation. It’s one of the most effective solutions for basement water intrusion, especially in areas with poor yard drainage or high water tables.
Unlike surface drains that capture water above ground, French drains work below the surface, collecting groundwater and moving it safely away before it can seep into your basement or crawl space.
There are different types of French drains, including interior systems (installed along the basement perimeter) and exterior systems (installed outside the foundation wall). Both are designed to relieve hydrostatic pressure and prevent basement flooding.
A properly designed French drain helps stop water before it becomes a problem—protecting your home’s structure, air quality, and long-term value.
Health risks associated with poor drainage and basement moisture
When groundwater seeps into your basement through walls, floors, or the foundation seam, it doesn’t just damage property, it puts your health at risk. Over time, persistent moisture creates the ideal environment for mold, mildew, and airborne pollutants.
Respiratory issues and allergic reactions
Structural deterioration and indoor air contamination
Increased indoor humidity
Pest attraction
Why professional French drain installation is necessary
Installing a French drain isn’t just about digging a trench and laying some pipe. It’s a strategic, highly engineered process that directly affects your foundation, home safety, and long-term protection from water damage. Here’s why trusting professionals like Michaelis makes all the difference.
Proper slope and grading
A French drain only works if it follows the right slope to move water efficiently away from your foundation. Improper grading or uneven trenching leads to pooling, backups, or ineffective drainage. Our team uses laser levels and soil analysis to ensure exact pitch and drainage angles.
Choosing the right materials
Not all gravel, filter fabric, or piping is created equal. We use industry-approved materials that resist clogging, withstand soil pressure, and last for decades. DIY systems often collapse or clog within a few years due to poor installation or the wrong components.
Foundation protection
A misaligned drain system can actually channel water toward your home instead of away from it, worsening structural issues. Our systems are designed in sync with your foundation layout, soil type, and basement conditions to permanently solve the water problem at its source.
Seamless integration with other systems
A French drain is most effective when paired with sump pumps, vapor barriers, or exterior waterproofing. Michaelis experts assess your whole home environment to ensure your system works together—not in conflict—with other solutions.
Guaranteed results and peace of mind
With Michaelis, you don’t pay until you’re satisfied. Every system we install is backed by warranty, real engineering, and decades of experience protecting homes from Indiana’s toughest wet seasons.
Water doesn’t wait, and neither should you
If you’re noticing signs of water intrusion, musty smells, or foundation issues, the time to act is now. Standing water, poor drainage, and saturated soil don’t just go away, they slowly eat away at your home’s structure and value.
At Michaelis, we design French drain systems that actually solve the problem. No guesswork. No shortcuts. Just proven solutions, expert installation, and a promise: you don’t pay until it’s done right.
For over 35 years, Indiana homeowners have trusted our team to protect what matters most, and that starts with a dry, healthy home.
Don’t wait until the next storm. Get your free inspection today and discover how a French drain can transform your home’s safety and comfort.
