Learn how this drainage solution could save you thousands in home repairs.
In a perfect world, every home would be situated on top of a hill.
Enter the French drain.
Credit: Jason Reeves Garden 2016
Despite their name, French drains aren’t actually from France.
However, unlike a ditch,this drainage pathis totally underground.
What is a French Drain?
A French drain is a trench that houses a perforated pipe buried beneathlayers of gravel.
How a French Drain Works
Water will always follow the path of least resistance.
While a steep hill is the ideal solution for draining water, flatter areas pose drainage problems.
The French drain works by encouraging groundwater to seep into the drain with layers of gravel.
Requirements for a French Drain
The most crucial requirement for a French drain is the slope.
Installing a French drain without enough slope will result in standing water in the drain and improper drainage.
This can be a storm drain, retention pond, or simply a safe spot away from your home.
Here are a few common problems that can be solved with a French drain.
To do this, the entire drain must be installed at an angle that promotes drainage.
If water has become an interior issue, it might be more beneficial to install an interior weeping tile.
The drain then redirects the water out of the home via an exterior drain or sump pump.
Hydrostatic Pressure on Retaining Walls
Like foundation walls, retaining walls can be compromised by hydrostatic pressure.
Installing a French drain might be what it takes to reclaim your lawn.
How Much Does a French Drain Cost?
A 10-foot section of perforated corrugated pipe with aggregate and mesh fabric will cost around $80.
Many homeowners opt to hire professionals to ensure the installed French drain operates as intended.
Interior weeping tile installations are much pricier, falling between $10,000 and $20,000.
For some homeowners, a sump pump is better than a French drain.
A French drain captures and removes water below the ground, while trench drains remove surface water.
French drains should be cleaned out at least once a year or more if needed.
The easiest way to clean them is with a pressure washer.
If your drain still seems clogged, use a snake made for heavy-duty clogs.
