- French drains help prevent flooding and reduce the risk of long-term water damage to your property.
- They can last between 30 and 40 years.
- They’re cost-effective.
- French drains can be aesthetically pleasing as they are usually covered with small rocks, plants and sometimes even decorative grates.
Moreover, What is better than a French drain? A sump pump is one the the most popular and most effective alternatives to a french drain. A sump pump add lots of drainage but comes with a few downsides. A sump system requires electricity to function and can be expensive to install and maintain.
When should you not use a French drain?
They Don’t Work in All Types of Soil Most importantly, French drains won’t work in all parts of the country. There are three types of dirt possible on your property: loose dirt made of sand particles, average dirt made of loam (a mixture of sand, silt, and clay), and compacted, heavy dirt made of clay particles.
Likewise, How long will a French drain last? Generally speaking, a French drain will last approximately 30 to 40 years. However, the above-mentioned factors may shorten its life cycle and it must then be replaced by a team of foundation experts.
How often should French drains be cleaned? French Drain Maintenance
To prevent this, clean out and snake the French drain once a year. Whether you’re performing interior French drain maintenance, basement French drain cleanout or exterior French drain maintenance, you’ll need an electric sewer snake. You can easily rent one if you don’t want to buy it.
How far away from the house should a French drain be?
How Close Should a French Drain be to the House? A good rule of thumb is to install french drains 3 feet from the house. Make sure to measure around the porch, patio, basement and deck before installing the french drain system.
How long do French drains last?
Generally speaking, a French drain will last approximately 30 to 40 years. However, the above-mentioned factors may shorten its life cycle and it must then be replaced by a team of foundation experts.
Why do French drains fail?
Over time, a French drain may become clogged. Tiny soil and clay granules slip through the pores of the landscape fabric and gradually build up inside the pipe. Another common cause of French drain clogs is root intrusion from grass, shrubs, and trees.
How much does it cost to install a French drain?
On average, homeowners can expect to pay between $5,000 and $13,500 to have a French drain installed in the home. The required size of the drain will also play a role in the cost—most basements will need between 100 and 150 feet of installed French drain.
Why is my French drain flooding?
Basement leaks of flooding. This can be seen by moisture coming through the wall after heavy rain, drips, mold, or mildew. Remove the gravel covering a portion of the pipe in your French drain. If water is standing in the trench, the drain is clogged.
Do French drains increase home value?
The value of the property. Installing a French drain will increase the value of your home if you are planning to sell it in future. On the other hand, a substandard French drain may spell disaster for neighboring residences.
What can I do instead of a French drain?
5 Alternatives to French Drains
- Sump Pumps.
- Dry Wells. A dry well can add drainage without the need for an electrical or sewage line connection. …
- Stairs, Steps or a Ramp. …
- Landscaping. …
- Valleys or Ditches. …
- Gutters.
How long does a French drain last?
When enough sand, clay or silt gets past the fabric, the gravel spaces fill and the effectiveness of the french drain ends. This is why most experts state that a French drain is not a long-term solution to a drainage problem: You have to dig it up and reinstall it every eight to 10 years.
Do French drains need to be cleaned?
Despite the design’s best efforts, French drains get clogged by dirt, debris and silt. They do need to be cleaned out regularly – about once per year – to ensure that they continue to direct water away from the building’s foundation.
What can go wrong with a French drain?
Clogs. One of the biggest problems with French drains is that the pipes can become filled with silt, sediment and other debris, causing water to overflow or even backflow from the pipes and into the house. Cleaning the pipes is a costly job as they will need to be dug up.
Is French drain a good idea?
French drain systems are incredibly effective because, unlike typical surface drains, they collect water over the entire length of the drain as opposed to one dedicated area. The force of gravity helps to guide water along a reliably smooth path to the desired discharge point.
Do French drains cause mold?
French drains are only installed on properties prone or likely to flood. These systems collect water and move it away from the basement walls so it won’t penetrate. If it does, it can cause damp, mold, structural damage, and more problems. For these reasons, it’s important to stay on top of maintaining a French drain.
How do you fix a swampy area in your yard?
Break up the soil in the swampy area with a rototiller. Apply mulch, compost or other organic material to cover the soil you broke up, and use the rototiller on it again. This process allows air into the soil, ensures that it isn’t packed and adds water-absorbing organic material that will assist water drainage.
How much does it cost to put in a French drain?
On average, homeowners can expect to pay between $5,000 and $13,500 to have a French drain installed in the home. The required size of the drain will also play a role in the cost—most basements will need between 100 and 150 feet of installed French drain.
Are French drains a good idea?
French drains help prevent flooding and reduce the risk of long-term water damage to your property. They can last between 30 and 40 years. They’re cost-effective. French drains can be aesthetically pleasing as they are usually covered with small rocks, plants and sometimes even decorative grates.
Does a French drain work in the winter?
When placed below the frost line, your French drain will work in all seasons and will not suffer from issues such as frozen obstructions caused by either the freezing or thawing cycles. If you are in need of French drain services, consider Brothers Plumbing, a leader in the industry.
