- Interior basement French drains cost $40 to $100 per linear foot or $5,000 to $13,500 on average.
- Most basements need 100 to 150 linear feet of drain.
- They require more work and materials since they’ll need to go under the concrete and often need specialized membranes for drainage.
Moreover, How deep should an interior French drain be? French drain depth: About 8 inches to 2 feet deep should be sufficient for many water-diverting projects, though related systems, such as those built around foundations and sub-ground living spaces, as well as the bases of retaining walls, may be deeper.
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.
Likewise, 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 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 do indoor French drains work?
An interior French drain doesn’t prevent water from entering your basement. Rather, it catches water that seeps inside and channels it by gravity to a sump pump that sends the water back outside or into a drain line.
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.
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.
Do French drains get moldy?
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.
Are French drains worth the money?
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.
How do you unclog an interior French drain?
How to Unclog a French Drain
- Step 1: Locate an end of the French drain. …
- Step 2: Use a garden hose to run water down the French drain. …
- Step 3: Use a pressure washer to unclog the drain, which will use high pressure to send water down the drain. …
- Step 4: Use a sewer snake for stubborn clogs.
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.
How much does it cost to install a French drain in a house?
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.
How many French drains do I need?
Is a swale better than a French drain?
French drains have a more functional purpose, as they are intended to keep water away from the foundation. Swales, on the other hand, are often recommended by landscapers as a general-purpose drain. Swales are sometimes not an option in urban areas because they require large lots to shape properly.
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.
Which is better trench drain or French drain?
The main difference between the two is that French drains capture and remove groundwater while trench drains quickly remove surface water before it can saturate the ground.
