- 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.
Moreover, 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.
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 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.
Where do you discharge 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.
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.
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.
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.
What is the difference between a French drain and a trench 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.
Do you need to put gravel under French drain?
The old way of installing French drains is to do it without the gravel and the fabric. Without the gravel and the fabric, however, the drain can clog up with sand and soil over time.
Should I use landscape fabric in French drain?
The Bottom Line The best type of fabric for a drainage project such as a drain field or french drain is non-woven geotextile landscape fabric.
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.
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.
Can you DIY a French drain?
A French drain is a trench filled with a perforated pipe and gravel that allows water to drain naturally from your yard. Depending on the size of your yard and the scale of your drainage issue, you can purchase the pipes and equipment to create a French drain yourself.
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.
