- 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 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 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.
Likewise, Where do you discharge a French drain?
Why do they call it a French drain? It’s from Henry French, a judge and farmer in Concord, Massachusetts, who promoted the idea in an 1859 book about farm drainage. French drains provide an easy channel for water to flow through. Water runs into a gravel-filled trench, then into perforated pipe at the bottom of the trench.
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.
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.
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.
Do French drains get clogged?
But, just like any other type of drain, French drains are susceptible to clogging. Soil and debris have a tendency to build up inside the pipes, eventually stopping water from flowing altogether. To avoid letting water back up into your home, follow this French drain cleaning guide.
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.
How many years 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.
How often should you clean a French drain?
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.
Does a French drain need to be cleaned?
French drains are quite effective at directing rainwater runoff away from your septic tank and foundation. However, proper maintenance is needed to keep them working correctly. You need to clean them at least once a year.
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.
Does a French drain need a pipe?
Officially a French drain is a gravel drain with no pipe. The water just collects in and travels through in a gravel or stone filled channel that starts from the surface or just below it.
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.
