- Sump pumps offer a few key advantages over french drains.
- The biggest and most obvious advantage is the amount of water they can pump and drain.
- Pumps like the Zoeller M53 Mighty Mate can drain up to 43 gallons of water per hour at a 5′ head height – something that french drains can’t compete with!
Moreover, 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 you need a sump pump if you have French drains?
If you have an excess of water in your basement, you may want to consider both a sump pump and French drain to waterproof your home. The French drain channels the water to the sump pump pit, which pumps the water out of the home much quicker that a pipe alone would do.
Likewise, 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 do you know if you need a French drain? When You Need a French Drain
- When you have a problem with surface water, such as a soggy lawn or a driveway that washes out.
- If water is getting into your basement.
- If you’re building a retaining wall on a hillside.
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.
How far away from foundation should a French drain be?
We recommend installing the french drains between 2 and 5 feet away from the foundation. There are a few variables that impact the exact distance to dig the new drain lines to carry water away from your home. Finding the right distance: Check where surface water is pooling naturally during heavy rains.
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 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.
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 put French drains in?
Location in Home and Accessibility Interior French drains are more expensive to install than exterior drains because they require more labor to excavate through a concrete floor. On average, homeowners can expect to pay between $5,000 and $13,500 to have a French drain installed in the home.
Are French drains worth it?
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 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.
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.
What are the benefits of a French drain?
Advantages of French Drains
- French drains are an extremely effective way to channel water away from a home to prevent water damage to the foundation and the interior of below-grade rooms. …
- Lawns that would otherwise be too moist can be transformed and rendered useful for gardens or children’s play areas.
What is a French drain system for basement?
A French drain (also called a weeping tile, drain tile, perimeter drain or sub-surface drain) is a common basement waterproofing solution. It’s a trench containing a perforated pipe that redirects surface water and groundwater away from the foundation.
Does a French drain weaken foundation?
It can weaken home foundations over time, ruin landscaping, and lead to infestations of insects or mold that endanger human health. If underlying soil is too saturated it, can cause foundation movements that do extensive damage to your home’s structure.
Does a French drain add value to your home?
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.
How often do French drains need to be replaced?
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.
