How much does a DIY French drain cost?

The cost to install a 100 foot, 2 feet deep exterior french drain in your yard is about $1,200, or $12 per foot for DIY, with no trencher rental. Professional installation of the same french drain outside your foundation and repair of all disturbed soil, cost around $2,350.

How much should a French drain cost?

Expect to pay between $10 to $50 per linear foot to install an exterior French drain. Interior French drains are often costlier due to the need to break out concrete in a basement floor to excavate beneath and install the drain, so this type of drain runs an average of $40 to $100 per linear foot.

Can I do a French drain myself?

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 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.

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.

French Drain, How Much Does It Really Cost?

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.

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.

Does a French drain need an outlet?

A properly designed French drain system does not require an outlet. The water will simply soak into the soil as it flows along the perforated pipe. In fact, a French drain doesn't require an inlet on just one end either. You can construct the drain to accept water along its length, and disperse it underground.

What can I do instead of a French drain?

How deep should a French drain be buried?

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.

How long does it take to dig a French drain?

1 – 2 Days | If you rent a trencher and do the project yourself, you can expect it to take up most of your weekend. 3 – 4 Days | If you are planning on digging the entire trench by yourself using a shovel.

How do I get rid of standing water in my yard?

Which is better sump pump or French drain?

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!

How much gravel do I need for a 50 foot French drain?

To calculate gravel needed for a 50′ french drain, multiply the length of the trench by the width and depth. If you plan to lay down 4 inches of gravel, multiply 50 feet x 4 inches = 200 cubic feet.

Can I cover a French drain with dirt?

Can I cover a French drain with dirt? Because a French drain has holes throughout the pipe which allow it collect water, you should not install dirt on top of the drain pipe. Installing dirt will clog the pipe and the holes, rendering it useless.

Does French drain need to be sloped?

You'll want to avoid the most common mistakes when installing French drain systems. For example, you always want to make sure the drain system is installed on a slope. This way, gravity will carry water out of the French drain. Other homeowners make the mistake of installing a completely flat French drain.

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.

Should a French drain have standing water?

Look for Standing Water

French drains are designed to collect rainwater and channel it downhill. If surface water is standing in low areas of the yard that are supposed to flow into your French drain, you have a drainage problem.

What is the difference between a French drain and a curtain drain?

Curtain drains essentially do the same thing that french drains do- get rid of the water. The main difference is that french drains deal more with groundwater while curtain drains have more to do with surface water. Curtain drains are built in a very similar way to french drains but are dug to a shallow depth.