What is a French drain and what does it do?

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.
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Is a French drain a good idea?

French drain systems are incredibly effective because, unlike typical surface drains, they collect water over the entire length of the drain as opposed to one dedicated area. The force of gravity helps to guide water along a reliably smooth path to the desired discharge point.
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How exactly does a French drain work?

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. Water travels freely through the pipe, which empties a safe distance from the house.
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Where does water from a French drain go?

As mentioned a moment ago, French drains ensure any rainwater in outside your property will flow away from the building. The liquid runs into a gravel trench and then flows into a pipe at the bottom of the drain. The water travels through the tube and then empties somewhere safe away from the house.
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Why would someone install a French drain?

If you are facing recurrent drainage issues on your property, you may need a French drain to effectively remove that excess water and get it away from your foundation. Avoiding damage to your property, particularly your foundation and basement, is the main purpose of a French drain.
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HOW A FRENCH DRAIN WORKS



What is better than a French drain?

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.
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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.
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How much does it cost to put in a French drain?

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.
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Are French drains expensive to install?

An exterior French drain costs on average $5,000, or $10 to $50 per linear foot. Interior French drains can cost $40 to $100 per linear foot or $1,000 to $18,000. These systems can benefit your home in a variety of ways.
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How long does a French drain last?

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.
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Do I need a French drain around my house?

The location of your home may have been extremely attractive when you bought it, but a home on low ground needs help from a French Drain. Your home can flood easily because gravity is pulling water to the house during a rain storm. The French drain takes advantage of gravity to prevent flooding.
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Is a French drain inside or outside?

Exterior French drains are installed around the outside perimeter of a foundation. The drain consists of a flexible perforated drainpipe buried in a trench at the bottom of the foundation footing.
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Where should a French drain be placed?

LOCATION: French drains should run along the center of the low area(s) needing drained, and end at the desired drainage point. There should be adequate “fall” in the french drain construction, for water to naturally run downhill, toward the drainage end.
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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.
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How close should a French drain be to the house?

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 and deck.
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Can I run a downspout into a French drain?

A French drain is actually a network of pipes laid in trenches dug beneath the ground through which water runoff can flow. This structure can be attached to your downspouts and will work seamlessly with your existing gutters.
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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.
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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!
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Do French drains work in clay soil?

Clay soil can contribute to this problem, as it holds water well. Clay can also clog a French drain system by filtering fine particles into the aggregate, where the particles fill in gaps and prevents water from getting through.
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Can you do a French drain yourself?

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.
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Will a French drain keep my basement dry?

A French drain, often called “drain tile,” installed inside or outside the foundation, will keep most basements dry and never requires maintenance or replacement.
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How do you deal with standing water in your yard?

9 Ways to Get Rid of Standing Water in a Yard
  1. Re-grade. Professional landscapers can provide you with a survey of your lawn's trouble spots, natural drains, and channels. ...
  2. De-thatch. ...
  3. Aerate your lawn. ...
  4. Give your soil a boost. ...
  5. Find the hardpan. ...
  6. Extend downspouts. ...
  7. Raise the soil. ...
  8. Install a French drain.
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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.
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How long does a French drain take to work?

Allow 1–2 minutes for the water level in the trench to rise and enter the drain pipe. If water begins to flow out of the pipe end, the French drain is working.
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Do French drains help prevent flooding?

In order to prevent flooding or provide damage control, a French drain is your best bet. What is a French drain? If you have a soggy and wet yard, a French drain is a great way to rid your property of that unwanted moisture. Simply put, a French drain is just a sloped trench that diverts water away from your property.
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