Why are French drains perforated?

The perforated pipe provides a minor subterranean volume of storage for water, yet the prime purpose is drainage of the area along the full length of the pipe via its perforations and to discharge any surplus water at its terminus.

Should French drain be perforated?

French Drain Pipe Characteristics

Regardless of what the pipe is made of, it must be slotted or perforated at regular intervals to allow water to enter and flow through the system.

How does a perforated 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.

Why does corrugated drain pipe have holes?

Perforated Tubing/Pipe for French Drains

Both circular and slotted holes will allow excess water to enter your perforated pipe, but narrow slots do a better job of keeping out dirt and other debris that circular holes may allow to enter, increasing the chance of a clog.

What is the difference between corrugated and perforated pipe?

Solid Drain pipe, is a corrugated pipe, or flexible, pipe which holds water internally. Perforated pipe however, is identical in form to the solid pipe, however has holes or slots cut into the pipe for its entire length, allowing water to enter and exit freely.

Why Corrugated Perforated Pipe is Better in a French Drain Application

How deep should perforated pipe?

Installing a Perforated Drain Pipe. 1. Dig a trench that is about twice the width of the drainage pipe. In addition, make sure that you dig at least two-feet deep.

What is perforated sewer pipe used for?

Perforated pipe systems can be used in place of conventional storm sewer pipes, where topography, water table depth, and runoff quality conditions are suitable. They are suitable for treating runoff from roofs, walkways, parking lots and low to medium traffic roads, with adequate pretreatment.

Can you tie French drain into downspout?

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.

When should you use a perforated pipe?

Perforated drain pipes are most commonly used to move rainwater away from the house so that it can drain elsewhere. Commonly situated near the base of your home's foundations, perforated drain pipes help provide optimal drainage for your property so that the likelihood of standing groundwater is significantly reduced.

Does a French drain need gravel?

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.

Do french drains freeze in winter?

While usually a good strategy to prevent foundation damage, French drains may get damaged by winter thaw and freeze cycles.

Can you 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.

Is PVC or corrugated pipe better for a French drain?

There is a reason all plumbing you might find in a home or business is smooth-walled, whether it's ABS, cast iron or PVC. So, for preventing clogs and keeping your drain water flowing long term, pvc is the winner over corrugated pipe.

What is the best pipe to use for underground drainage?

Polyvinyl Chloride pipes (PVC) are the best choice for underground drainage due to their durable nature. PVC pipes are malleable and come in almost any size. These pipes can withstand lots of environmental and water pressure and last for very long periods.

How deep should a French drain be?

Dig a Trench

The trench should be about 18 inches deep and 9 to 12 inches wide. French drains need to have a slope of at least 1 percent, so the force of gravity will work for you. This means that the drain should slope down a total of at least one inch for every 10 feet of pipe.

How far apart are the holes in perforated pipe?

IMPERIAL Perforations shall consist of 2 rows of 1/2" (12.7mm) holes positioned at 120° radially on the pipe. Spacing between holes shall be 5" (125mm).

How long do French drains 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.

Whats 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.