How long will a French drain last?

How long will a French drain last?

Generally speaking, a French drain will last approximately 30 to 40 years.

Do I need a French drain or just a sump pump?

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.

How deep should you dig a French drain?

A French drain starts with digging a trench. The depth and width of the trench can vary, but 5 to 6 inches wide and 8 to 12 inches deep are common sizes and usually satisfy most needs.

Are French drains legal?

In the U.S., municipalities may require permits for building drainage systems as federal law requires water sent to storm drains to be free of certain contaminants and sediment. In the UK, local authorities may have specific requirements for the outfall of a French drain into a ditch or watercourse.

Are French drains effective?

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 a desired discharge point.

How do I stop standing water in my yard?

French drain gravel should be washed three quarter inch minimum and as large as 1 ½ ” crushed stone. The upper 12 inches above the pipe shall be filled with native soil, to avoid having crushed stone over the perforated pipe that could damage the pipe.

Do French drains work well?

Most descriptions of a french drain involve a slotted or perforated pipe, a trench, geotextile fabric and gravel backfill. … Properly constructed, french drains will work well to transmit water from the pipe to the exit of the pipe; however, they are not very efficient in dewatering poorly drained soils.

Do plumbers install French drains?

Calling your plumber to install a french drain may be the best answer. At its most basic level a french drain is a trench covered with gravel that redirects groundwater and surface water away from a specific area.