FILLING AND PIPING A FRENCH DRAIN
Choose one of two types, either rigid PVC with predrilled holes or flexible drain pipe cut with slits . PVC lasts longer, and if you encounter a clog, it can be cleaned with pressure or a plumber’s snake. Flexible pipe, on the other hand, is less expensive and easier to work with.
Is PVC or corrugated pipe better for a French drain?
While landscapers use “non-rigid corrugated NDS pipes,” we use drainage grade PVC pipe because it is more durable and longer-lasting, especially when buried under heavy materials like soil. The corrugated pipe is cheaper but not nearly as strong.
What type of pipe is used for a French drain?
One of the most common pipe materials used to create a French drain is plastic because of its durability. There are two frequently chosen pipe variations: corrugated and PVC . Both are lightweight, but corrugated pipe can be flexible, while PVC is stronger and more rigid.
Do you use perforated pipe for French drain?
Most descriptions of a french drain involve a slotted or perforated pipe , a trench, geotextile fabric and gravel backfill. ... water drain pipe is placed underground, it should be covered with 2 in. of soil and attempts should be made to have ample slope to drain the pipe.
Why use perforated pipe for French drain?
The purpose of a drain is to direct pooling surface and subsurface water where you need it to go . Having a drain pipe, most commonly a 4′′ or 6′′ perforated pipe surrounded by round drain rock provides the capacity to move this water away from structures and prevent pooling.
Which pipe is best for underground drainage?
Plastic pipes are the preferred drainage pipe due to its versatility and availability. It is lightweight and easy to use for installation. There are several plastic drainage pipes to serve different purposes and they come in various diameter sizes to accommodate different amounts of water.
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.
Do French drain holes go up or down?
So, when installing a French drain, the holes in PVC piping always face the upward position . The only time holes should be in the downward position is when installing a leaching field. This is when water is poured or pumped into a pipe and we want the water to drain out of the pipe into the surrounding ground.
What size gravel is best for French drain?
Gravel used for this layer is typically 1/2 inch to 1 inch across — the larger it is, the better the water flow and less chance of clogs and blockages. For a French drain without a perforated pipe, opt for even larger gravel, such as 1 1/2 inches across.
Can you make a French drain without a pipe?
Installing a French Drain Without a Pipe
When you omit the pipe from a French drain, you’ve basically got a trench drain . ... If your soil drains well, you can simply dig the trench and cover the bottom with 3 to 4 inches of 3/4-inch drainage rock, depending on the depth of the trench.
What is the difference between a French drain and a trench drain?
Aside from what we’ve listed here, the difference between a French drain and a trench drain is that a French drain is used for water that is underground while a trench drain diverts excess water from a surface.
Can a French drain go uphill?
YES! Water can run uphill in a French Drain , Crawl Space Footer Tile, Basement Footer System! A rainwater drain is NOT Sewer and Drain. No fall is needed to make your system work!
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.
How far should a French drain be from 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.
Can I connect downspout to 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.
Where should a French drain end?
Your French drain should end where it is most appropriate to deposit excess sprinkler system water and rain water it carries . Most often, French drainage systems are installed to carry water towards the front of a house near the sidewalk or out into the road if you are able to cut through the curb.
