Question: How Much To Install A French Drain

The average cost to install French drains range from $2,800 to $6,500. Costs can be as low as $500 for a 50 linear foot drain in an exterior location to as high as $18,000 for an extensive 100 linear foot perimeter drain to stop basement flooding.5 days ago.

How much does French drain installation cost?

According to Fixr, the average French drain costs $4,500. An exterior drain located fairly close to the surface could cost as little as $1,000, or $25 per linear foot on average. Drains installed under your basement floor could cost $2,000 or more. Expect to pay $60 to $70 per linear foot for installation.

Can I install a French drain myself?

Because digging the trench can be difficult work on your own, get friends and family to help if possible. Once the trench is complete, installing a French drain is a straightforward process. The new drain will get runoff water under control, protect your basement and keep your yard from becoming a swamp.

Is a French drain worth it?

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.

Do landscapers put in French drains?

The landscaping construction company who installs your French drain needs to make sure the proper slope is determined so water flows continuously and consistently to the pop-up valve or exit. Another common failure is the pipe perforations become clogged with dirt and debris.

How long does it take to install French drain?

Completed Installation Time 6 – 8 Hours | A simple french drain installation can be done in one day by a team of professional landscapers barring any complications. 1 – 2 Days | If you rent a trencher and do the project yourself, you can expect it to take up most of your weekend.

Does 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.

How far should French drain be from foundation?

Recommended French Drain Installation Distance We recommend installing the french drains between 2 and 5 feet away from the foundation. There are a few variables that impact the exact distance to dig the new drain lines to carry water away from your home.

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.

How long do French drains last?

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

What can I use instead of a French drain?

5 Alternatives to French Drains Sump Pumps. Dry Wells. A dry well can add drainage without the need for an electrical or sewage line connection. Stairs, Steps or a Ramp. Landscaping. Valleys or Ditches. Gutters.

Should a French drain be covered with grass?

The simplest drain is a classic French drain, which is nothing more than a trench filled with coarse stone or gravel. A 2–4% slope is adequate to quickly move water away from trouble areas. The drain can be left open or, if aesthetics are a concern, can be covered with a couple of inches of topsoil and sod.

Should I cap the end of a French drain?

Cap the end at beginning of the system. Level rock 4 inches from the top of the trench. Note: If you just dump rock on top of the pipe, it will shift to one side of the trench. Make sure to keep it in the middle of the trench.

How do I put drainage in my yard?

5 Yard Drainage Solutions You Can Do Yourself Reduce Your Watering Schedule. Extend Your Downspout. Dig a Creek Bed or Swale. Construct a Rain Garden. Install a French Drain and/or Dry Well.

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

How much gravel do I need per foot of French drain? You would need around 0.72 cubic feet of gravel per foot length of French drain for a typical French drain width of 10 inches and a depth of 12 inches if you’re using a 4″ drain pipe.

Are French drains better than gutters?

Whereas gutters collect precipitation as it runs off the roof, French drains manage water at ground level. A French drain also provides a solution for basements that admit water through the foundation. In these “wet” basements, water presses against the foundation and gradually leaks through.

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

A curtain drain is an underground trench that slopes downward. It usually begins around two feet below ground level and is one and a half feet wide. A French drain sits at ground-level. You can see the gravel even with the ground around it.

Where do French drains run to?

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.

Where should I put my French drain 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.