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A French drain (also called a weeping tile, drain tile, perimeter drain or sub-surface drain) is a common basement waterproofing solution. It’s a trench containing a perforated pipe that redirects surface water and groundwater away from the foundation.
How does French drain work basement?
A french drain uses a perforated pipe to filter and collect water. Water flows into your basement through the wall, from the join between wall and floor, then moves over to the french drain trench. Some water may come up from under the floor, seeping into the gravel and then making its way into the pipe.
Will a French drain prevent water in basement?
In fact, it keeps the basement dry by preventing the water from developing the pressure it takes to enter the basement in the first place. A French drain, often called “drain tile,” installed inside or outside the foundation, will keep most basements dry and never requires maintenance or replacement.
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 a desired discharge point.
Do I need a French drain in basement?
If you are having water problems in your basement, you may need a French drain. It lies in the interior of the perimeter of the basement and is below ground level. They are necessary for homes to keep the water away and to keep mold from growing in the basement.
Do I need a sump pump or French drain?
Activates When Needed French drains are passive, which means there is nothing to ‘turn on’ during a heavy storm or flood. Sump pumps on the other hand activate as soon as the float starts to rise. This means that as long as the pump can drain more water than can enter the pit the basement will not flood.
Do you need a sump pump if you have a French drain?
The interior French drain collects leaking water and directs it to the sump pump system so that it can be safely and effectively removed from your basement.
Do French drain connected to sewer?
In some homes there is a sewer trap below the basement floor. This is where your main sewer pipe leads to the exterior sewer system. BUT In most municipalities, it is illegal to discharge a French Drain System into a city sewer. Also, if the sewer backs up- your basement will flood with sewage.
Why do French drains fail?
When water seeps through soil to get to the French drain, it often brings along sediment into the drain, where it dumps the sediment in the drain on the gravel as it flows through the ditch. The sediment gradually builds up over time and slows the water flow through the French drain.
Where do French drains go?
Where are french drains placed? French drains are placed either on the outside of a structure, or on the inside. In California, the inside version is less common, since these generally go inside basements, which few houses have.
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.
Which is better French drain or catch basin?
If you are trying to control moderate amounts of runoff and groundwater over a large area, install a French drain. To drain large amounts of runoff or surface area from a low spot in your yard, install a catch basin.
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.
Where does basement drain go?
Your basement floor drain is located at the lowest point of your basement, and its job is to direct any water safely away from the house and to the sewer system or municipal storm drain system.
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.
Which is better a French drain or sump pump?
An interior French drain is much less likely to clog than an exterior, partially due to the fact that it is not sitting underneath several feet of soil. Then we come to the sump pump. A sump pump alone is not effective to lower the water table under the house and prevent water infiltration.
