Generally, a small French drain on your property that doesn't change the flow of runoff entering and exiting your yard won't need a permit. Major projects that warrant your French drain to discharge into a municipal sewer or roadside ditch, however, do require one.
In some cases, the installation of a French drain may require planning permission from your local planning authority, especially if the drain is part of a larger construction project. You should consult your local planning authority for guidance on any necessary permissions and requirements.
Yes of course you can DIY it. Like most landscaping things, it's not particularly difficult or requires a bunch of skill, it's just tons of labor. The mechanism of how a french drain works is very simple, and as long as you can keep your pipe sloped 1'' for every 10'' of pipe it'll work fine.
The trench should be about 18 inches deep and 9 to 12 inches wide. 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.
In general, a French drain placed 1-3 feet away from and parallel to the foundation will work great, and reduce the risk of foundation issues tremendously. However, if moisture is coming up through the floor (meaning water is seeping down and around the foundation) the solution may change.
Permits Needed to Install a French Drain
Generally, a small French drain on your property that doesn't change the flow of runoff entering and exiting your yard won't need a permit. Major projects that warrant your French drain to discharge into a municipal sewer or roadside ditch, however, do require one.
Clay soil has poor permeability, meaning it doesn't allow water to pass through easily. In such cases, the effectiveness of a French drain may be limited as the water may struggle to drain away from the area efficiently. French drains may not be suitable for areas with high water tables.
Weeping tile is prone to clogging over time, and may require expensive excavation to correct. French drains that become clogged may overflow without warning and cause damage, such as flooding in yards and basements. Existing structures may need to be removed if a French drain must be excavated.
Installing a French drain costs $500 to $18,000, with a national average of $9,250. On average, you can expect to pay $10 to $100 per linear foot, or between $500 and $5,000 to have a 50-foot French drain installed.
Once you start digging your drain depth will need to be anywhere from eight inches to two feet, depending on your needs and available options. Measure the grading. This process begins by pounding two stakes into the ground to mark the dimensions of the trench.
Swales: A Natural Solution
They're a great option if you're looking for a more natural, eco-friendly alternative to French drains. A swale is typically lined with grass or vegetation that helps slow down and absorb water.
A French drain needs to be surrounded by gravel in order to filter out silt and prevent clogging the drain pipe.
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.
Connections to a public sewer are called direct connections. If you want to connect to a private drain, you will also need to obtain permission from the drainage owner. Connections to a private drain are called indirect connections. Moving a public manhole is called manhole relocation.
French drain installation specialists, landscapers, foundation repair technicians, basement waterproofers, and plumbers can complete this job.
If you're installing a new drainage system in your yard, you'll need to determine your French drain exit point. This key point is where the drain will deposit the excess water, so it should be a spot that won't cause water damage to your home or the surrounding landscaping.
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.
Efficient Water Management
Preventing Basement Flooding: French drains, particularly exterior French drains, are excellent at keeping basements dry by channeling water away from the foundation before it can seep inside. This can significantly reduce the risk of basement flooding and the associated costly repairs.
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.
With stormwater, most likely, your drainage systems would fall under land improvements. Stormwater best management practices such as french drains, downspouts and gutter systems, bioswales, and dry wells could qualify as depreciable assets.
By preventing water damage and maintaining a healthy landscape, French drains can reduce long-term maintenance costs. This is a valuable selling point for potential buyers, making your property more attractive and potentially increasing its resale value.
Just like other types of drains, they are susceptible to clogging over time. Ideally, clean the French drain once every year.
An interior drainage system is an easier, more affordable option for waterproofing your basement. The WaterGuard Basement Waterproofing System is a non-clogging French drain alternative. Our interior drainage system captures water at the most common point of basement entry - the floor and the wall joint.
Distance from Foundation
A general rule of thumb is that a french drain should be installed around three feet away from the foundation of a home, but this can vary depending on individual landscaping factors such as where the water is pooling and where gutters are already aligned.
Although French drains are low-maintenance, they are not entirely free of potential issues. Over time, the system can become clogged with silt, roots, or debris. When this happens, water may pool again in areas the drain was meant to protect. Regular inspections can help identify problems early before they escalate.