To keep the French drain free of dirt, silt and tree roots, lay water-permeable filter fabric or a weed barrier over the gravel bedding in the trench. Leave the filter fabric open with at least 10 inches of excess fabric at the sides.
In addition to cleaning the drain regularly, you can also take steps to prevent debris from reaching it. Watch your household water flow, keep the yard clean of debris so that it doesn't get carried down to the drain and regularly clean the area around the drain to keep it working as optimally as possible.
A French drain is a great solution for a wet basement or below-grade space, but, just like any other type of drain, French drains are susceptible to clogging. Soil and debris tend to build up inside the pipes, eventually stopping water from flowing.
The best material for a french drain is a mixture of clean sand and gravel. This is better than gap graded aggregate. This would be the typical aggregate used in making concrete, but of course without the cement. There is one other possible problem.
There are many effective erosion control solutions to keep soil from washing away on a slope. These include riprap, baffles, barriers, terraces, plants and erosion control wattles.
Dry wells are another effective alternative to French drains, particularly for properties with poor drainage. A dry well is essentially an underground chamber that collects and temporarily stores runoff water, allowing it to seep into the surrounding soil gradually.
To prevent this, clean out and snake the French drain once a year. Whether you're performing interior French drain maintenance, basement French drain cleanout, or exterior French drain maintenance, you'll need an electric sewer snake. You can easily rent one if you don't want to buy it.
Pour and compact about 3 inches of gravel or landscaping stone along the bottom of the trench. This will act as bedding for the drainage piping.
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.
Install A Sink Strainer
There are a lot of small bits and pieces like food scraps, grease and fat, and other gross stuff. So, it's best for you to have a sink strainer installed in your drains at all times. A sink strainer is a device you can place in the sink and acts as a plug.
Non-woven geotextile fabric is the best choice for drainage applications where water flow through (permeability) is the main concern. Non-woven landscape fabric is commonly used in French-drains, drain-fields, and erosion control.
Clogging and Blockages
Clogging is one of the leading causes of French drain failure, often due to root intrusion or sediment build-up.
Just like other types of drains, they are susceptible to clogging over time. Ideally, clean the French drain once every year.
Disadvantages of French Drains
Another disadvantage of French drains is their potential to attract tree roots. The gravel or rock used in the system can provide a water source for trees, leading to the origins invading the drain. This can cause blockages and damage to the system.
Bluestone is highly favored for French drains because of its larger stone size. This size difference allows for better absorption and drainage, ensuring that water is quickly diverted away from your property. The larger stones allow water to flow through, reducing the risk of clogging.
The primary focus of an inline sand trap is to act as an end-point or middle-point for your trench drain line. The inline sand trap is meant to look the exact same as the rest of your trench drains once installed. The catch basin however is a square shape that focuses on standalone use.
Direct the hose towards the drain and turn the tap on to full power. Use a garden hose attachment to create a jet of water if possible. The force of the water should help to dislodge any mud or soil that is blocking the drain. If the hose method does not work, you can use a plunger.
Line the ditch on all sides with landscape fabric to prevent soil erosion. Place a layer of gravel at the bottom of the ditch. A perforated plastic pipe is laid on top of the gravel and surrounded by gravel on the sides and top.