Just like other types of drains, they are susceptible to clogging over time. Ideally, clean the French drain once every year. Test it by flooding the French drain to gauge its effectiveness when it comes to draining the excess water. First, you'll need to locate the ground-level access point of your French drain.
French drains need annual maintenance
The drain may have a cover that needs to be removed, or if it's connected directly to a downspout, the downspout can be disconnected to provide access to the drain. Snaking out the drain will break up any soft clogs or obstructions that have accumulated in the drain.
The easiest way to tell if your French drain is operating properly is to look at your lawn or basement. If there's water, chances are there could be a problem and your drain isn't working correctly. This issue could be due to clogging.
French Drain Maintenance
Your French drain will not need much maintenance. It is like an underground element of your gutter system, protected by a layer of gravel so that the drain will only need to be cleaned out once a year.
Many companies and blogs online state that french drains last from 10 years to 30 years. Again, I feel the longevity is directly related to the materials used and installation practices.
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.
A French drain costs $500 to $18,000, with a national average of $9,250. The type of drain and its length determine total cost.
If you have a severe clog and can't get it cleared or if you don't want to risk damaging the pipe with a sewer snake, then you should hire a professional French drain company near you to clean it. The average cost for drain cleaning runs between $150 and $340, with an average price of $240.
Ideally, clean the French drain once every year. Test it by flooding the French drain to gauge its effectiveness when it comes to draining the excess water.
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.
One step you can take is to install a filter or strainer at the inlet point of your French drain. This can help catch larger debris before it has a chance to enter the drain and cause a clog. Just be sure to clean or replace the filter regularly.
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.
French drains should be maintained annually. To test the condition of your French drain, you need to find the ground-level access point, which is usually an above-ground grate or the end-point of a downspout or an above-ground pipe. Running a hose down the pipe will show how effectively the drain is working.
Generally speaking, a French drain will last approximately 30 to 40 years.
Clogging and Blockages
Clogging is one of the leading causes of French drain failure, often due to root intrusion or sediment build-up.
One of the most obvious signs that your French drain needs repair is standing water in and around the drain.
A French drain has a typical lifespan of 20 to 30 years, although this can vary depending on the quality of the installation and surrounding conditions. Regular maintenance and the materials used, such as PVC or crushed stone, play an important role in prolonging its lifespan.
An alternative to the French drain, the NDS EZ-Drain installs without gravel, saving a lot of time and money. EZ-Drain bundles consist of fabric, lightweight gravel substitute, and pipe. It's like an entire yard drainage system, bundled neatly together.
Interior French drains are meant for waterproofing the basement or draining your crawl space. They cost more because contractors must tear out the basement floor (most often made of concrete), install the drain, and then repair it.
Roto-Rooter's most popular service is clearing sewer lines using an auger strong enough to cut through tree roots. This service typically costs $400 to $600. Unclogging a branch line, or plumbing within the home, costs $350 to $500 on average. The technician uses a smaller auger to snake a drain in your home.
French drain installation specialists, landscapers, foundation repair technicians, basement waterproofers, and plumbers can complete this job.
Storm drain, French drain, or drain tile cleaning costs $200 to $600, depending on the clog location, drain length, and if the drain pipe requires repair. Clean storm drains and French drains 1 to 2 times per year to ensure proper drainage.
French drains help prevent flooding and reduce the risk of long-term water damage to your property. They can last between 30 and 40 years.