How often should I snake a French drain?

Author: Prof. Jaime Bosco  |  Last update: Tuesday, July 1, 2025

Despite the design's best efforts, French drains get clogged by dirt, debris and silt. They do need to be cleaned out regularly – about once per year – to ensure that they continue to direct water away from the building's foundation. The best way to clean a French drain is mechanically, using an electric snake.

How often should a French drain be cleaned?

French Drain needs to be cleaned every 2 to 3 years, sometimes, more often if the line is collapsing, We use a Drain Cleaning Machine which you can rent from your local tool rental to clean the French drain pipe. Apple Drains Drainage Contractors www.AppleDrains.com Trusted and Recommended by Your Neighbors since 19.

How do you tell if a French drain is clogged?

How to Tell If the French Drain Is Working. 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.

How much does it cost to snake a French drain?

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.

Should a French drain be covered with dirt?

French drains can also work fine covering with dirt. Since the water under the surface is being moved it gives the water on the surface somewhere to drain. The inside should be some kind of river rock on bottom and top wrapped and then back filled over top.

2 Great Ways to Snake / Unclog French Drain

Why do French drains fail?

Clogging and Blockages

Clogging is one of the leading causes of French drain failure, often due to root intrusion or sediment build-up.

How much soil should be on top of a French drain?

Once the drain is finished place a 2” layer of Stone on top of the French Drain. Then add another layer of Weed Mat across the French Drain then add a 2” Layer of Diamond Sand followed by Weed Mat and at least 4” of Top Soil.

How much does a Roto-Rooter charge to snake a drain?

You'll likely pay between $300 and $450 to unclog your toilet with Roto-Rooter. However, the price could change depending on if the clog has caused a lot of damage, which your plumbing pro will want to inspect during your service appointment. Keep in mind that you won't get a quote from Roto-Rooter over the phone.

What are the disadvantages of a French drain?

8 cons of French drains

May require regular maintenance. Care must be taken not to hit utility lines when digging for installation. Installing them may involve digging up your yard or even pavement. If the pipe gets clogged, it can be difficult to find and fix the problem area on your own.

Do French drains need maintenance?

French drains can be a great way to direct rainwater runoff away from your foundation and septic system, but they require annual maintenance to keep them clear and working properly.

How many years does a French drain last?

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.

Where not to put a French drain?

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.

Can I do a French drain myself?

A French drain is a trench filled with a perforated pipe and gravel that allows water to drain naturally from your yard. Depending on the size of your yard and the scale of your drainage issue, you can purchase the pipes and equipment to create a French drain yourself.

How do I keep my French drain from clogging?

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.

Can you rent a drain snake?

Whether you're struggling with plumbing blockages or trying to prevent them, United Rentals has a variety of plumbing snake rentals to help. Our electric plumbing snakes for rent are compact yet powerful enough to tackle tough clogs. Clear drainage and pipes with ease to ensure the proper flow of fluids or sewage.

How much should I pay for a French drain?

A French drain usually costs around $500 to $18,000, with the national average being $5,000. Here are some factors that play a part in the cost. Labor – Installing a French drain can require a lot of work. You'll learn later in this article that French drains can be installed in your basement or crawl space.

Is there something better than a French drain?

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.

Are French drains tax deductible?

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.

How much does it cost to unclog a French drain?

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.

How long does it take a plumber to snake a drain?

A drain snake is used to physically remove blockages. This method can take anywhere from fifteen minutes to almost an hour, depending on how complex your clog is. For more severe or deeper blockages, your plumber might use hydro-jetting.

Which is better Mr Rooter or Roto-Rooter?

Verdict: Both Mr. Rooter and Roto-Rooter offer a standard lineup of plumbing services, including emergency response. However, Mr. Rooter has an edge with more comprehensive water line, well pump, and sewer repair and replacement services.

Should I buy a drain snake or call a plumber?

If your clog is still stubbornly in place, consider a drain snake. There are cheap plastic ones and hand-cranked metal models, either of which might snag the offending blockage with no need for a plumber. But if you still can't get to the root of the problem, it's time for professional assistance.

How deep should a French drain pipe be buried?

French drain depth: About 8 inches to 2 feet deep should be sufficient for many water-diverting projects, though related systems, such as those built around foundations and sub-ground living spaces, as well as the bases of retaining walls, may be deeper.

Can grass grow over a French drain?

Once your French drain is installed and protected with permeable membrane, you can cover with soil and grass, if desired.

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