Should there be standing water in my French drain?

Author: Deion Marquardt  |  Last update: Friday, January 23, 2026

One of the most obvious signs that your French drain needs repair is standing water in and around the drain.

Why is my French drain full of water?

More than likely the original drain wasn't adequate for the amount of water, or there wasn't enough pitch, or the corrugated pipe is clogged in certain areas preventing proper water flow away.

Should there be water sitting in my drain?

ALL drains are supposed to have water standing in them at the p-trap. The trap holds water that blocks deadly sewer gasses from entering the building.

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.

Is it normal to have standing water in an outside drain?

If water is left to accumulate inside the outside drain, it can cause serious damage to your home. The water can cause cracks and collapse in your foundation.

Poor Man French Drain Update, Yard Water Management, No More Standing Water, After The Rain

How do you fix standing water in a drain?

First, remove all stagnant water from the sink. Replace it with hot water until it is halfway full, and it generates a seal around your drain. Place the sink plunger over the drain and start pumping up and down swiftly. Remove the plunger, observe if the water flows, and repeat the procedure until water flows freely.

How do I know if my outside drain is blocked?

Should there be standing water in a French drain?

One of the most obvious signs that your French drain needs repair is standing water in and around the drain.

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.

How often should I clean my French drain?

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.

Why is there standing water in my drain field?

Should I see standing water in my floor drain?

Floor drains should contain some water, so don't be worried. Basements are more susceptible than any other areas of your home to absorb water because they are below grade, and standing water is typical for the main drain in the basement.

How do you know if your drain line is clogged?

Can you unclog a French drain?

There are two ways to unclog a French drain. The first is with a power washer. You can use the hardest setting on your hose nozzle or rent an actual power washer to blast the clog out of your French drain. This method can work if the clog is nearby your access point and you have access to a power washer.

Should a drain be full of water?

The first answer is YES: Your sewer drains should hold water in certain locations. The reason for the water in the drainage fixture is to prevent rodents and smells entering the building. For example a toilet pan has water in its bowl always this is to prevent foul smells entering the building.

Where should the water go from a French drain?

How much does a new French drain cost?

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.

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 to check if a French drain is working?

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.

Should there be water sitting in outside drain?

When looking in the drain, there should be flowing water and no visible signs of blockage. A blockage can be identified if the water in the drain is blocked and not flowing. Outside drains are often blocked up with leaves and other types of debris and dirt.

Who is responsible for a blocked outside drain?

Generally speaking, you're usually responsible for drains inside the boundaries of your property, while the sewerage company is responsible for lateral drains, which are usually outside of property boundaries, and sewers. Although most sewers are now publicly owned, there are still some private or unadopted sewers.

How do I know if my drain is air locked?

Pay attention to sluggish drains or dysfunctional toilet flushes. These can indicate that air is trapped inside the pipes. If you hear a lot of strange gurgling noises or notice bubbling when using sinks or flushing toilets, then it's time to call local plumbers who can further assess the situation.

How do you unclog an outside drain with standing water?

Clear any debris you see blocking the drain, then use a container to scoop out all standing water. Plug the overflow drain with a rag, then place your plunger over the entire drain. Continuously push the plunger in and out until you hear the pipes begin to empty. Once the drain clears, run hot water for 5-10 minutes.