What is the difference between a French drain and a trench drain?

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.

Is a French drain worth it?





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. They’re cost-effective. French drains can be aesthetically pleasing as they are usually covered with small rocks, plants and sometimes even decorative grates.

Do I need a French drain around my house?

The location of your home may have been extremely attractive when you bought it, but a home on low ground needs help from a French Drain. Your home can flood easily because gravity is pulling water to the house during a rain storm. The French drain takes advantage of gravity to prevent flooding.

How close should a French drain be to a foundation?

We recommend installing the french drains between 2 and 5 feet away from the foundation. There are a few variables that impact the exact distance to dig the new drain lines to carry water away from your home.

What’s better than a French drain?

A sump pump is one the the most popular and most effective alternatives to a french drain. A sump pump add lots of drainage but comes with a few downsides. A sump system requires electricity to function and can be expensive to install and maintain.

When should you use a French drain?





French Drains are primarily used to drain groundwater from gardens and around the foundations of buildings. French drains are designed to move water that is trapped in the ground away or towards an area. They are best used in soil that is prone to frequent saturation from rain or flooding.

How much should a French drain cost?

According to Fixr, the average French drain costs $4,500. An exterior drain located fairly close to the surface could cost as little as $1,000, or $25 per linear foot on average. Drains installed under your basement floor could cost $2,000 or more. Expect to pay $60 to $70 per linear foot for installation.

How long will a French drain last?

approximately 30 to 40 years

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 much does it cost to install a French drain in a house?



between $5,000 and $13,500

On average, homeowners can expect to pay between $5,000 and $13,500 to have a French drain installed in the home. The required size of the drain will also play a role in the cost—most basements will need between 100 and 150 feet of installed French drain.

Why do French drains fail?

Over time, a French drain may become clogged. Tiny soil and clay granules slip through the pores of the landscape fabric and gradually build up inside the pipe. Another common cause of French drain clogs is root intrusion from grass, shrubs, and trees.

Do French drains need an outlet?



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.

How do I keep water away from my house foundation?

Gutters and downspouts are excellent methods for moving water away from a home foundation. Rainfall on the roof naturally drips directly next to the foundation, creating various issues like hydrostatic pressure, differential settling and erosion.

How do I build a French drain next to my house?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Into our pipe. And so we want to go ahead and cut the sod off so that we can contain the gravel we want a nice clean trench not too wide. Because we want that gravel to be contained. Cut the sod off.

How do you redirect water runoff?

10 Ways To Manage Runoff Water

  1. Add plants. Incorporate plantings, especially in areas where runoff collects. …
  2. Protect trees. Like other plant roots, tree roots help absorb and filter runoff. …
  3. Break up slabs. …
  4. Go permeable. …
  5. Catch runoff. …
  6. How to Divert Water Runoff from Driveway. …
  7. Plant a rain garden. …
  8. Cover soil.

How do you divert water from house to slope?



How Do You Keep Water From Running Down a Hill?

  1. Construct a French drain.
  2. Build a rock drainage ditch or swale.
  3. Terrace the hillside to stop soil erosion.
  4. Build a berm or mound that redirects water.
  5. Plant the slope with trees or grass to soak up floodwater and hold soil in place.


What do you do when your yard slopes to your house?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Back towards the house so water comes out runs a ride along this edge. Goes down soaks the footing.

How do I fix a negative slope in my house?

Take grass out of the negative drainage area and put it to the side, making sure it is at least 6 to 10 feet from the house. Add at least 8 inches of new soil to raise the grade and this should force the water into the other direction.

How do I stop rain water from pooling in my yard?



6 Ways to Get Rid of Standing Water

  1. Water wisely. Getting the right watering schedule. Sprinkler system maintenance. Choosing the right sprinkler system.
  2. Dethatch and aerate.
  3. Add compost.
  4. Build a rain garden.
  5. Add a drainage system. French drainage systems. Dry wells.
  6. Take care of gutters and downspouts.


How does a French drain work?

French drains provide an easy channel for water to flow through. Water runs into a gravel-filled trench, then into perforated pipe at the bottom of the trench. Water travels freely through the pipe, which empties a safe distance from the house.

How do you French drain your yard?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Area your trench should measure 18 inches deep and 9 to 12 inches wide french drains require a one percent grade. So your drain should slope down at least one inch for every 10 feet of pipe.