How does subsurface drainage work?

Subsurface drainage is the practice of placing perforated pipe at a specified grade (slope) at some depth below the soil surface. Excess water from the crop root zone can enter the pipe through the perforations and flow away from the field to a ditch or other outlet.

What methods are commonly used for subsurface drainage?





There are 4 main types of subsurface drainage systems: corrugated and PVC slotted subsurface pipes. mole drainage (including mole drains, mole drains over collector pipe systems and gravel mole drains) interceptor drains.

What is sub surface drainage?

Subsurface drainage is the removal of water from the rootzone. It is accomplished by deep open drains or buried pipe drains.

What is the difference between a channel drain and a French 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.

What are the problems of subsurface drainage?

The main water quality concern about subsurface drainage is the increased loss of nitrates and other soluble constituents that can move through soil to drainage systems and end up in nearby surface water.

How do you deal with subsurface water?





A relatively simple solution is to inject absorbent clay into the ground around your foundation that will absorb excess water and then help disperse it away from the foundation slowly. Another option is to install an interior drainage system and a sump pump.

What’s better than a French drain?

Valleys or Swales



Our first and highly recommended alternative for french drains is employing a valley instead. A valley is essentially a trench drainage system or ditch that may create a natural drainage system around the house.

Which is better trench drain or French drain?

The main difference between the two is that French drains capture and remove groundwater while trench drains quickly remove surface water before it can saturate the ground.

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

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Usually in two different ways. The first one will be buried around the foundation wall on the external side of the foundation.

Do I need a surface drain or a French drain?



The primary difference between the two systems is that French drains are used for water that is gradually seeping below ground level while surface drains handle water that’s collecting above the ground.

Can you install a sump pump without a French drain?

Without a drain tile system, a sump pit and pump is most effective if it can be positioned in the precise low spot in the basement where water naturally collects.

Is a swale better than a French drain?

French drains have a more functional purpose, as they are intended to keep water away from the foundation. Swales, on the other hand, are often recommended by landscapers as a general-purpose drain. Swales are sometimes not an option in urban areas because they require large lots to shape properly.

What is a Dutch drain?



Open drain that carries stormwater runoff from the bottom of a house wall away from the house.

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.

Does a French drain 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.

Where does the water go from a French drain?

These drains are used to direct surface water or groundwater away from a specific area, such as a home’s foundation. French drains direct surface level water toward the lowest point and allow it to seep through the surface level gravel into the drain. This gravel also blocks the passage of excess debris.

How far away from house should French drain be?



How Close Should a French Drain be to the House? A good rule of thumb is to install french drains 3 feet from the house. Make sure to measure around the porch, patio and deck.