French Drains: Are They Worth It?

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Low ground and poorly draining soil make it that much easier to have standing water in your yard. This might damage your property and be a nuisance and an annoyance. Stagnant water can harm your home’s value and necessitate expensive future repairs by causing damage to your grass, trees, your basement, and the foundation of the home.

Installing French drains is a low-cost solution to help secure your home against stagnant water and lessen the likelihood of flooding. They’re also pretty good at protecting properties from flooding. This is the reason why you’re thinking, “wow, there are so many French drains installations near me.” Also, it could show potential buyers that you’ve made the necessary maintenance investments to protect your property.

Today we will discuss French drains and whether having them in the home is worth it. 

What even is a French drain?

A French drain system can be the answer if your yard or basement often floods. French drains are a network of pipes and ditches used to direct water away from a particular place, such as the foundation of a house or the basement itself.

By channeling water away from your house and yard instead of allowing it to pool in your yard or seep back into your basement, French drains are used to minimize flooding in yards and basements.

The pros and cons of the French drain

Pros 

  • French drains lessen the possibility of floods and long-term water damage to your home. Thus, it aids in water damage prevention
  • They have a 30- to 40-year lifespan.
  • They are inexpensive. This means they are more accessible to many people all over the country. 
  • Given that they are frequently covered with tiny rocks, plants, and occasionally even ornamental grates, French drains can be visually beautiful.

Cons 

  • The installation procedure might be tedious and drawn out.
  • While digging trenches, it could be necessary to tear down existing buildings like a deck or walkway.
  • Digging might be risky when nearby subsurface communications, electricity, or water lines exist.
  • French drains may develop obstructions and overflow, resulting in damage.

How does a French drain work?

A gravel-lined ditch and a perforated pipe make up a French drain system, which transfers water from one location to another. This water is directed by gravity to the proper location, which is typically a drainage ditch, sump pump, storm drain, or sewage system.

Thanks to the French drain, water may easily flow through the gravel and into the drainage pipe. The perforated pipe should also be angled downward to allow gravity to work.

The foundation of the building can be shielded from water damage by using a weeping tile or an inside French drain to stop basement flooding.

French drain installation cost

The most common question asked is what is the French drain installation cost. The estimated cost to install a French drain system is roughly $5,000. However, the actual cost may vary based on the system’s size, design, and location. What to anticipate, in terms of supplies, labor, and permits, is as follows:

Drains along the outside perimeter: $10–$50 per linear foot

French drains inside: $40 to $100 per linear foot

Drains for drapes: $10 to $25 per linear foot

Drains for trenches: $30 to $90 per linear foot

Conclusion

French drains installation typically have a trench. However, designs can differ. A perforated pipe is inserted into the trench and covered with gravel. You can install French drains inside or outside of your house. Yet often, this kind of drain is located outside. 

The French drain is the best option if you want to be able to drain groundwater. This will also function if your yard or soil frequently has standing water after a storm. 

If you want a French drain installed in your home, contact Zavza Seal LLC today. They are already the best contracting agency in the market. Call them today and get a free estimate on their services.