French Drains

French Drain Repair

Chesterbrook, PA

Common Mistakes Made When Installing French Drains 

French Drains Chesterbrook, PA are a type of trench drain that is used in order to remove sediment, sewage, and storm water runoff from underground. A French drain is usually a large trench filled with stone or gravel or containing an interconnected perforated pipe that directs surface water away from a site to a lower level, generally beneath the earth.


The main problem with French drains is that they often have limited capacity. In fact, some trench drains are not designed to cope with typical urban drainage requirements.

Generally, French drains are intended to cope with slopes that are less than one inch. Slopes with a gradient of more than fifteen degrees are not suitable for French drains as they are too steep to pass through with a regular diameter French drain. In most cases, French drains are constructed to run between two opposing retaining walls that are parallel to each other. However, it may also be possible to install a drain between retaining walls that lie parallel to each other.


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How do you Install a French Drain? 

During French Drain Installation, it is necessary to install a French drain screen. This is usually comprised of a thick plastic mesh, a material such as crushed stone or paving slabs, and a series of hooks or nozzles. The mesh is then attached to the upper, French drain pipe and a pressure washer is used to blast holes in the mesh to allow water to pass through. After the French drain has passed through the hole in the mesh, the remainder of the trench is left in its original position, with the mesh and drain pipe above the soil.


Generally, French drains are used to remove excess groundwater from residential areas and to prevent flooding in the home. The French drain is placed in a strategic location in the yard to catch any runoff from a driveway or street. In doing so, the French drain can then divert excess water away from the foundation of the home. In fact, French drains are one of the best options for improving the quality of the groundwater supply in a yard.



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Why is French Drain Repair Needed?


Over time, French drains can become clogged or damaged, leading to ineffective water management in your yard or driveway. If your French drain in yard or driveway drainage system is not properly directing water away from your property, it may cause pooling or flooding. Common issues that necessitate French drain repair include a clogged french drain pipe due to debris buildup, soil erosion around the french trench drain, or damage to the perforated drain pipe. Timely repairs ensure that your drainage solutions for yard continue to function efficiently, preventing water damage to your landscape and foundation.


What Are the Benefits of French Drain Repair?


  1. Improved Water Drainage: Repairing your drain pipe for french drain ensures that water is effectively channeled away from your home, reducing the risk of flooding and water damage.
  2. Enhanced Yard Health: By restoring proper water flow through your drainage french drain, you prevent soil erosion and maintain a healthy landscape.
  3. Increased Property Value: A well-maintained french drain installation boosts the longevity of your home’s foundation and landscape, which in turn can increase your property’s value.
  4. Cost-Effective Drainage Solutions: Regular maintenance and prompt repairs to your trench drain can prevent more expensive problems like foundation cracks and basement flooding.


Factors Affecting French Drain Repair



Several factors can impact the cost and scope of a french drain repair project:

  • Extent of Damage: Whether it’s a minor clog in the curtain drain installation or a broken french drain pipe, the severity of the issue will affect repair costs.
  • Drain Location: Repairing a french drain in yard is typically more straightforward than working on a driveway drainage system, which may require more specialized tools.
  • Accessibility: Drains buried deep underground or beneath paved surfaces may take longer to repair, increasing labor costs.
  • Drain Materials: The quality and type of the perforated drain pipe used in your system will influence both repair costs and long-term performance.


What are the Precautions you need to be aware of? 

When it comes to installing French drains, there are some precautions that need to be taken. To begin, it is important that homeowners start by preparing the area they will be installing the French drain in.


This includes selecting the correct landscape fabric, making sure the soil is loose and soft enough to fill the French drain, digging a hole for installation, and cutting the landscape fabric to the correct size. Many people underestimate the amount of work involved in installing French drains and underestimate the amount of time it will take.


Another common mistake made when installing French drains is that homeowners will dig their French drains too small. The problem with doing this is that, over time, water from the soil can cause wear on the French drain. If the French drain is installed too large, the gravel can be washed away. Even if the gravel is washed away, over time the soil will settle and create additional problems. An incorrect installation can end up costing more money than needed.


As previously mentioned, one of the most common mistakes made when installing French drains is not selecting the correct landscape fabric.

Many homeowners will simply choose a material that will not withstand wet conditions and may cause damage to the French drain over time.


For example, many homeowners choose vinyl tile or perforated metal pipe for installation because it is relatively inexpensive. Unfortunately, this material is not appropriate for French drains. The bottom line is that French drains require a larger gravel bed with deeper pockets of soil in order to work properly.


Finally, another common mistake made when installing French drains is installing the French drain above the existing surface drainage. This is not a good idea, as French drains work better when placed within the topsoil of the yard. Installing the French drain above the surface can make the drain appear smaller and will actually require an even heavier installation in order to accomplish the same result. By choosing a landscape layout that includes excavation around the perimeter of your home, you will be able to install French drains at an angle so that they will work better for both yard drainage and water collection.


  • How do I know if my French drain needs repair?

    Signs include pooling water, slow drainage, soggy spots in your yard, or visible damage to the french drain pipe.

  • Can I repair a French drain myself?

    Small clogs can sometimes be cleared with simple tools, but extensive repairs, like fixing a damaged drainage french drain or replacing a trench drain, are best left to professionals.

  • How long does a French drain repair take?

    It depends on the severity of the damage and the location of the french trench drain, but most repairs are completed within a few hours to a day.

  • Is French drain repair expensive?

    Costs vary based on the extent of damage and materials used, but maintaining your water drainage system is a cost-effective way to avoid more significant issues down the line.

  • What type of pipe is used in French drain systems?

    Perforated drain pipe is typically used in french drain installation, allowing water to flow through while filtering out debris.
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