Vive La French Drain?

Okay, we’ll give the French credit for the world’s most famous bicycle race, a pretty cool tower, and a decent museum or two, but don’t let the name fool you – they have nothing to do with underground drainage systems. French drains actually get their name from Henry French – an American farmer and judge from Concord, Massachusetts – who came up with the idea in 1859. It’s true! 

Whatever their origin, French drains are often an important part of any home design. Basically, they are a trench filled with a perforated PVC pipe and gravel that allows water to drain naturally from an undesired location towards a sump pump or by way of gravity to its intended location. They can be a lifesaver for homeowners with standing water issues such as in a crawl space or basement. 

While we are big supporters of DIYers, the bad news for homeowners is that a good French drain system is really not a DIY-type project – we don’t care what Jimbo on YouTube says. Not using the right materials or not installing the system correctly is a bear to fix. This is one time you want a professional’s help. The good news is French drains are very affordable (only about $11 - $15 per linear foot), and if properly installed, they should last a lifetime. 

Generally speaking, we use French drains to prevent ground and surface water from draining or seeping into building foundations. But several other reasons people install them include soggy lawns, problems with standing water on your landscaping, or moving water away from retaining walls. Perhaps the greatest asset of using a French drain is having the flexibility to choose where to direct the water you want to move. 

Before a French drain can be installed, the first step is to map out and plan the exact path for the drain. The drain will need to pass through the problem areas while avoiding exterior water pipes and sewer channels. Ideally, the exit point should be a sunny, low-lying area and directed away from any neighboring properties. A trained professional knows how to take all these considerations into account and plan the French drain system that is right for you. 

A properly working French drain system utilizes a pitch creating a fall of about ¼-inch every foot toward the lowest point of the system – either a sump pump or gravity-fed exit line directing water away from the area where it’s causing damage. If installed correctly, it is rare for a French drain to become clogged, and they're highly effective. 

Oh – and before we go, a few other things that are surprisingly not French: French fries, French toast, French kissing, French dressing, a French press, and the French braid. Au revoir!