How to Maintain Different Types of French Drains

Having French drains installed in your home is not only a smart way to protect your home from water damage, but it can also save you money on water bills. Whether you are using a gutter system, curtain drains, or catch basins, there are several ways to keep your drains working at their best.

Catch Basins

Adding a catch basin to a French drain is a great way to improve the flow of water in your yard. It will divert water away from your property, reduce the amount of flooding and reduce soil erosion.

A catch basin is typically an underground box that holds and filters out surface water runoff. It may also incorporate a sump pump.

A catch basin is designed to handle a large volume of surface water in a short amount of time. It can also collect and filter debris and sediment. If you have a catch basin in your yard, it is important to keep it clean and well maintained.

A catch basin can also improve the resale value of your home. If you live in an area where storms are common, a catch basin can protect your property from damage.

A catch basin is not a substitute for a sump pump or a storm water treatment system. It will not remove soluble pollutants or polluted storm water like these other solutions do.

Rain Gardens

Typically, French drains for rain gardens are shallow depressions that are planted with a variety of plants to help filter runoff. They also act as a temporary reservoir to help return water to the land. They are ideal for rain gardens that are located on slopes. They provide an attractive garden area that attracts pollinators and birds.

Rain gardens provide an ecological benefit to urban areas. They reduce stormwater volume and flow rates and provide habitat for beneficial insects. They also help to offset the urban heat island effect. They also sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

Rain gardens are designed to treat stormwater for six months or one year, depending on local jurisdictions. The size of the garden, the types of vegetation, and the amount of runoff it handles are usually defined by local jurisdictions.

If the underlying soil is not able to absorb water or the plant roots are not growing, a rain garden may not function properly. This can result in standing water, which can attract insects and mosquitoes.

Curtain Drains

Getting a French curtain drain is a great way to keep your yard dry and avoid costly flood damage to your home. This is particularly true if your home sits on a lot with a poorly graded surface.

A French curtain drain is a trench dug a few feet below the surface to direct surface water away from the house and out into the storm water system. It works much like a gutter system. They are often installed in conjunction with a bigger backyard drainage system. It’s a good idea to consult a home environmental science engineer before undertaking any landscaping or drainage related projects.

A curtain drain is a good idea for any home that has a sloped yard. They are usually about two feet deep and about one and a half feet wide. They are a good way to channel water away from your home and away from your neighbor’s yard.

The best French curtain drain is a well-planned out system. If you’re considering this type of drainage, you’ll need to consider the type of soil your property has. This will affect the cost of your new drainage system.

Maintenance

Keeping your French drains clean and preventing them from becoming clogged is a necessary part of maintaining your home. When you fail to do this, you may end up with water damage and even flooding. The good news is that it’s not as difficult as you may think.

There are several reasons why a French drain may become clogged. These include plant roots, soil erosion, and stray soil. The first thing you can do is clean out the pipe. If this does not help, it may be time to reinstall your French drain. You can also call in a plumber to help you with this task.

Another problem that can block a French drain is sediment. This is a buildup of dirt and debris that can affect the flow of water through the surface. The weep holes on the bottom of the pipe are not designed to filter sediment.

Another problem that can lead to a clogged French drain is tree roots. If your tree is too close to the pipe, it can send its roots over or under it.