Poor soil drainage and low ground can easily leave standing water in your garden. This can not only be a nuisance, but also a threat to your property. Standing water can damage your lawn, trees, basement, and foundations, which can damage the value of your home and lead to costly repairs in the future.
French drains are a cost-effective option to help protect your property from standing water and reduce the chance of flooding. Additionally, it can show potential buyers that you have invested in proper maintenance to protect your property.
- What is a French bank?
- Pros and cons of the French exchange.
- How does the French bank work?
- How are French drains installed?
- How much does the installation cost?
- Does French Exchange Affect Home Resale Value?
What is a french drain?
If flooding in your basement or patio is a common problem, a French drain system may be the answer. French drains are a system of ditches and pipes that are used to divert water away from a specific area, such as the foundation of a home.
“French drains are used to prevent flooding in yards and basements by diverting water away from your home and yard rather than letting it pool in your yard or seep back into your basement,” explains Bailey Carson, Angi home care expert.
Pros and cons of the French exchange
- French drains help prevent flooding and reduce the risk of long-term water damage to your property.
- It can last between 30 and 40 years.
- It is cost effective.
- French sinks can be aesthetically pleasing because they are usually covered with small boulders, plants, and sometimes decorative nets.
- The installation process can be long and frustrating.
- Existing structures, such as a deck or walkway, may need to be removed when trenches are excavated.
- It can be dangerous to dig in areas with buried water, electricity or communications lines in the vicinity.
- French drains can sometimes clog and flow, causing damage.
How does the French exchange work?
To move water from one area to another, the French drainage system consists of a gravel-lined hole and a perforated pipe that drains the water. “This water is diverted by gravity to the appropriate location, typically a drain channel, sump pump, rainwater drain, or sewage system,” Carson says.
A French drain provides an easy path for water to flow through the gravel into the drain pipe. The perforated tube must also be angled downward to allow gravity to do its job.
Weeping tiles or interior French drain can also be used to prevent basement flooding and protect the property’s foundation from water damage. Weeping tile is a type of French drain and is used to protect the structure from hydrostatic pressure. They are placed around the perimeter of the house to draw water away from the foundation.
How are French drains installed?
Since installing a French drain is a major project, and sometimes requires permits, it is usually recommended to contact a professional. “You’ll also need to call 811 before digging to make sure you’re not accidentally interfering with any gas lines or underground utilities when constructing the trench,” Carson adds.
Once the area is identified and cleared for digging, a trench is dug and lined with landscaping fabric to prevent weeds and roots from clogging the pipe. “Then, they will put the inlet grid at the top of the trench and begin installing the pipes. They will continue to install the pipes until they reach the drain point,” says Carson. “After the pipes and mesh are installed, they will test the drainage to make sure everything is working properly and then cover the trench by filling it with gravel and topsoil.”
How much do they cost to install?
According to Carson, the average cost to install a French drain system is about $5,000, but the exact cost will depend on its size, type, and location. Here’s what to expect, including materials, labor, and permits:
- Perimeter drains: $10 – $50 per linear foot
- Inland French Drains: $40 – $100 per linear foot
- Curtain Drains: $10 – $25 per linear foot
- Trench drains: $30 – $90 per linear foot
Does French Exchange Affect Home Resale Value?
“Water damage can be detrimental to a home’s value and can lead to expensive repairs in the future,” Carson says. “If you are experiencing water damage on your property, the best thing you can do is find out the root cause of the problem and fix it to prevent any further damage.”
On average, it costs $2,000 to $7,000 to repair and clean a 500- to 800-square-foot basement with two feet of water. Foundation repairs can cost the same or more, depending on the extent of the damage. You can spend up to $30,000 to install sidewalks, repair cracks, and install a French drain.
“A French drain is a worthwhile investment if it will help protect your home and yard. If installed correctly, it shows potential buyers that you have taken care of your home and are willing to invest in the right projects to maintain it,” Carson adds.
