What is a French drain?

Does your yard looking like a swimming pool?

There is no need to let flooding from heavy rain or water that just won't soak away ruin your beautiful garden, yard, or backyard. If you are experiencing drainage problems, and sick and tired of a soggy yard a French Drain might just be the answer. A French drain installation will provide the rain runoff with a route to flow away from your property to avoid grievous, and expensive, water damage to your property. A French drain is a type of trench drain or sub-surface system designed to manage and divert excess water away from a specific area, typically to prevent waterlogging, erosion, and damage to foundations. It is a very effective way to manage surface and groundwater and is commonly used in landscaping, construction, and drainage projects. French drains are a very successful draining option, and one that wont break the bank.

Key Components and Features of a French Drain

A French drain is a very innovative drainage solution, when it rains or if groundwater has pooled, it will be collected by the gravel and then flow into the perforated pipe at the button of the trench. This water will then be directed away from the problem area towards a suitable outlet, generally a stormwater drain or a lower-lying area.

Trench : A shallow trench is dug into the ground in the area where water needs to be managed. The trench should have a slight downward slope to facilitate the movement of water.
Perforated Pipe: A perforated or slotted pipe, often made of PVC or corrugated plastic, is placed in the bottom of the trench. This pipe allows water to enter and be collected, and it acts as a conduit for transporting the water away from the problem area.
Gravel or Aggregate : The trench is filled with a layer of gravel or aggregate, typically crushed stone. This material serves as a filter and helps distribute water evenly along the trench while preventing clogs in the pipe.
Landscape Fabric : A layer of landscape fabric or geotextile is placed over the gravel to prevent soil and debris from clogging the drain system.
Topsoil and Vegetation : The trench is usually covered with topsoil and vegetation, so it blends with the surrounding landscape and provides an aesthetically pleasing solution. The vegetation can include grass, plants, or other ground cover.

French drains are commonly used for various purposes, including:

French drains are a very versatile drainage solution, that can be customised to suit specific drainage needs. The design and size of the drain will depend on factors like the volume of water needing to be managed, the type of soil, and the location of the drain. Your drainage professional will be aware of the local building codes and specific regulations relating to the installation of a French Drain, ensuring it will be effective and compliant

Yard Drainage : To address issues of standing water, poor drainage, and waterlogged lawns.
Foundation Protection: To prevent water from seeping into basements and causing damage to a building's foundation.
Erosion Control: To control and manage water runoff that can lead to soil erosion on slopes and hillsides.
Surface Water Management : In landscaping and hardscaping projects to manage surface water and prevent puddles.
Septic System Drainage : To direct excess water away from septic systems and leach fields.

Types of French drains

Curtain Drain - concealed by soil over which grass can grow. This type of French drain does not extend to the surface.
Filter Drain - drains groundwater
Collector Drain Interceptor Drain - drains ground and surface water and can be connected to underground pipes to redirect surface water. They also have a cleanable filter to prevent piped from becoming blocked.
Dispersal Drain These drains are used to distribute the wastewater produced by a septic tank to the leach field
Fin Drains - Narrow trenches and a cheaper option than a traditional French drain. They consist of permeable membranes and can redirect groundwater and surface water to the drainage system.

French drains have the same characteristics and work in the same manner as an AG (agricultural drain) The primary goal of an agricultural drain is to prevent waterlogging and excess moisture in fields, which can adversely affect crop growth and soil quality. The specific type and design of the drainage system used in agriculture will depend on factors such as soil type, topography, climate, and the crops being grown.

Surface Drains : These are open ditches or channels that are designed to collect and carry excess water away from fields. They are particularly useful for addressing runoff from rainfall.
Subsurface Drains: These systems involve buried pipes or tiles placed below the surface of the soil to collect and transport excess groundwater. Subsurface drains are especially effective in areas with high water tables or poor soil drainage.
Contour Drains : These are trenches or ditches constructed along the contours of the land to slow the flow of water and prevent soil erosion. They are often used on hilly or sloped terrain.

Local Drainage Specialists

Leak Free Plumbing provides first-class plumbing services across Brisbane, Gold Coast, Logan, and Redlands. For all your drainage solution needs, including the installation of a French Drain call our friendly team today on 0480 007 203 or complete our online enquiry form.