Can you put dirt back over French drain?

Can I cover a French drain with dirt? Because a French drain has holes throughout the pipe which allow it collect water, you should not install dirt on top of the drain pipe. Installing dirt will clog the pipe and the holes, rendering it useless.


What should I cover French drain with?

To keep the French drain free of dirt, silt and tree roots, lay water-permeable filter fabric or a weed barrier over the gravel bedding in the trench. Leave the filter fabric open with at least 10 inches of excess fabric at the sides.

Can you plant on top of a French drain?

Yes, while our grass seed varieties promote a deep root system, you can still safely plant them over a French drain. In order for the grass seed to thrive, make sure to put topsoil over the gravel.


Will a French drain fix a soggy yard?

A French drain may be the solution for homeowners with low, soggy spots in their lawns. This underground outlet is an unseen but effective way to channel excess water from problem areas to a targeted drainage space. Proper drainage is essential for healthy turf.

How long does a French drain last?

When enough sand, clay or silt gets past the fabric, the gravel spaces fill and the effectiveness of the french drain ends. This is why most experts state that a French drain is not a long-term solution to a drainage problem: You have to dig it up and reinstall it every eight to 10 years.


Do NOT wrap a French Drain Pipe With Drainage Fabric



Why do French drains fail?

Over time, a French drain may become clogged. Tiny soil and clay granules slip through the pores of the landscape fabric and gradually build up inside the pipe. Another common cause of French drain clogs is root intrusion from grass, shrubs, and trees.

Can a French drain be covered with sod?

The simplest drain is a classic French drain, which is nothing more than a trench filled with coarse stone or gravel. A 2–4% slope is adequate to quickly move water away from trouble areas. The drain can be left open or, if aesthetics are a concern, can be covered with a couple of inches of topsoil and sod.

How do you backfill a French drain?

The first back-fill should be washed, crushed rock or gravel that is 3/4 to 1 1/2 inch in diameter. Continue to fill the trench until a 12-inch depth remains from the rock up to the top of the trench. Overlap the filter fabric on top of the gravel.


How do you winterize a French drain?

Insulate Above the Frost Line

Any piping buried above the frost line should be wrapped in insulation during your French drain installation. This is not ensure freezing doesn't occur where the pipe may be exposed to freezing ground temps.

How much gravel should be on top of a French drain?

You would need around 0.72 cubic feet of gravel per foot length of French drain for a typical French drain width of 10 inches and a depth of 12 inches if you're using a 4" drain pipe. On the other hand, you would need around 0.6 cubic feet of gravel if you're using a 6" drain pipe.

Can you cover French drain with rocks?

Hard rocks such as granite or river gravel prove viable options for a French drain because they won't break down over time as much as other rock varieties, such as sandstone and limestone.


Do French drains need to be cleaned out?

French drains need annual maintenance

Despite the design's best efforts, French drains get clogged by dirt, debris and silt. They do need to be cleaned out regularly – about once per year – to ensure that they continue to direct water away from the building's foundation.

Do French drains increase home value?

The value of the property. Installing a French drain will increase the value of your home if you are planning to sell it in future. On the other hand, a substandard French drain may spell disaster for neighboring residences.

What happens to French drain in winter?

A French drain will work fine in a cold environment. The French drain must be placed below the frost line for it to work properly in these bitter cold environments. This is critical for the drain to work all year round, without obstructions such as freezing.


Do French drains get moldy?

French drains are only installed on properties prone or likely to flood. These systems collect water and move it away from the basement walls so it won't penetrate. If it does, it can cause damp, mold, structural damage, and more problems. For these reasons, it's important to stay on top of maintaining a French drain.

How deep are French drains buried?

French drain depth: About 8 inches to 2 feet deep should be sufficient for many water-diverting projects, though related systems, such as those built around foundations and sub-ground living spaces, as well as the bases of retaining walls, may be deeper.

How much does it cost to replace a French drain?

Average Cost of French Drain Installation

A French drain can be a lifesaver for a home with water issues, but it doesn't come cheap: the average French drain cost is often between $500 and $18,000. Most homeowners pay somewhere around $5,000 to have a professional install a French drain in their yard.


What to do at end of French drain?

End the French drain at a low-lying water source, such as a pond or lake, if you have one on your property. If you do end your French drain at a pond or lake, make sure the opening of the French drain sits above the water level. The water will roll down the drain and empty harmlessly into the water.

Should I use landscape fabric in French drain?

The best type of fabric for a drainage project such as a drain field or french drain is non-woven geotextile landscape fabric. If you're project requires high strength and also good drainage then a high end combination woven fabric could be suitable for your application.