We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Gardening

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is a French Drain?

Niki Acker
By
Updated: May 16, 2024
Views: 26,205
Share

A French drain is basically a ditch lined with rocks or gravel that helps drain water away from an area. It is generally used in gardening or to protect the foundation of a house or other structure from ground and surface water. One may also be used as backup for retaining walls or to drain water away from a septic tank.

This type of drain works on the principle of gravity, being slightly sloped down from the area to be drained to the area where a homeowner wishes to redirect the water. It is typically lined with perforated clay pipe and surrounded with a landscaping textile to prevent dirt or plant roots from clogging the system. Excess ground and surface water percolates into the drain and is directed away.

The French drain is named after Henry French, a judge and farmer, and discussed in his 1859 book on the subject, Farm Drainage. The design predates French by many centuries, however, as a version was used in ancient Rome. The system continues to be one of the most efficient and widely used methods of redirecting water, though it has been improved upon over the years.

Modern drains are often installed well underground and hidden from view, and they may be covered with sod. A French drain can lead to a dry well, a structure that returns excess water to the supply of groundwater, or to a rain garden, an environmentally friendly invention that uses wetland plants to absorb excess water and return it to the atmosphere through transpiration.

Most gardeners or homeowners can build a French drain relatively easily, but many countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom, regulate the use of these drain systems to keep certain contaminants out of the water supply. Anyone considering installing one should consider the relevant city codes and effects on their neighbors' property.

Share
HomeQuestionsAnswered is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Niki Acker
By Niki Acker
"In addition to her role as a HomeQuestionsAnswered editor, Niki Foster is passionate about educating herself on a wide range of interesting and unusual topics to gather ideas for her own articles. A graduate of UCLA with a double major in Linguistics and Anthropology, Niki's diverse academic background and curiosity make her well-suited to create engaging content for WiseGeekreaders. "
Discussion Comments
By LittleMan — On Oct 14, 2010

Is there a particular type of pipe that works well for a French drain? Pipes never really concerned me until I learned that the basement in my new house is actually a swamp when it rains, and I'm going to have to install a French drain near the basement along with a sump pit.

So, in my French drain/sump pit endeavor, what kind of piping should I use? PVC, copper, other kinds? I am really kind of at a loss because I've never had to do anything like this before, so I'd appreciate all the input I can get! Thanks guys!

By EarlyForest — On Oct 14, 2010

Is it possible to top a French drain design with gravel, or do I need to do it more like a French drain tile type of construction?

I want to put a few French drains in my yard, so I'm looking over designs and construction and things like that. So what would you say? French drains with gravel, or French drains with big rocks, or French drain in a drain tile style?

By Charlie89 — On Oct 14, 2010

I always wondered what those things were called. A neighbor of mine is big into gardening and has french drains that slope all the way down into the creek that runs behind both our houses.

I never paid a whole lot of attention to them, I just thought she liked the way the rocks looked or something. Now I know they actually have a practical purpose. Who knew?

Niki Acker
Niki Acker
"In addition to her role as a HomeQuestionsAnswered editor, Niki Foster is passionate about educating herself on a wide...
Learn more
Share
https://www.homequestionsanswered.com/what-is-a-french-drain.htm
Copy this link
HomeQuestionsAnswered, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

HomeQuestionsAnswered, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.