What Are French Drains?

Continue reading to find out what French drains are, how much they cost, and the pros and cons of installing them.

What Are French Drains and Do I Need Them?

French drains are trenches that are dug in the ground and filled with gravel and a pipe to ensure water is further directed away from your home during a storm after it flows through the gutters and hits the ground. The illustration below shows each component of a French drain.

This allows water to flow effectively so it doesn’t pool in certain areas around the house, potentially causing the very damage the gutter system should protect against.

Below, you can see a cutaway illustration showing how this functions internally as well as what the finished product looks like from the top.

There are ways to tell if you need French drains to help manage water outside of your home. If there are areas where water tends to pool on your lawn or driveway after a storm, it’s one sign that these will be helpful because they leverage gravity to help water travel even further away than gutters and downspouts can move it. Also, if you’re finding that water is getting into your basement or crawl spaces, they can help prevent the damage this excess water may cause.

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How Much Do French Drains Cost?

Installing French drains averages $5,000 for the entire job, but costs range from $1,000 to $18,000, depending on the area to be covered. The price varies based on whether you choose interior or exterior French drains. Exterior drains typically cost about $5,000, or $10–$50 per linear foot. Interior drains range from $1,000 to $18,000, with a linear foot cost of $40–$400. Labor adds between $50 and $100 per hour.

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Pros and Cons

Before installing them on your property, consider the following pros and cons.

Pros

Prevention: They effectively extend your gutter system’s function by directing water away from your home. This helps prevent water damage to your basement and foundation.

Cost-effectiveness: With a lifespan of 30 to 40 years, French drains offer long-term durability. Though the initial cost may seem high, their ability to protect against water damage can save you money over time.

Aesthetic appeal: French drains can enhance your home’s appearance since they often feature decorative rocks and plants.

Cons

Potential clogs: Dirt and plant material can accumulate around the drains, leading to clogs. Using the wrong materials during installation can cause clogs to develop sooner.

Pipe problems: French drains made from plastic piping can be crushed by gravel and dirt backfill over time. Additionally, foot traffic can compress the soil, adding weight that may collapse the pipe.

Potential dangers: Digging for French drains near power, communication, or water lines poses risks. Disturbing these lines can cause significant and costly damage.