What Is A Septic Tank French Drain? (Solved)

Septic drain fields, such as French drains are used to remove contaminants and impurities from the liquid that emerges from the septic tank. A septic tank and french drain combination may be just the solution that you need.

  • The French drain around the septic system helps the wastewater treatment very effectively. If the septic tank overflows, the French drain catches the raw effluent and allows the anaerobic bacteria do their job in breaking down the solid waste particles.

Can a French drain help a septic system?

French drains are used to divert water away from areas that need a dry environment such as your home’s foundation. It also helps in decreasing the water load from your septic system, which usually experiences high water load. It allows the excess water to be filtered even when it overflows from the septic tank.

What is the purpose of a French drain?

A French drain is a trench filled with a perforated pipe and gravel that allows water to drain naturally from your yard. Depending on the size of your yard and the scale of your drainage issue, you can purchase the pipes and equipment to create a French drain yourself.

How do I know if I have a French drain?

French drains are designed to collect rainwater and channel it downhill. If surface water is standing in low areas of the yard that are supposed to flow into your French drain, you have a drainage problem. If the low areas of your yard are as firm and dry as higher spots, then your French drain is working as expected.

What is the difference between a yard drain and a French drain?

The main difference between the two is that French drains capture and remove groundwater while trench drains quickly remove surface water before it can saturate the ground.

How long should a French drain be?

The average French drain should be about eight inches to two feet deep. Systems built around foundations, retaining walls, and sub-ground living spaces may need to be deeper. Pipe length. This factor depends on specific elements of the project.

How deep should a French drain be UK?

Plan Your French Drain – Generally a trench of about 200-300mm wide is suitable in most cases, but if you have a large amount of water to drain you may need a trench of up to 450mm wide. The trench should be about 300-500mm deep, and dug so that it slopes at a ratio of 1:50.

Where do French drains end?

Which End is Up? The two ends of a French drain system are: The drain field, or high end, where excess ground water enters the drain pipes. The drain exit, or lowest point, where water leaves the system.

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.

Where do French drains go?

These drains are used to direct surface water or groundwater away from a specific area, such as a home’s foundation. French drains direct surface level water toward the lowest point and allow it to seep through the surface level gravel into the drain.

Does French drain need an outlet?

A properly designed French drain system does not require an outlet. The water will simply soak into the soil as it flows along the perforated pipe. In fact, a French drain doesn’t require an inlet on just one end either. You can construct the drain to accept water along its length, and disperse it underground.

How much does it cost to install a French drain?

According to Fixr, the average French drain costs $4,500. An exterior drain located fairly close to the surface could cost as little as $1,000, or $25 per linear foot on average. Drains installed under your basement floor could cost $2,000 or more. Expect to pay $60 to $70 per linear foot for installation.

Is a French drain a good idea?

French drain systems are incredibly effective because, unlike typical surface drains, they collect water over the entire length of the drain as opposed to one dedicated area. The force of gravity helps to guide water along a reliably smooth path to a desired discharge point.

What’s better than a French drain?

Swales or Valleys Swales, also called valleys, are an alternative to French drains that capture and divert rainwater. Swales are shallow ditches that do not contain pipes. You can usually find them along a property’s edge, following the natural grade of the land to direct runoff to ditches or wooded areas.

How close can a French drain be to a house?

How Close Should a French Drain be to the House? A good rule of thumb is to install french drains 3 feet from the house. Make sure to measure around the porch, patio and deck.

Septic Tank and French Drains – what you need to know.

A septic tank system is essentially a tiny sewerage treatment facility that is constructed on the grounds of your home or community building if your property is not linked to a functioning sewage system that is maintained by the local municipality. An underground container consisting of plastic or concrete that is placed underground and mostly used for the discharge of sewage and other waste water, which is kept and processed to produce generally harmless end products. As the effluent flows through the system, it is directed into a French drain or soak pit, where it finally sinks into the earth.

A septic tank system can be thought of as a transitional system between a ‘long-drop’ system and a municipal piped connection to the sewage system.

What does it cost to install a septic tank?

Installation costs will vary depending on the type of septic tank you choose: plastic septic tanks, which are waterproof and entirely resistant to corrosion, weigh far less than concrete or steel septic tanks, making them significantly easier to install than the latter. A steel tank has a lifespan of 15 to 20 years, however a concrete tank has a lifespan of well over 40 years provided it is properly cared for and maintained. In this case, Savvy Plumbing can make recommendations to the customer.

What does this mean for you?

  1. The elimination of monthly municipal sewerage expenses, as well as the ability to manage the cost of installation with your selection of system The environmental effect is significantly less severe than in cases when wastewater escapes into the ground or into rivers as a result of a lack of maintenance by local authorities. Now is the time to take action to reduce your carbon impact. A little amount of maintenance is required each year, with an additional percentage required every few years.

How does a Septic Tank work?

There are several components to the septic tank system, each of which performs a distinct role. These components are as follows:

  • In the case of the septic tank itself, untreated waste water from your home or building drains into it.

In the case of the septic tank itself, untreated waste water from your home or building drains into it;

  • The French drain is used when waste liquid reaches a certain level and then slowly flows into a land drainage system/drain field/soak pit after a certain amount of time.

Buying and maintaining a septic tank

Use the following basic approach to determine the amount of tank you may require:

  1. Consult with your local plumbing organization or septic tank professional about draining your septic tank every two to five years, depending on how much water is used and how many people live in the house
  2. And It’s a good idea to have the sludge and scum layers measured at least once a year, otherwise you might end up with blockage and leaks in your system. The fact that you should only flush toilet paper and water down the toilet if your home has a septic tank should not be overlooked either. Besides paper towels and sanitary goods (including condoms), cigarette butts, disposable diapers, and other non-biodegradable objects, should not be flushed down the toilet, but should be disposed of in the trash instead of flushed down the toilet. If you ignore this fundamental guideline, you WILL get into difficulties. See that your toilet cleaning product’s label specifies that it may be used safely before using it. Septic tanks are not immune to chemical attack
  3. It is important to check that the concrete top of the tank is not cracked or leaking, as liquids from the tank might convey disease-causing organisms.

If you see any of the following, you should contact a plumbing professional immediately: It is possible to have wet areas above the tank or wastewater that is rising to the surface. c. The sound of gurgling pipes in the plumbing system Slow-draining basins, sinks, and toilets, to name a few examples. Founded in 2012, 24-7 Plumbing is a subsidiary of the Boksburg-based Savvy Holdings Group, which has been in business since then. Our knowledgeable management and team have a combined twenty-five years of experience in the sector, so you can be certain of their expertise, professionalism, and technical know-how when you work with us.

Alternatively, you may send us a message through this website.

French drain – Wikipedia

This is a schematic of a conventional French drain. The term “French drain” refers to a trench filled with gravel or rock (or both) that contains a perforated pipe that directs surface water and groundwater away from an area. Other terms for a French drain include “filter drainage,” “blind drainage,” “rubble drain,” “rock drain,” “drain tile,” “perimeter drain,” “land drain,” “French ditch,” “sub-surface drainage,” “sub-surface soil drainage,” and “agriculture drainage.” For the most part, French drains are used to prevent ground and surface water from infiltrating or destroying building foundations.

Alternative water distribution methods, such as a septic drain field at the outflow of a typicalseptic tanksewage treatment system, can be achieved by installing French drains. French drains are frequently utilized to reduce ground water pressure behind retaining walls.

History and construction

Initially, French drains were just ditches that were pitched from a high point to a low point and filled with gravel to collect water. These may have been created in France, but Henry Flagg French(1813–1885) of Concord, Massachusetts, a lawyer andAssistant United States Treasury Secretary, described and promoted theminFarm Drainage system in the United States (1859). French’s own drains were constructed using sections of regular roofing tile that were set with a 1 8in (0.32 cm) space between the sections to allow water to pass through to the ground.

  • Because of this, the size of the gravel was varied from coarse in the middle to fine on the outside, and the gravel was chosen based on the soil gradation surrounding it in order to prevent clogging.
  • The later invention of geotextiles made this technology far easier to use.
  • An tendency of one in every 100 to one in every 200 people is usual.
  • Modern French drain systems are constructed of perforated pipe, i.e., weeping tile surrounded by sand or gravel, and geotextile, also known as landscape textile or landscaping fabric.
  • Although the perforated pipe provides a small amount of subsurface water storage capacity, its primary function is to drain the region throughout the whole length of the pipe using the perforations and to release any excess water at the pipe’s terminus.
  • Subsurface drainage systems have been in widespread use for hundreds of years.

Drainage system structure

The following are examples of French drain variations:

Name Description
Curtain drain This form comprises a perforated pipe surrounded by gravel. It is similar to the traditional French drain, the gravel or aggregate material of which extends to the surface of the ground and is uncovered to permit collection of water, except that a curtain drain does not extend to the surface and instead is covered by soil, in which turf grass or other vegetation may be planted, so that the drain is concealed.
Filter drain This form drainsgroundwater.
Collector drain This form combines drainage ofgroundwaterand interception ofsurface wateror run off water, and may connect into the underground pipes so as to rapidly divert surface water; it preferably has a cleanable filter to avoid migration of surface debris to the subterranean area that would clog the pipes.
Interceptor drain
Dispersal drain This form distributes waste water that a septic tank emits.
Fin drain This form comprises a subterranean perforated pipe from which extends perpendicularly upward along its length a thin vertical section, denominated the “fin”, of aggregate material for drainage to the pipe. The length is 200 mm (7.9 in). This form is less expensive to build than a traditional French drain.

When a French drain comes to an end (opens at a downhill slope, dry well, or rain garden), it is absorbing and holding the water that has been drained. If the city’s water systems or other wastewater treatment facilities are not available, this can be used.

Sizing considerations

An illustration of a French drain with two subterranean pipes in cross-section. The width of French drains can be increased or they can be built on the foundation of two or three subterranean drain pipes, depending on the predicted level and amount of rain water or runoff. In addition, many pipes offer redundancy in the event that one pipe gets overfilled or clogged as a result of a rupture or failure in the piping system. Depending on where the pipe is located on the drain, it may become overfilled.

A pipe can become overfilled by allowing water to leak sideways into a parallel pipe, which acts as a type of load-balancing, ensuring that neither line is delayed by air bubbles, as can occur in a pipe that is completely full with no above air space.

Filters and envelopes

  1. Fi lters– Permeable materials, mainly non-woven fabric, which may include sand and gravel, are put around the drainage pipe or envelope to prevent non-colloidal particles from migrating from adjacent soils. Envelopes are made of gravel, stone, rock, or pipe that surrounds the pipe. These are permeable materials that are used around pipes or drainage products to enhance flow conditions in the region immediately surrounding the pipe or drainage product, as well as to improve bedding and structural backfill conditions.
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Foundation

It is common for French drains to be built around a home’s foundation in one of two ways, or in a mix of the two:

  • Drains around the foundation of a house are frequently placed in one of two methods, or in a mix of both:

Before the foundation dirt is backfilled, a French drain or drain tile is often put around the perimeter of the foundation walls. After it is put on the bottom of the dug space, it is covered with a layer of stone and left to dry. The stone is subsequently covered with a filter cloth, which prevents fine sediments and particles from entering the system. As soon as the drain is built, the space is backfilled, and the system is permitted to run its course until it clogs.

Permitting

It is possible that communities in the United States may demand permits for the construction of drainage systems since federal law mandates that water transported to storm drains be free of specific impurities and debris. If a French drain is to be discharged into a ditch or stream in the United Kingdom, the local authority may have special criteria.

Gallery

  • Construction of a highway French drain is underway
  • A coarse washed stone base has been laid
  • Base rock and pipe have been laid
  • Place filter cloth over the pipe. In the case of a perforated and solid corrugated pipe, the wye joins the two pipes together to provide a hidden solid outlet.

See also

  • Infiltration basin
  • Percolation trench
  • Rubble trench foundation
  • Tile drains are some of the features.

References

  1. Abcd”Drain Francais” on the 8th of October, 2009
  2. Bart Schultz’s Guidelines for the Construction of Horizontal Subsurface Drainage Systems is available online. The International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage published a report in 1990 in New Delhi, India. Page 186
  3. 186-187
  4. “What’s So French About French Drains and Other Musings on Concord Agriculture” is a collection of essays on Concord agriculture. On September 6, 2006, the original version of this article was archived. Retrieved2006-09-08
  5. s^ Henry F. French is an American author who lives in New York City (1859). Farm Drainage: The Principles, Processes, and Effects of Draining Land with Stones, Wood, Plows, and Open Ditches, and Particularly with Tiles, is covered in detail. Orange Judd and Company is based in New York, New York. “French Drain Services – Drainage System Installation and Repair” is an abbreviation for French Drain Services. It was archived from the original on October 2, 2016, and it was retrieved on August 15, 2016.

External links

  • The United Kingdom Highways Agency (2001). Design Manual for Roads and Bridges, Volume 4: Drainage (Part 5: Determination of Pipe Bedding Combinations for Drainage Works), is a design manual for roads and bridges published by the American Society of Civil Engineers (PDF) (Publication HA 40/01, first edition.) p. B1–2
  • Stationery Office
  • P. B3–4
  • Non-residential French drains are controlled in the United States by the US Environmental Protection Agency. French Drains: How to Install Them
  • What are French drains and how do they work? Why are they referred to as French drains?

How can French drains help your septic systems

When it comes to preserving their homes, homeowners are frequently confronted with a variety of difficulties. They must take into account a number of factors to ensure that their investment does not go down the drain. It is critical for them to handle any issues that may occur while they are at home with their families. Undoubtedly, one of the most prevalent issues that homeowners have to deal with is the excess water that builds up on their property. Excess water can be attributed to two primary causes.

  • The presence of excessive water on your property has the potential to negatively impact the quality of your house foundation and septic system.
  • The foundations of your houses should constantly be kept dry in order to be able to withstand the forces placed on them by everyone who uses the living area.
  • It is the rain gutter that drains over or near the septic system that is the source of the runoff.
  • Although the septic system is capable of handling wastewater, it is limited in its ability to manage the amount of water for which it was designed and built.
  • As a result, how may French drains be beneficial to your septic system?
  • You should make every effort to comprehend how French drains may benefit your septic systems in order to have less headaches related to the state of your property and the health of your family.
  • It redirects water from areas of higher concentration to areas of lower concentration.

The French drain or soakaway installed around your septic system is required to ensure that the system continues to operate properly even in the event of heavy rain or high water use in the home.

Water that has not been treated or that has been discharged directly into the drain field clogs everything.

Thousands of dollars will be spent on the repairs and replacements necessitated by this incident.

A French drain will capture the raw effluent if the septic tank overflows, which will then allow the anaerobic bacteria to do their task of breaking down solid waste particles.

The slime further cleanses the wastewater before it is discharged into the neighboring drain field system (see illustration).

The water that has been treated and disinfected has reached the water table and is available to be reused by other families in the immediate vicinity.

You are capable of completing this task on your own.

The French drain must have an ideal slope that will allow it to use gravity to move the effluent forward as quickly as possible.

Its tubes must be perforated in order to aid in the dispersion of pre-treated effluent into the surrounding soil on an equitable distribution basis.

On this basis, you may be certain that the measurements and installation procedures are correct. French drains have the potential to benefit your septic system. Your home and septic system will survive for a long time if you use these components.

Everything You Need to Know About French Drains

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Table of Contents:

  1. What is a French Drain System and how does it work? Describe how French drains function. How to Determine if a French drain is operational
  2. French drains provide a number of advantages. French drains have a number of disadvantages. What is the cost of a French Drain
  3. French Drains: How to Install Them
  4. What You’ll Need to Get Started
  5. How to Unclog a French Drain (with Pictures)
  6. Performing French Drain Maintenance
  7. Snaking the Drain For all of your French drain requirements, contact Mr. Rooter.

If you have a consistently wet patch in your yard or find yourself with water in your basement after a hard rain, there is a simple solution: install a French drain outside or within your home. It is critical that you have enough drainage in order to keep your home dry and mold-free. It is not only unsightly, but it may also cause the wood in your basement to mildew and deteriorate if you have groundwater gathering in it. French drains are covered in detail in this book, so you’ll learn all you need to know about them, including what they are, how they operate, how to install them, how much they cost, and other important information.

What Is a French Drain System?

Essentially, a French drain is a ditch that is filled with pebbles. It is attached to pipes in order to direct water away from your residence. The raised or upper end of a French drain is referred to as a drain field, and it is the initial section of a French drain. When groundwater or surplus surface water enters the drainpipes, it is referred to as the drain field. Afterwards, there’s the second component, which is the French drain exit point, which is the lowest point at which water exits the drainage system.

  • In a “wet” basement, the water presses on the foundation, allowing water to slowly seep through it.
  • In the event that you continue to have water in your basement despite having adequate outside drainage, you may need to install an inside French drain.
  • There is also the option of a French drain that is not connected to a pipe.
  • As a result, it is unable to discharge as much surface water.

How Do French Drains Work?

Water will always seek out the lowest spot along the most direct path and will easily pass through loose soil to fill up any gaps in the soil profile. This is when a French drain comes in handy! It provides an easily accessible walkway as well as a submerged channel, which encourages water to drain out of the surrounding soil and run along a smooth course. The correct operation of a French drain requires that it leverage gravity as it first drives water down from the surface of wet soil, then pulls that water along the downward-sloping pipe to the right discharge point.

Depending on your specific circumstances, you may be able to divert water to:

  • A trench for drainage
  • If you have a low-lying area on your land
  • The roadway
  • A dry well
  • And so forth.

Finding spots where water pools around your home is a straightforward method to determine where a French drain should be installed around your home.

This is especially true if the water has been lingering for several hours or days following a rainstorm.

How to Tell If the French Drain Is Working

The most straightforward way to determine whether or not your French drain is functioning properly is to inspect your lawn or basement. If there is water, there is a good probability that there is an issue with your drain and it isn’t operating properly. It is possible that this problem is caused by blockage. When water seeps through soil to reach the French drain, it frequently carries sediment with it into the drain, where it deposits the sediment on the gravel as the water travels down the ditch.

It has the potential to entirely obstruct it.

Another method of determining whether or not your French drain is functioning properly is to have it inspected by a professional.

Advantages of French Drains

Taking a peek at your lawn or basement can tell you whether or not your French drain is functioning correctly. Water indicates a potential problem with your drain, which means it may not be functioning properly. A blockage may be the source of this problem. When water seeps through soil to reach the French drain, it frequently carries sediment with it into the drain, where it deposits the sediment on the gravel as the water travels through the drain. Sediment accumulates in the French drain over time, slowing down the flow of water through the drain.

Water cannot properly move down the drain as a result of this obstruction, resulting in flooding of homes and other property areas.

These professionals can tell you whether there has been any accumulation that might result in a blockage in the future.

  1. The capacity to efficiently drain water away from your home or foundation is an important advantage of installing a French drain in your yard. With either an internal or external French drain system, you have the option of directing the water where you want it to go. You may use a French drain system in conjunction with a sump pump to keep your basement dry and prevent potential foundation water damage
  2. However, you can also use a French drain system alone to keep your basement dry and prevent foundation water damage. Affordable: When compared to other basement waterproofing options, a French drain is surprisingly economical. It completely changes the appearance of your lawn: Instead of a soggy, spongy grass, you may create a garden for your family or a play area for your kids. Fast: In most cases, installing a French drain is not difficult, and the procedure may be completed in a short amount of time depending on the intricacy and size of the French drain that you require

Disadvantages of French Drains

While there are several advantages to using French drains, there are also some drawbacks to using French drains that you should be aware of before deciding to install one. Some disadvantages are as follows:

1. Difficulty of Installation

Installing a French drainpipe underground requires a great deal of expertise, and there are various safety considerations to consider. You must take into account elements such as:

  • Water lines, gas lines, and other subterranean utilities are all examples of underground utilities.

Installation may need the temporary removal of buildings like as walkways and porches, and it is potentially hazardous labor. This means that it is usually a good idea to delegate the installation to a qualified specialist.

2. External Pipe Clogs

Even an above-ground French pipe can become blocked, and it does so more frequently than a French pipe that is buried beneath the earth. When a pipe becomes clogged, you may find yourself with a flooded basement without warning.

3. Mud-Related Clogging

It is possible that soil erosion has resulted in muddy water entering the French drain, which might cause it to get clogged.

While it is necessary to bury the drain sufficiently deep, the groundwater running through it may contain debris that can accumulate over time. And, while the quantity of silt will not be excessive at first, over time it will accumulate and clog the drain.

What Does a French Drain Cost?

In order to avoid or remedy flooding, it is common practice to install a sump pump in the basement together with an inside French drain. These sorts of drains are located far deeper in the earth than the others. When a professional takes care of the installation, it is a time-consuming operation that necessitates the digging of a big moat around the foundation of your home or business. You should expect to pay anything between $50 and $60 per linear foot. If you have a basement that is 20′ x 30′, you have a perimeter of 100 linear feet, which means the total cost of installation might be between $5,000 and $6,000.

Two sump pumps are often required in a larger basement.

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The length of the drain will be determined by how far away you want the water to be released.

How to Install French Drains

By installing the French drain yourself, you may save a significant amount of money. The following are the steps that must be followed in order to install your French drain.

What You’ll Need

By installing the French drain yourself, you may save a significant sum of money. To install your French drain, follow the instructions provided below.

  • Line level, hammer, digging shovel, Mason’s line, square spade, bow rake, tape measure, and utility knife are all necessary tools.

The following materials are included:

  • Landscape fabric staples, landscape fabric, wood stakes, crushed stone, and so forth.

You’re now ready to begin the installation process. The following are the step-by-step directions for installing a French drain.

Step 1: Decide Where You Want the Trench Located

In order to choose a general path and placement for the French drain, evaluate the parts of your yard that are prone to flooding. You’ll need to select where you want the water to flow and make sure the drainage end or exit of the trench is in the best possible place before proceeding.

Step 2: Obtain Approval

Make certain that your yard drainage will not have a detrimental impact on any public places or on anybody else’s land, since this might result in legal complications. Check with the building authority of your city to ensure that your plans are compliant with local regulations.

Step 3: Assess the Slope

It is necessary to slope the French drain in order for the water to flow down to the appropriate location. You should aim for a slope of at least one percent, which translates to a one-foot drop for every 100 feet of length. However, while it is OK to have a steeper natural slope in your yard, the steepness increases the speed of the water, which may result in more erosion in the region where the water escapes. To determine the natural slope, drive a stake through the ground at the beginning and finishing points of your intended trench path.

  • Make a tight knot with a mason’s rope and attach it to one stake. Run the rope across to another stake, where you’ll tie it off loosely
  • Get a piece of string and tie it to the line level. Remove the stray end of the line
  • Pull the line as tight as you can. Make sure the line is level by adjusting it. Secure the line to the stake with a strong knot.

In order to examine how the slope varies over time, take measurements straight down to the ground from the line at regular intervals (about every four feet).

Make any necessary adjustments to the trench’s depth until you achieve the desired slope.

Step 4: Dig the Trench

It may be required to reposition the level line and stakes so that the level line runs through the middle of the trench you’ll be digging. Prepare your trench by cutting a line through the sod with a square garden spade, making sure it’s straight, then three inches to one side of the line to begin digging your trench. In order to make a six-inch-wide trench on the opposite side, you’ll repeat the operation three inches from the line on the other side. Remove the sod and begin digging, aiming to create a sloping bottom and vertical sides on the bottom.

As you work, compress and smooth the bottom of the trench as you go.

Step 5: Use Fabric to Line the Trench

It may be required to reposition the level line and stakes so that the level line runs along the middle of the trench you’ll be digging. Cut a line through the sod with a square garden spade, making sure it is straight, then three inches to one side of the line to begin digging your trench. In order to build a six-inch-wide trench on the other side, you’ll repeat the operation three inches away from the line. Begin by excavating a sloping bottom and vertical sides into the ground, removing the sod as you go.

Compress and smooth the trench bottom as you work to make it as smooth as possible.

Step 6: Fill Your Trench

Fill the trench with coarse drainage gravel, such as crushed granite, to ensure that it is level with the surrounding sod or ground surface. Raise and smooth the top of the gravel with a rake, making sure it is level with the top of the trench at all times. Make use of a utility knife to clip away any excess fabric around the edges.

How to Unclog a French Drain

It is necessary to clean the French drain on a regular basis in order to prevent dirt from building up in the pipe and preventing water from flowing in and out. When your internal French drain becomes clogged, it might result in water accumulating in your basement. A clogged external drain causes water to back up into your yard and not to drain correctly out of your yard, causing it to flood. Identifying and correcting a blockage will require you to know the proper procedures. Step 1: Locate the end of the French drain and cut it off.

  1. You should seek for the drain’s beginning point at the highest part of your yard if you are unsure where it is located.
  2. To complete Step 2, connect a garden hose to the French drain and run water down it.
  3. Step 3: To unclog the drain, use a high-pressure washer, which will force water down the drain at a high pressure.
  4. In order to eject the clog, direct the high-pressure water toward the bottom of the French drain.
  5. Step 4: For really tough obstructions, employ a sewer snake.
  6. Gently press the clog with the snake to see if you can get it to move.

If the clog breaks free or even seems looser, go back to using the pressure washer to ensure that the whole blockage is broken up and dissipated down the drain. After that, you’ll need to keep using both the pressure washer and the sewer snake until the water is no longer backing up.

French Drain Maintenance

Because of this, there isn’t much frequent maintenance required to keep a French drain operating properly. However, with time, dirt and leaves might accumulate in the drainpipe’s openings, reducing the efficacy of the drainpipe’s operation. Once a year, clear out and snake the French drain to keep this from happening. An electric sewer snake will be required for any French drain maintenance, including interior French drain maintenance, basement French drain cleanout, and outdoor French drain maintenance projects.

Hardware stores, home improvement centers, and tool rental facilities are all good places to look for them to rent.

Snaking the Drain

How to snake and clean a French drain may be accomplished in the following steps:

  1. Put on a pair of heavy-duty leather gloves before starting. In order to prevent your hands from being ripped up while you feed the snake’s wire into the drain, you should wear gloves. Remove the drain’s cover from the drain. The downspout from the gutter must be disconnected from the French drain’s entrance point if it is connected to the drain through a gutter downspout. Turn on the snake and feed the cable into the French drain
  2. Then turn it off. When the snake cable comes into contact with an obstacle or a turn in the drain, it is necessary to hold it back until the snake has completed its turn in the pipe. Once it has passed through the turn in the drain or through the obstruction, gently feed it forward into the drain. The cable should be fed back and forth into the drain until it reaches the opposite side. Permitting the snake to spin within the drain when it encounters resistance from tree roots, blockages, and other obstacles is recommended. When you’re finished, pull the snake back into the apparatus and feed it back into it. In power jet mode, shoot water down the drain with a garden hose in order to force away any debris or other obstacles
  3. And

Contact Mr. Rooter for Your French Drain Needs

Knowing everything there is to know about French drains equips you to make informed decisions about their installation, maintenance, and cleaning. Read on to find out more. Remember that even though your French drain is underground, you will still need to have a professional examine it every two years to ensure that it is in proper working order. The same is true for a French drain installed inside a building. Clogs and other undesirable outcomes such as a damp yard or a flooded basement can be avoided by proactive maintenance.

Rooter if it has been more than a couple of years since you had the drainage system of your greater Syracuse home evaluated.

You may reach us at 315-472-1203 or fill out our online form to receive a project quote.

Drainage Service (French Drain Water Control)

French drain or weeping tile (also referred to as a trench drain, filter drain, blind drain, rubble drain, rock drain, drain tile, perimeter drain, land drain, French ditch, sub-surface drain, sub-soil drain, or agricultural drain) is a trench filled with gravel or rock or containing a perforated pipe that directs surface water and groundwater away from an area. AFrench drain or weeping tile In order to swiftly vent water that seeps down through the upper gravel or rock, a French drain might feature perforated hollow pipes along the bottom (as seen in the pictures).

They are also utilized as an alternative to open ditches or storm sewers for streets and highways.

French drains are frequently utilized to reduce ground water pressure behind retaining walls.

For flat ground, you’ll most likely need to connect a pipe to your French drain in order for the water it gathers to be transported elsewhere.

At the time of writing, the cost of installing a basic French or curtain drain ranged between $10 and $16 per linear foot.

Engineered Drainage Service

A French drain or weeping tile (also known as a trench drain, filter drain, blind drain, rubble drain, rock drain, drain tile, perimeter drain, land drain, French ditch, sub-surface drain, sub-soil drain, or agricultural drain) is a trench filled with gravel or rock or containing a perforated pipe that directs surface water and groundwater away from a specific location. In order to swiftly vent water that seeps down through the top gravel or rock, a French drain might feature perforated hollow pipes along the bottom (see photos).

  1. They are also utilized as an alternative to open ditches or storm sewers for roads and highways.
  2. To reduce ground water pressure, French drains are frequently installed behind retaining walls.
  3. For flat ground, you’ll most likely need to connect a pipe to your French drain in order for the water it gathers to be sent somewhere else.
  4. A regular French or curtain drain installation was estimated to cost between $10 and $16 per linear foot as of July 2011.

It’s like a gutter for the foundation

In the proper installation, a curtain drain can prevent surface runoff and groundwater from reaching the building’s foundation. Eventually, the water will run into a ditch that should be 18 to 24 inches deep and slope downward. Drainage should be terminated at a location where running water will not cause difficulties. Lining the ditch with filter cloth helps to keep the pipe clean, allowing the drain to operate without interruption for an extended period of time. Do you want to be sure that your crawlspace is mold-free and dehumidified before you move in?

Do you want to set up an appointment?

How French drains can help your cesspits

It will be discussed in this post how French drains might benefit your cesspits. Creating your own house requires a significant amount of effort and thought. Every day, you should check to make sure that every component is operating at peak performance. You require a well-oiled machine for your house, and in order to attain this, you must become familiar with the intricacies. The cesspit on your land is a major technical factor when purchasing a home. Even today, many households still rely on the cesspit to handle the majority of their wastewater treatment needs.

  • The French drain can also be referred to as the leach field or the drain field, depending on the situation.
  • It ensures that the effluent is completely treated and cleaned once it has come into contact with the surrounding environment.
  • It also functions efficiently when the design is appropriate for the amount of water that your home consumes.
  • Your drain and septic experts should be consulted in order to ensure that the construction and installation of your French drain are done properly and that it will be of great advantage to your cesspit.
  • When the pre-treated effluent reaches the French drain, it is considered to be discharged.
  • Once the potable water has been incorporated into the water table, it will go lower.
  • The French drain should be constructed in a curved manner rather than in a straight line.

The French drain is required to complete the wastewater treatment process in the septic system.

This is done by the French drain until the effluent is suitable enough to be absorbed into the water table.

The water will then be piped to the surface so that it may be re-used by other users.

All of these are insoluble media that allow French drains to perform their function for a longer amount of time.

The slime is responsible for the breakdown of organic impurities in the effluent.

Myriads of microorganisms thrive in the French drain, allowing the sewage to be treated to a level that is close to potability or drinkability.

The location and construction of the French drain must take into consideration the appropriate slope, the appropriate soil porosity, and the appropriate distance from the water table. For the purpose of designing a soakaway or French drain, keep the following points in mind:

  • When the water table is extremely high (as in wetlands), when there is a bedrock barrier that prevents water seepage, and when the soil is mostly clay, French drains will not function properly. In terms of both length and construction, it is based on the number of people who live in your household. It is dependent on the type of the effluent
  • Nevertheless It is dependent on the slope of the land
  • French drains are similarly dependent on the slope. Take note of the distance between it and the watercourse, as well as the distance between it and the boundary of your land. If you plan to install a French drain in conjunction with your septic tank, you must take the tank’s capacity into consideration.
See also:  What Is Safe To Whiten Cloths Of You Have A Septic Tank? (Question)

When the water table is extremely high (as in wetlands), when there is a bedrock barrier that prevents water seepage, and when the soil is mostly clay, French drains will not function properly; In terms of both length and construction, it is based on the number of people who live in your home. It is dependent on the effluent’s composition. Because of the slope of the land, it is necessary to use a French drain. Take note of the distance between it and the watercourse, as well as the distance between it and the boundary of your land.

About The Author

A septic tank system is essentially a tiny sewerage treatment facility that is constructed on the grounds of your home or community building if your property is not linked to a functioning sewage system that is maintained by the local municipality. An underground container consisting of plastic or concrete that is placed underground and mostly used for the discharge of sewage and other waste water, which is kept and processed to produce generally harmless end products. As the effluent flows through the system, it is directed into a French drain or soak pit, where it finally sinks into the earth.

What does it cost to install?

Installation costs will vary depending on the type of septic tank you choose: plastic septic tanks, which are waterproof and entirely resistant to corrosion, weigh far less than concrete or steel septic tanks, making them significantly easier to install than the latter. A steel tank has a lifespan of 15 to 20 years, however a concrete tank has a lifespan of well over 40 years provided it is properly cared for and maintained. In this case, Savvy Plumbing can provide advice to the customer. A contractor or builder will excavate the space for the tank and system at the same time as the foundations for the building are being laid, with a minimum distance of 3m between the tank and the building.

What does this mean for you?

  1. The elimination of monthly municipal sewerage expenses, as well as the ability to manage the cost of installation with your selection of system In comparison to situations when wastewater escapes into the ground or rivers as a result of a lack of maintenance by local authorities, the environmental effect is far less severe. A certain amount of upkeep must be performed, with a portion completed annually and another every few years.

How does a Septic Tank or French Drain work?

The elimination of monthly municipal sewerage taxes, as well as the ability to manage the cost of installation through the selection of a suitable system In comparison to situations when wastewater seeps into the ground or rivers as a result of a lack of maintenance by local authorities, the environmental effect is far less significant. A certain amount of upkeep must be performed on a yearly basis, with more work required every few years.

  1. The septic tank itself — here is where untreated waste water from the building is dumped
  • Untreated waste water from the building goes into the septic tank
  • The tank itself.
  1. A French drain — once the waste liquid has reached a specific level, it flows down the French drain and, after a period of time, slowly into a land drainage system/drain field/soak pit

Buying and maintaining a septic tank system

Use the following basic approach to determine the amount of tank you may require:

No. of people Ideal Tank Capacity How often to drain
1-4 1 500 L Every 5 years
4-6 1 750 L Every 4 years
7-8 2 000 L Every 3 years
8-10 2 500 L Every 2 days
More than 10 6 000 L Annually
  • Utilize the following general guidelines to determine the quantity of tank you might require:

Use the following general guidelines to determine the size of tank you may require:

Classen Plumbing │ Septic Tank and French Drain Systems in Gauteng

One of the most popular sewage waste systems used in South Africa is a combination of a septic tank and a French drain as a drainage system. This is especially true in rural regions where there is no access to a municipal trash system.

How a Septic Tank and French Drain System Works

Solids settle to the bottom of the tank, scum floats to the top, and the liquid overflows into a distribution chamber, where it is routed into the septic field, where it is collected. The septic field is an effluent water disposal system in which liquid is channeled via perforated pipes to various locations throughout a field of loose gravel. Septic tanks and French drains constructed of brick are popular on most agricultural holdings, depending on the soil porosity and the bylaws of the local municipal government.

Septic tanks and French drains are two examples of systems that have numerous variations – all of which are founded, of course, on the basic idea of waste treatment.

Brick Built Septic Tanks Or French Drains

A constructed system typically consists of three chambers, each of which permits the solids in the waste water to be separated. Solids either float to the surface or sink to the bottom of the tank, where microorganisms decompose and treat the organic matter. Everything else goes directly into a French Drain, which directs the water away from the property. Many septic tanks are equipped with a filtration tank, in which waste water is treated before exiting the system and entering the French drainage system.

Very handy and specifically designed for this purpose.

Your septic tank and field should give many years of trouble-free service if they are cared for and maintained properly.

Classen Plumbing install, service and maintain Septic Tanks and French Drainage Systems.

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The cookie will allow us to recognize that you have previously visited the website or application and will allow us to identify you.

Septic Tanks & French Drain Systems

To begin, let me state unequivocally that we do not purport to be specialists in this field. We have cleaned hundreds of sewage systems, the most of which were connected to the municipal system, but a few of which were connected to septic tanks. We have repaired a lot of septic tanks and have even erected a number of new septic tank systems, both of the brick and the plastic variety. What you are about to read is based on my own personal experience. If you ask 10 septic tank “experts” the same subject, you are likely to get 15 different replies!

Anyway, here’s some fundamental information on septic tanks to get you started.

If you are reading this, it is probable that you have an issue with a system that is not functioning properly.

There are two possible causes for this.

Also, it’s possible that the tank is overflowing?

It is possible that there is nothing wrong with the septic tank itself, but the water is coming in faster than it can be absorbed.

– Increased water table as a result of heavy rains.

– A contaminated (clogged up) drain field as a result of a poorly designed septic tank or simply old age.

The second most common issue is that the sewer pipes become clogged.

Once again, this is due to the drain field not functioning properly.

There is no flow to remove the clogs, and a problem in a sewage system will be exacerbated as a result of the extremely low flow rate.

What is a drain field, and how does it work?

Along the length of the ditch, a perforated 110mm pipe discharges water into the rocks, where it can be absorbed.

The drainfield must be properly sized in accordance with the soil percolation level and the flow rate.

In this instance, an anaerobic septic tank would be required.

What is a septic tank, and how does it work?

An effective septic tank is a (well sized) storage tank made of a variety of materials that holds solid waste and water (sewerage) for an amount of time sufficient to allow biological activity to break down the solid waste.

Traditionally, a septic tank is divided into two or more segments, with each compartment leading to the next.

The second compartment is a settling tank, which contains smaller suspended materials that settle out and allow for additional decomposition to take place in the surrounding environment.

The water that is discharged into the drain field should be generally devoid of particulates, but it should still be physiologically harmful to all living things!

Decomposition takes place in a single tank that is only minimally baffled in order to prevent surface scum from migrating out into the surrounding environment.

There is no settling tank, and we believe that this will place an extra pressure on the drain field in terms of fats and suspended particles, but we cannot say for definite that this will happen.

We believe that this will result in a reduced drain field life.

Traditionally, split tanks have been used in these types of systems (compartments).

The inlets and outputs are almost exactly at the same level (within a 100mm variation) in order to maintain a steady level within the tank.

Theoretically, anaerobic decomposition emits gasses – however I’ve seen numerous tanks without vents that look to function without issue – and in fact, they don’t seem to emit any odor at all.

This is more effective, and the water that comes out of the septic tank is eventually cleaner as a result.

What is the rationale for separating grey water and black water into two systems?

What occurs is that you end up with two different sorts of water: grey and black.

The color black is derived from the toilets and sinks.

Separate systems are used to transport grey water and black water from their respective sources.

So, what exactly is the benefit?

You also “poison” less water by mixing it with raw sewage.

Water entering the drain field is less harmful than water leaving the toilet – yet it is still dangerous since the black toilet water continues to utilize the same drain field.

You must thus keep your grey water separate from the wastewater that comes out of your septic tank if you wish to reuse it.

To summarize, unless you intend to really use grey water, there is no reason to bother with two systems of water treatment.

Gray water (with particles) that is pumped straight into the drain field can shorten the life of the drain field – washing powder in particular can cause this to happen.

It is expected that ash from washing powder would be captured in the gully trap.

Septic Tank Upkeep and Repair.

It looks after its own interests.

As previously indicated, the first problem you are most likely to notice is that the water has stopped flowing and the item may be overflowing – this is almost always due to a clogged drainfield.

The long-term solution is to install a “new” drain field.

If the tank is damaged or malfunctioning, it is generally more cost-effective and convenient to replace it with a new one.

A plastic type tank should be used, unless you have a compelling reason to build your own.

They should also endure for a very long time if they are fitted appropriately, which they should.

2.

A modern “up market” house may use as much as 3000 liters or more of water.

Tanks of 3600 liters are a popular choice.

For difficult soil conditions, consult a professional to establish the size of the drainfield, which must be determined by a percolation test.

Do not get carried away with the construction of large tanks out of bricks!

Make use of the term “Brickforce.” 5.

If you are pumping out a plastic tank for the first time, use caution because they have been known to float out of the ground if there is groundwater at the surface of the ground!

If you need to deliver sewage to a large number of dwelling units – such as in a complex, hotel, or lodge – consider employing many septic tanks rather than a single large one to save money.

7.

During times of problems or maintenance, one of them might temporarily take over for the other.

The aerobic layer is only present in the first half a metre of soil, and it is in this layer that aerobic decomposition is most effective.

You should make certain that you have received the necessary approval from the appropriate authorities.

10.

There is no pollution of the groundwater since the water that comes out of them may be used for agriculture.

The only other drawback is that it requires a small amount of electricity to function.

11.

Repairing a Septic Tank Generally speaking, I no longer repair broken tanks.

To properly dispose of the old one, it must be filled with dirt or stone and buried.

If you want extra information on septic tanks, please see the following link, which is more detailed:-) The most recent update was made in December 2011. Please contact me at [email protected] if you have any questions. Conditions of Use and Terms & Conditions of Use

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