How Often Should French Drains be Cleaned?

Flooding and water pooling are extremely common problems for many landowners. Unfortunately, this excess of water can lead to plant death, soil erosion, mold, and so much more. In order to combat this terrible problem, a proper drainage system will need to be installed in your landscape. One such drainage system that works well is a french drain. Though quite simple in design, french drains are exceptional at redirecting excess water elsewhere. So, if you are looking for an effective drainage system, then consider the use of french drains in your landscape. They can even be incorporated into your existing hardscape!

What are French Drains?

French drains are a type of trench with a perforated pipe located inside of it. This pipe collects any water within its area and redirects it elsewhere. French drains are a great solution for areas that are susceptible to flooding and water pooling. With a well-thought out design, they can even enhance the appearance of your landscape. So, if your property is currently dealing with water issues, then a french drain may be just what your lawn needs.

French Drain Maintenance:

Generally speaking, french drains are not that difficult to maintain. However, they do need to be annually cleaned in order to ensure that they keep working properly. However, if the drain is performing worse than usual before its annual cleaning, then you should check to see if it is clogged. Depending on the location of your drain, it is possible that the drain is more susceptible to clogging due to high amounts of debris.

How Often Should French Drains be Cleaned?

French drains should be cleaned out at least once per year. This is because they can become clogged with debris and other organic matter, which can decrease the efficacy of the drain. The best method for cleaning a french drain is to use an electric snake to clear out any scrap. An electric snake is a professional tool that works exceptionally well for unclogging drains. While these tools can be bought or rent, hiring a professional service with trained staff is the best option. 

How Often Do French Drains Need to be Replaced?

Luckily, french drains are built to last for quite some time. With proper care, french drains likely won’t need to be replaced for approximately 30 years. This is the average lifespan for french drains. However, bear in mind that external factors such as weather, the physical environment, natural disasters, and other incidents can affect the lifespan of your french drain. Nonetheless, the likelihood of your french drain lasting for a few decades is quite high. So you can rest easy knowing you made a worthwhile investment in this drainage system.

At Orleans Landscaping Guys, we specialize in lawn care and maintenance services. If you are looking to have a french drain installed, replaced, or cleaned, then contact us to discuss our services. You can even receive a free quote on your project!