The depth of French drains can vary significantly depending on the job the drain is intended to perform. For example, lawn drainage generally only requires from 12 to 18 inches of depth. If, however, your basement is prone to flooding, you may be looking at 6 to 8 feet of installation depth. Every French drain project is specific to a wide range of variables. This makes working closely with the Latrobe, PA, French drain specialists at American Sewer Specialist a good plan.
Your French Drain’s Purpose
The reason you are interested in having a French drain installed is that it is key to determining the depth required, and there are primary considerations that tend to apply.
Drainage for Your Lawn or Landscape
If your goal is managing surface water in your yard, such as eliminating puddles or soggy areas, you are looking at lawn and landscape drainage. Generally, 12 to 18 inches of depth is adequate for this purpose.
Drainage for Your Home’s Foundation
If your concerns regarding drainage are focused on your home’s foundation, it is a more serious issue, and it requires a significantly deeper drainage system. You will need the drain to be at least as deep as your home’s foundation footings, which usually translates to from 2 to 6 feet.
Drainage for Your Flooding Basement
If you are addressing the matter of a flooding or consistently damp basement with a French drain, the depth of the installation will need to go deeper still. In this case, your French drain should be at least as deep as your basement floor, and going beyond this point may be advised.
In other words, the purpose of your French drain will make a big difference in how deep the installation will need to be. The soil freeze depth must also be considered.
Other Factors that Play a Role
The matter of depth does not begin and end with purpose. There are other important variables that need to be taken into careful consideration, including:
- The source of the water you are addressing matters. If the problem is surface runoff, you can generally get away with less depth, but if it is groundwater, you will likely need a deeper installation.
- The entire French drain system must be at a consistent slope of at least a 1-degree grade, which translates to a 1-inch drop for every 10 feet of drain.
- Soil type can directly affect ease of digging, and the water table can affect how well the drain works overall.
The French Drain Specialists at a Well-Respected Latrobe Sewer Company Can Help
The reliable Latrobe, PA, French drain professionals at American Sewer Specialist are well prepared to carefully assess your drainage needs and to install the French drain system that is right for you. Protecting your property is key, and we welcome the opportunity to help. Learn more about what we can do for you by contacting or calling us at 724-879-8130 today.
