French Drains Explained: A Guide for Aldwick Homeowners
2 min readAldwickBy AA Drainage
A French drain is one of the simplest and most effective ways to deal with surface and ground water. Here is how it works and when it helps.
What is a French drain?
It is a trench filled with clean stone and usually a perforated pipe. Water seeps into the stone and is carried along the pipe to a safe outlet.
When it helps
French drains are useful for:
- Lawns that stay wet after rain
- Water running towards a house wall
- Bottoms of slopes and boundaries
- Behind retaining walls
Getting the outlet right
A French drain is only as good as where it sends the water. On flat coastal ground like Aldwick, we make sure there is a suitable soakaway or outfall.
Frequently asked questions
How deep is a French drain?
It varies, but domestic drains are commonly between 450mm and 900mm deep.
Does it need maintenance?
Very little, though a rodding point helps clear silt if needed.