Interior French Drain FAQs

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Interior French Drain FAQs

An interior French drain is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to waterproof your basement. Is an interior French drain right for your home? Here are some of the most common questions we receive to help you make your decision.

What is an Interior French Drain?

An interior French drain is a perforated pipe installed below the foundation floor along walls that are prone to allow water into the home. The pipe’s function is to catch water before it enters the basement and direct it into a sump pump and away from the foundation walls.

Where is the French Drain Installed?

You probably think of French drains as being installed outside the home, where trenches are dug and a muddy mess may result, but most homeowners choose interior French drains. Interior French drains are installed along the inside of the foundation walls where they are generally less expensive to implement.

Do the Holes in an Interior French Drain Face Up or Down?

The holes in French drain piping must face up. It is the only correct orientation for the piping. The best thing to do if anyone, especially a contractor, tells you differently is to call D-Bug Waterproofing immediately at 1-855-381-1528.

Can an Interior French Drain be Installed Along One Wall?

Whether an interior French drain is installed along one wall, two walls, three sides, or all four basement walls is a decision best left to the experts. How your home sits on its property, the grading of the landscaping, wall damage, cracking, and bowing all play a part in the decision of how best to install an interior French Drain.

D-Bug Waterproofing sump pumpCan You Install a French Drain Without A Sump Pump?

Technically, yes. However, this would involve removing the main sewer line cap and running the French drain pipe directly into it. Unfortunately, this is illegal in most municipalities, and if the sewer ever were to back up, the basement would flood with sewage. To make sure the water is safely directed away, installing a sump pump is necessary.

How Long Will an Interior French Drain Last?

Interior French drains are effective waterproofing solutions. While minerals and dust in the water can eventually impede the efficiency the system, a properly installed and maintained interior French Drain will last a lifetime.

How Much Does a French Drain Cost?

The cost of a French drain installation depends on the amount of piping, materials, used, depth of the ditch, and many other factors. For a free project quote from D-Bug Waterproofing, give us a call at 1-855-381-1528 or visit our Contact Us page.