It s a trench containing a perforated pipe that redirects surface water and groundwater away from the foundation.
French drain system basement.
A french drain removes water from a basement by collecting moisture in a shallow trench pulling it into a perforated pipe and expelling it to a basin and sump pump.
However if you have a finished basement you ll have to remove interior walls in order to install the system.
Unfortunately traditional french drains clog easily and often struggle to thoroughly remove water.
An interior french drain doesn t prevent water from entering your basement.
Installing a french drain in an existing basement isn t a complicated project but it requires the use of power equipment including a concrete saw and a jackhammer to break out the basement floor.
Rather it catches water that seeps inside and channels it by gravity to a sump pump that sends the water back outside or into a drain line.
This project would most likely require the help of a professional assuming that large power tools like a jackhammer are unavailable to the homeowner.
A french drain also called a weeping tile drain tile perimeter drain or sub surface drain is a common basement waterproofing solution.
To install an interior french drain a waterproofing contractor cuts a channel into your basement slab around its perimeter.
Problems with exterior french drains.
An interior french drain intercepts water as it enters your basement it s the surest method of keeping your basement dry and a better option than a footing drain.