French drains are a great way to prevent basement flooding and moisture intrusion. Though they are designed to be long-lasting and very low-maintenance, there are a few issues that can affect your French drains and make them stop working as efficiently, or even cause them to stop working at all. Let’s take a look at a few issues that can affect French drains, and some signs showing that your French drains need maintenance.

Do French Drains Need Maintenance?

French drains are designed to be a long-term, low-maintenance solution for managing groundwater around your home. When installed correctly, they quietly redirect water away from your foundation or other problem areas, helping to prevent flooding and water damage.

French drains don’t have moving parts, which means there’s less that can break or malfunction. However, “low-maintenance” doesn’t mean “no-maintenance.” Over time, a few issues can arise that may reduce a French drain’s effectiveness, and being aware of them can help homeowners avoid bigger problems down the road.

Common Issues That Can Affect French Drains

Soil and Silt

One of the most common problems affecting French drains is clogging due to soil or other debris. If fine particles of soil or silt enter the system—especially if it wasn’t installed with proper geotextile fabric—they can gradually block the gravel or perforated pipe and restrict water flow. Then, the water won’t flow to the sump pit or another outlet, and it will instead collect in the pipe, potentially overflowing.

Tree Roots

Another issue is root intrusion. Trees and shrubs planted too close to the French drain may send out roots in search of moisture, eventually growing into the drainage pipe and creating blockages.

Shifting Landscape

French drains can also suffer from damage due to shifting soil or improper installation. A drain pipe that wasn’t sloped properly, or one that has collapsed due to soil movement or heavy machinery overhead, won’t function properly. On top of that, the surrounding landscape can change over time. Construction, redirected downspouts, or altered grading may increase the amount of water entering the drain system, introducing more debris and overwhelming its capacity.

Hard Water

Finally, hard water and iron bacteria can also pose risks. Mineral scale from hard water can accumulate inside the pipe, gradually restricting water flow, especially if the system is frequently exposed to groundwater high in calcium or magnesium. Iron bacteria, often called iron algae, thrive in moist, oxygen-deprived environments and can form thick, slimy buildups that clog perforated pipes and drainage gravel, which can make your french drains ineffective or create issues with your sump pump.

How to Check if Your French Drain Needs Maintenance

So, what can you do about these issues? How can you tell if your French drains are operating properly, or if they need some maintenance?

Since French drains are underground, it’s not always obvious when something’s gone wrong. However, a few signs can indicate trouble. If you notice pooling water where the drain used to perform well, or if water is seeping into your basement or crawl space despite the drain being in place, it may be clogged or damaged. In some cases, visible bubbling or rust-colored slime on the surface of the yard could indicate the presence of iron bacteria in the system. Another red flag is soggy or unusually soft ground over the drain path, which might point to a collapsed or blocked section of pipe.

If you suspect an issue, it’s best to consult a professional who can inspect the system, often with a camera scope, and recommend a solution. In some cases, the drain may just need to be flushed or jetted with water to clear sediment or biofilm. In more serious situations, sections of the drain may need to be replaced.

How to Prevent Problems in the First Place

French drains don’t require constant attention, and will generally perform well without a lot of supervision or work. However, a little preventative care goes a long way. The following steps can help you prevent problems, or stop existing problems from getting worse.

• High-Quality Installation: First, ensure the drain is installed with high-quality materials, including proper gravel and a geotextile fabric to filter out fine particles.
• Careful Planting: Avoid planting large trees or shrubs near the drain’s path to reduce the risk of root intrusion.
• Redirect Water: Redirect gutters and downspouts away from the system when possible to limit the amount of debris-laden water entering it.
• Water Softening: If your home is in an area with hard water, consider using water softeners or directing softened water away from the drain system to reduce mineral buildup.
• Flushing Iron Algae: For properties with high iron content in the soil or water, keeping the system well-ventilated and periodically flushing it can discourage the growth of iron bacteria. 
• A Watchful Eye: Regular inspections, especially after heavy storms or significant landscape changes, can help you catch potential issues early.

While properly installed French drains don’t need constant upkeep, knowing what to look for and how to respond can keep your system running smoothly for years to come. If you suspect your French drains aren’t working as well as they should, contact an expert. Give us a call at 1-800-STAY-DRY or schedule a free inspection online to get an honest assessment and get back your peace of mind. If you are looking to have French drains installed, choose experts with a proven track record of permanent basement drain installation and a solid warranty on basement waterproofing.