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My French Drain Around the Foundation Is Backing Up with Sand

French drains are installed in a landscape to alleviate or prevent drainage problems. This type of drainage system is often placed next to a structure's foundation to capture and redistribute runoff from the roof or the landscape. Some French drains have a perforated pipe at the bottom of a rock-filled trench, while others have no pipe. Regardless, a French drain can become clogged with silt, sand or debris, often after several years of effective operation. A failing French drain can lead to puddling or water entering the structure. You can repair a French drain fairly easy, but you need to identify and address the underlying cause for the sand buildup to get the most lasting results.

Things You'll Need

  • Shovel, spade and other excavating tools
  • Tarps
  • Hose and water source
  • Plumber's snake (optional)
  • Perforated PVC pipe (optional)
  • Level
  • Landscaping cloth
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Instructions

    • 1

      Remove any topsoil, gravel and other rocks from the drain. Unless the gravel will be replaced altogether, roughly separate the materials and place them on different tarps for reuse.

    • 2

      Remove and inspect the piping from the bottom of the trench, if there is piping. If the pipe is clogged with sand, clear it using a strong blast of water, a plumber's snake, a wire brush or another suitable tool. If the pipe is broken or crushed, replace the broken section.

    • 3

      Reshape the trench. Use a shovel and spade to square the trench, removing any silt and sand that has collected in the trench. Make sure that the bottom of the trench is at the ideal depth and has a slight slope to facilitate flow away from the structure.

    • 4

      Line the inside of the trench with landscaping cloth or filter fabric.

    • 5

      Lay the pipe, if a pipe is being used, in the bottom of the trench. Use the level to make sure that the pipe is slightly sloped.

    • 6

      Hose off or otherwise clean the gravel or rocks, or replace with clean gravel or rocks.

    • 7

      Place at least 12 inches of clean, coarse gravel on top of the pipe.

    • 8

      Fold the filter fabric over the gravel. The filter fabric will allow water to drain but prevent the passage of sand, silt and debris.

    • 9

      Refill the remainder of the trench with gravel or topsoil.

    • 10

      Address the source of sand if it is a surface issue. Plant grass in a strip on one or both sides of the drain, or spread gravel to reduce the amount of sand washing into the drain.

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Yard Maintenance
  1. How to Put in a French Drain around a Basement
  2. Soundproofing a Drain Pipe With Insulation
  3. The Pipe Size for a Tub Drain
  4. How to Stake a Canopy in the Sand
  5. Perforated Drain Pipe Installation
  6. The Decorating Styles with French Country
  7. Problems With French Drains
  8. How to Reduce the Height of the Toilet With a Cast Iron Drain Pipe
  9. Perforated Pipe Vs. a French Drain
  10. Sand Vs. Gravel to Backfill French Drains
  11. Brackets to Secure a Four-Inch Drain Pipe to the Foundation Wall
  12. How to Install a Drain Pipe Around the Foundation for a Crawlspace

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