Are you looking for a contractor?

Submit our quick form and get quotes now!

Table of Contents

Should You Repair or Replace Your French Drain?

Should You Repair or Replace Your French Drain?

Exterior renovationsShould You Repair or Replace Your French Drain?

Today, the importance of having a functional French drain in place to benefit your foundation has been well established. In Quebec, winter and spring weather, as well as the likelihood that your dwelling’s foundation is in proximity to a phreatic zone, can definitely put a strain on concrete foundations if not properly drained.

On the other hand, dealing with a French drain issue is a particularly complex undertaking. Not only does it require a lot of work, but it's also difficult to judge for yourself. So, should you repair it or simply replace it? 

If you’ve already come up with a diagnostic and you’re more interested in learning about costs, click here (in French only).

How to Spot a Problem with a French Drain

We’ve covered French drain-related topics in depth in various articles on our blog, and if you’re seeking problem-specific information, we can point you in the right direction.

If we had to resume the telltale signs of a faulty French drain, we’d start by recommending checking the humidity levels in your basement, the presence of efflorescence on your basement’s concrete walls, or the presence of stagnant water during spring. 

For more information regarding these warning signs when it comes to your French drain, refer to this article: What Are the Causes and Solutions to a Faulty French Drain?

French Drain Inspection

man working with drain pipe

Source: Canva

Digital drain pipe inspection cameras are able to access a drain through the sump pump or the cleanout chimney to ascertain the situation at hand. A good inspection camera can also display its linear footage in real-time relative to its starting point so that the excavation isn't performed in the wrong spot.

Before considering replacing or repairing a French drain, look into a thorough drain cleaning if the situation allows. A French drain is usually cleaned with a high-pressure jet that dislodges the build-up of debris or rootlets (small roots). However, it's important to understand that a French drain may be too clogged to clean, thus requiring replacement.

Iron Ochre, Slopes, and Other Factors Affecting Your French Drain

clogged drain pipe

Source: Canva

If your drain shows signs of iron ochre, you can have a drain that's adapted to the situation at hand installed, should this not already be the case. For reminder's sake, iron ochre is a naturally-occurring phenomenon in the ground, and if your French drain is capable of functioning properly in its presence, there’s no reason to have it replaced. 

Check out this article to learn more (in French only).

If your French drain isn’t installed on a positive slope in a continuous fashion to favour its drainage, a camera inspection can also confirm it via water accumulation in your drain. If this is the case, the drainage slope will have to be redone, and if it’s an issue in more than one area, take advantage of the situation to replace the drain if it’s too damaged. 

Oftentimes, a French drain will be covered will one or more layers of gravel in order to prevent the weight of the soil from crushing it. There are two main reasons why gravel may have entered the drain:

  • A sharp piece of gravel put too much pressure on the drain for too long, resulting in a crack;

  • The junction where the French drain’s two sections come together wasn’t properly done, thus allowing gravel to enter the drain in said area. 

If that’s the case, you’ll need to replace the cracked sections of the drain. 

Want to learn more about repairing a French drain? Check out our article: How to Repair a French Drain.

To Sum it Up

French drain pipe

Before deciding on whether to replace the entire French drain, determine whether it should be cleaned or partially replaced.

The causes behind a faulty or damaged French drain are often due to naturally occurring factors (like it reached the end of its service life, the presence of roots or rootlets in the drain, or iron ochre) or simply poor installation (the drain’s two connection points weren’t properly fitted or the drainage slope was miscalculated).

The problem may lie in or around the drain itself—make sure the problem is pinpointed. Replacing the drain is useless if the drain slope isn't right in the first place!

If you have landscaping or foundation repairs scheduled, take the opportunity to have them done at the same time so you don't have to go through a second excavation. If more than one problem can be dealt with at a time, seize the opportunity to do so.

Here are some of our French drain- and piping-related articles:

Photo Sources: Pixabay and Wikimedia Commons

Get 3 renovation quotes for your foundation and French drain project

RenoQuotes.com can help you get quotes from a foundation project. By submitting your project, we’ll put you in contact with top-rated contractors. Fill in the form on the homepage (it only takes a few minutes), and you will get estimates from trusted professionals.

Dial 1-844 828-1588 to speak with one of our customer service representatives.

Get 3 free quotes for your project!

Submit a project and get 3 free quotes!


Last modified 2023-11-07


Get 3 free quotes for your project!

Submit a project and get 3 free quotes!

Looking for something else?


Table of contents


Get 3 free quotes for your project!

Submit a project and get 3 free quotes!

Are you a contractor?

Join our network and receive real leads!

Download the price guide for renovations

We’ll be emailing you the latest market price guide for renovations.



Related articles

The latest industry news, interviews, technologies, and resources.

14 min read

RenoQuotes.com • 07 Nov 2023

The New and Improved Latex Paint

This type of paint is often still linked to large-scale projects. However, nowadays, painting the whole inside of a house is nothing compared to what it was back in the day. 

7 min read

RenoQuotes.com • 07 Nov 2023

Elevate Your Outdoor Experience with a Balcony Awning

Are you yearning for the ultimate outdoor experience this summer? Look no further than a patio or balcony awning, a perfect solution that fulfills both your practical requirements and aesthetic desires. By selecting the perfect model, you can revel in its multitude of advantages, basking in shade and protection from the scorching sun during heatwaves, while also reaping the benefits indoors as your AC unit enjoys a well-deserved respite.

4 min read

Karine Dutemple • 07 Nov 2023

What to know about Suretouch exterior siding

The exterior of a home has much more than an aesthetic function. Although its impact on the appearance of a property and its façade is considerable, other factors come into play when replacing it. Indeed, it is essential to choose a siding that also has soundproofing and insulating properties.

5 min read

RenoQuotes.com • 29 Feb 2024

Top Marketing Strategies to Get Clients for Your Renovation Company

As a home renovation contractor, finding clients can be a real challenge. In order to generate income for your company, it is absolutely vital that you start setting up a marketing plan to draw people’s attention. 

4 min read

RenoQuotes.com • 07 Nov 2023

10 Home Theatre Examples

Want to build a home theatre to watch your favourite movies all snuggled up during winter? To make this project—which will really please the cinephiles under your roof—a reality, you’ll need a fair amount of inspiration!


Looking for a contractor?

Submit a project and get 3 free quotes now!