French Drains and Why We Wrap Them In Geotextile Fabric

A French drain is a popular, yet commonly misunderstood, way of removing excess water from a property. It is a trench filled with gravel or rock and a perforated pipe that carries water away from the area to a discharge point. However, to ensure the longevity of a French drain, it is important to wrap the whole drain in geotextile fabric.  This makes it a “burrito-wrapped” french drain.

What is Geotextile Fabric?

Geotextile fabric is a permeable, synthetic material used to separate different soil layers. When a French drain is wrapped in geotextile fabric, it acts as a filter to prevent soil and sediment from entering and clogging the drain. This allows water to flow freely through the drain and into the discharge point, effectively removing excess water from the area.  This is especially critical in clay soils.

Additionally, geotextile fabric can also help to prevent the erosion of the soil surrounding the drain. The fabric acts as a barrier between the gravel or rock in the drain and the soil, preventing the soil from washing away and potentially damaging the drain.

Furthermore, geotextile fabric is also a cost-effective solution. It is a relatively inexpensive material that can be easily installed and will last for many years. It is also UV-stabilized, making it resistant to sunlight and weathering.

Why We Wrap French Drains in Geotextile Fabric

In conclusion, wrapping a French drain in geotextile fabric is an important step in ensuring the proper function of the drain. It acts as a filter to prevent soil and sediment from entering the drain and clogging it, and it also helps to prevent erosion of the surrounding soil. It's an effective and cost-efficient solution that is easy to install and will last for many years.

If you think a burrito-wrapped French drain may be needed at your property, call the experts at Drain My Lawn today.