The builder of a new patio home next door has installed a 30 ft french drain along the outside wall of my house in very sandy soil. It’s perforated pvc pipe without a sock and there is not much slope. The french drain pipe ties into an existing underground driainage system but has a 90 degree elbow going up with about a 2 ft vertical rise and then two more 90 degree elbows to allow it to drain into the existing drain system.
I have a hard time believing a french drain can build enough pressure to force the water up a 2 ft vertical and into the existing drain system. It also seems likely to clog without a sock in any type of soil, but even faster in sand.
Do normal codes dictate french drain construction in South Carolina?
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<<I have a hard time believing a french drain can build enough pressure to force the water up a 2 ft vertical and into the existing drain system. It also seems likely to clog without a sock in any type of soil, but even faster in sand.>>
You're right, LOL, it's bound to be useless.
As french drains work only by gravity, the perforated pipe must pitch continuously down, no matter how slightly, toward it's point of egress.
Based on this description, it is not possible for this system to work.
I'm curious about the location. Why would a neighbor have it on your property?
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The drain is in their year but runs very close along side my house. They are all patio homes and pretty close together. The land slopes and the neighbor's house sits a couple feet higher than mine but there is only about 20 ft between the houses.
The slope of the land and the height of the other house allows the water (if not contained) to flow through my crawlspace vent and wash underneath my house. It also allows a lot of sand to bury the hot water heater pressue release pipe which vents thru the wall basically on top of the new french "drain".
The builder is not very nice so I'm confirming my suspitions and trying to find out how I can force him to correct this.
Forgot to mention there is no rock/gravel around the un-socked pipe...in very sandy soil.
--- The builder is not very nice so I'm confirming my suspitions and trying to find out how I can force him to correct this. ---Have you been taking photos? Just in case he gets it covered up before you get your forceful ducks in a row.Rebeccah
Good idea on taking pics. I have already dug it up in order to see how bad it is.
Most states have laws protecting owners from the actions of neighbors. availing yourself of your rights there can mean civil action by alawyer acting for you.but be sure that YOU are also within the law. if you are digging up a drain line on a neighbor's property, you might be trespasing, etc.On a practical basis, yes take photos for documentation.
and there are probably ways you can correct for this on your own property, but we would likely need to see photos to make decent suggestions.
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I would have to agree with grphoto on this one. Sounds like it going the other direction.
As for the home. It should have already been in the planning how this would work and also it has to pass inspection according to the original laid out plan.
I would call the city building department and see what rules that they have for controlling runoff from other properties. Depending on how the local cities works that could be controlled by several different departments and maybe even state, county, or a drainage district.In general one property owner can't direct any more water, or different path, onto another property different than wat existed naturally.And when the property was developed into lots that the developer, which might or might not be the builder, had to have plans to control runoff from the property and each lot..
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A-holes. Hey every group has to have one. And I have been elected to be the one. I should make that my tagline.
> The french drain pipe ties into an existing underground driainage
> system but has a 90 degree elbow going up with about a 2 ft vertical
> rise and then two more 90 degree elbows to allow it to drain into the
> existing drain system.
Sounds like the existing drain system is going to drain into the new French drain.
George Patterson, Patterson Handyman Service