The Best French Drain Pipe for 2023

The best and most effective way of removing water that gathers in an area and causes damp or flooding problems is to use a French drain pipe system.

This simple yet highly effective way of moving waterlogged or water build up from an area where it is causing problems to another area where it can be safely dispersed was invented by Henry French, a farmer from Massachusetts in 1859.

A French drain is a type of drainage system that is used to remove excess water from an area. It typically consists of a trench that is filled with gravel or other porous material, and a perforated pipe that is buried in the trench. The perforations in the pipe allow water to seep into the trench, where it is absorbed by the gravel and then carried away by the pipe to a suitable drainage area.

French drains are commonly used in landscaping and other applications where excess water needs to be removed from an area. They are particularly useful for areas that are prone to standing water or flooding, as they can help to prevent water damage and erosion. French drains are also often used in gardens and other areas where the soil is not well-suited to growing plants, as they can provide a way for excess water to drain away and prevent the plants from becoming waterlogged.

To install a French drain, the user first digs a trench that is deep enough to accommodate the pipe and the gravel. The pipe is then placed in the trench, and the gravel is added on top of it. The trench is then covered with soil, and the excess water from the area flows into the trench through the perforations in the pipe. The water is then absorbed by the gravel and carried away by the pipe to a suitable drainage area.

French drains are excellent for anyone who needs to remove excess water from an area. They are simple to install, and they can help to prevent water damage and erosion, as well as improve the drainage of soil in gardens and other areas.

This flexible, expandable, landscaping French drain pipe system is an ideal solution to basement, garage, yard, and garden, water build-up problem areas.

The Best French Drain Pipes Reviewed

Editor’s Award	Brand	Click Image to Read Review
Best Flexible Perforated Drain Pipe	Flex-Drain 52012
Best Flexible Perforated Drain Pipe With Filter Sock	Flex-Drain 52003
Best Flexible Solid Drain Pipe	Flex-Drain 52011

Click below to jump to each section

• Best Flexible Perforated Drain Pipe
• Best Flexible Perforated Drain Pipe With Filter Sock
• Best Flexible Solid Drain Pipe
• Drainage Accessories
• Frequently Asked Questions

Best Flexible Perforated Drain Pipe: Flex-Drain 52012

The flexible, expandable 4 inch perforated drain pipe, comes to you ready to expand from 4 ft up to 50 ft in length. Other sizes are available ranging from 4 inch X 12 ft, (expands from 15 inches up to 12 ft) and there’s also a 4 inch X 25 ft option too, so there’s plenty of length variations to choose from to help you get the right flexible perforated french drain pipe system for your needs.

This particular perforated drain pipe is an ideal solution for solving your water drainage problems. Care should be taken to ensure that the surrounding soil where the flexible drain pipe is to be laid is coarse and won’t cause a situation where the perforated holes in the pipe become clogged by soil, tree roots, plant roots, or other debris.

If clogging could be a problem then check out our next review for the solution.

This system exceeds all applicable ASTM standards and has a 30 percent higher load bearing rating over corrugated pipe, providing that you install the flexible drainage pipe in accordance with your local building codes. And if you do just that, then it’s guaranteed not to split, break, or crack.

Compatible with most existing 3 and 4 inch corrugated pipe and 4 inch PVC systems, and of course, you may need to connect this pipe to other accessories such as adaptors, couplers, connectors, or catch basins, to enable the water to drain away efficiently, if you do then check out our section on drainage accessories.

What We Like:

• Great Expansion Range – This flexible landscaping drain pipe expands from 4 ft up to 50 ft. Other expansion sizes are available.
• Quality Product – Made in the USA this system exceeds all applicable ASTM Standards and is guaranteed not to split, break, or crack, providing that you have installed it in accordance with your local building codes.
• High Load Value – A 30 percent higher load bearing rating over corrugated pipe.

Check the latest price on Amazon.

Best Flexible Perforated Drain Pipe With Filter Sock: Flex-Drain 52003

The filter sock covers the entire length of the drain pipe, this ensures that the drainage holes in the flexible pipe do not become clogged with soil, small stones or other small pieces of debris.

This flexible expandable french drainage pipe system from Flex Drain is sized at 4 inches X 50 feet, so you can expand it from 4 ft right up to 50 ft. There is also a 4 inch X 25 ft option available (Flex Drain 51510) if that is more to the size that you are looking for.

Exceeding all applicable ASTM standards this flexible drainage system has a 30 percent higher load bearing rating compared to corrugated pipe.

To achieve the standards and ratings quoted then you must ensure that you install the flexible drainage pipe in accordance with your local building codes. This filter sock covered drain pipe is guaranteed not to split, break, or crack as long as it is installed correctly.

As with our previous review, this waste water drainage system is compatible with most existing 3 and 4 inch corrugated pipe and 4 inch PVC systems.

Helping you to drain standing water away might mean that you’ll need to connect this pipe to other accessories like adaptors, couplers, connectors, or catch basins to enable the water to drain away efficiently.

If you do require additional items then check out our section on drainage accessories.

What We Like:

• Stops Clogging – The filter sock covering the flexible perforated drain pipe, is the perfect solution to stop the clogging effect caused by fine soil and other small debris.
• Quality Drainage Pipe – Exceeds all ASTM standards.
• Strong Drainage System – Install this system correctly and this system will give a 30 percent higher load bearing value over standard corrugated drain pipe.

Check the latest price on Amazon.

Best Flexible Solid Drain Pipe: Flex-Drain 52011

This 4 inch X 50 ft solid drain pipe is expandable from 4 ft right up to 50 ft. Other size options are available, a 4 inch X 12 ft and also a 4 inch X 25 ft version may be more suited to your particular requirements.

Suitable for internal and external use where water gathers and won’t drain away, also for areas where you want to divert water away from, or to.

Meeting and exceeding all applicable ASTM standards this flexible solid drainage system has a 30 percent higher load bearing rating if you were to compare it to a corrugated pipe drainage system.

This standing waste water drainage system is compatible with most existing 3 inch and 4 inch corrugated pipe systems and 4 inch PVC systems.

If you need to connect this pipe to other accessories like adaptors, couplers, connectors, or catch basins to help the water to drain away, then you’ll be happy to know that there are plenty of additional parts available to help you out.

Check out our section on drainage accessories if you need additional parts to complete your drainage job.

What We Like:

• Water Moving Solution – The ideal solution for moving water from problem areas.
• Internal And External Use – Perfect for inside or outside use.
• Made In The US – Quality product and made in the USA.

Check the latest price on Amazon.

Drainage Accessories