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The Best French Drain Pipe for 2023

April 28, 2020 by Toolshed Stuff Leave a Comment

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 AwardBrandClick Image to Read Review
Best Flexible Perforated Drain PipeFlex-Drain 52012
Best Flexible Perforated Drain Pipe With Filter SockFlex-Drain 52003
Best Flexible Solid Drain PipeFlex-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

Best Flexible Perforated Drain Pipe

Flex-Drain 52012

This American made perforated ground water drainage pipe is the ideal choice to solve problem areas where water gathers and causes ground flooding problems.

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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

Best Flexible Perforated Drain Pipe With Filter Sock

Flex-Drain 52003

This flexible, expandable perforated drain pipe with filter sock is the ideal choice for removing ground water from areas with fine soil or from ground that is likely to cause clogging of none filtered drainage pipe systems.

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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

Best Flexible Solid Drain Pipe

Flex-Drain 52011

With this flexible non perforated, expandable drainage system you have a solution to move problematic standing water to another area for draining purposes.

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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

40 Gallon Drainage Tank

NDS Flo-Well 40 Gal Drainage Tank

Measuring 24″ X 28. 75″ this drainage tank offers a solution for rainwater dispersal with flexible perforated and solid french drain pipe systems.

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Catch Basin Kit

NDS 1200BKIT 12″ Catch Basin Kit, 12″ x 12″

Perfect for collecting excess water from, lawns, basements, driveways and garages then easily connected to drainage pipe systems for water dispersal.

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Catch Basin Riser

NDS 1216 12″ No Bottom Catch Basin Riser, Black

This adds 7.13 inches to NDS 12 inch catch basins. Made from black high impact plastic, ensuring it won’t ever fade or rust, it’s also UV resistant too.

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Catch Basin Green Grate Package

12×12 Catch Basin Green grate package with debris basket and partitions

This catch basin package from Standartpark, features a green grate cover, and inner partitions for collecting sediment and other debris, ensuring that it’s just water that is washed into the drainage pipe.

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Large 16 X 16 Catch Basin With Sediment Basket And Cast Iron Grate

Standartpark 16 X 16 Large Catch Basin

Featuring a cast iron grate, this 16 X 16 inch water catch basin incorporates a sediment basket to catch debris and in doing so stops the drainage pipe system from becoming blocked.

Offering a wide array of drainage pipe connections, 4, 6, 8, and 12 inch PVC or pipe punch outs.

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11 inch Round Catch Basin With Sediment Basket

Standartpark 11 inch Round Catch Basin with Sediment Basket and Handles

Black plastic round basin design, incorporates a sediment basket to stop debris from entering the drain pipe system.

Quick and easy 4 inch knockouts for drainage pipe connection.

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Square Catch Basin Drainage Kit with Green Grate

Storm Drain FSD-090-K 9″

This 9 inch X 9 inch rainwater catch basin features a green colored grate, with easy drain pipe connection for water removal or dispersal.

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NDS CATCH BASIN Kit

NDS 900BKIT 9X9 CATCH BASIN, 9″ x 9″

Made in the USA, this catch basin measures 9 inches X 9 inches and made from UV resistant polypropylene. Suitable for landscape areas and areas with light vehicle use.

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Catch Basin Riser Extension

NDS 9″ x 9″ x 6″ Catch Basin Riser Extension

Catch basin riser extension for 9 inch X 9 inch NDS catch basins.

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Atrium Grate

NDS 4″ Atrium Grate, Black

Allows water to flow freely into the drainage system, but ensures debris is kept out.

Fits on to 4 inch drain pipe and perfect for areas prone to debris build up such as mulch areas, planter beds and window wells.

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Brass Outdoor Drain Grate

6″ x 6″ Premium Brass Outdoor Modern Paver Size Drain Grate

Made in the USA this brass drain gate fits perfectly into driveway, patio, and path pavers and easily connects to 3 inch and 4 inch drainage pipe systems.

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Submersible Sump Pump

Zoeller M53 Mighty-mate Submersible Sump Pump, 1/3 Hp

If you need a reliable pump for getting water build up removed then this sump pump with integrated float switch can shift 43 GPM.

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Cast Iron and Stainless Steel Sump Pump

WAYNE CDU980E 3/4 HP Submersible Cast Iron and Stainless Steel Sump Pump

This sump pump is suitable for residential or commercial waste water issues and can move up to 4600 gallons per hour.

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WaterAce WA50SAS Sump Pump

WaterAce WA50SAS Sump Pump, 1/2 HP, Black

Heavy duty pump for 11 inch basins, featuring a non clogging impeller.

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Wi-Fi Sump Pump Smart Outlet

PumpSpy PSO1000 Wi-Fi Sump Pump Smart Outlet

This smart pump system can alert you via texts, emails and app alerts to your smartphone or pc.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are French drains effective?

French drains are extremely effective and are an excellent choice for removing and dispersing water from problem areas where water builds up.

French drains are much more effective at removing water than standard surface drains because French drains are capable of collecting water through their entire length.

This is possible thanks to the design of having holes running the entire length of the drain pipe, whereas with a typical surface drain water is only collected at one point.

Can you cover a French drain with dirt?

French drains can be covered with dirt providing that the french drain pipe is covered with a filter sock, and, or installed in such a way with washed gravel preventing dirt from penetrating through to the small holes in the French drain pipe system. Care should be taken to ensure that the gravel itself is not going to cause a clogging problem.

Can French drains be cleaned out?

French drains can be cleaned out. Most French drains are used with a water catch basin and these basins often incorporate a basket or debris trap below the surface drain gate.

For French drains that don’t have any catch basins, it’s still possible to clean the drain pipe out at the surface water entry position with either a garden hose, pressure washer, or a sewer snake for a heavily clogged pipe.

Where do French drains drain the water to?

French drains are intended to move surface water or groundwater from one area to another. For example, you may have a problem with water gathering and causing home foundation or basement damp or flooding problems.

With a French drain installed the water will be channeled away from the foundations or basement and dispersed in another area where it will soak away without causing any further problems.

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