Symptoms
- Standing water in the yard that used to drain, now doesn't
- Water pooling near or over the drain's gravel line
- No water visible exiting at the drain's outlet point
Likely causes
- CommonClogged perforated pipe from sediment or rootsFine soil or roots can work into the pipe's perforations and gradually block flow over years.
- CommonOutlet blocked or buriedThe discharge end can get covered by soil, mulch, or debris, backing up the whole system.
- PossiblePipe crushed or sloped incorrectlySettling, vehicle traffic, or a poor original installation can create a low spot or crush point that traps water.
What to do
- Find and check the drain's outlet point for burial, blockage, or debris and clear it if needed.
- Run a hose into the inlet or a cleanout (if present) to see whether water exits at the outlet, which tells you if the pipe is at least partially clear.
- If accessible, use a plumbing snake or a jetting attachment to clear sediment or root intrusion from the pipe.
- Dig a small test hole along the drain's route to check that the gravel isn't fully clogged with fine silt, which happens over many years without fabric wrap.
- Check for a visible dip or soft spot along the route that might indicate a crushed or misaligned section.
- Consider adding a cleanout access point if the system doesn't have one, to make future maintenance easier.
- Have a drainage contractor excavate and repair or replace failed sections if basic clearing doesn't restore flow.
Tools and parts
- Garden hose
- Shovel
- Plumbing snake
French drain pipeSearch: “perforated drain pipe”
When to call a pro
Call a drainage contractor to excavate, clear, or rebuild a failed French drain system.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.