Complete French Drain Inspection Checklist | Aqviz.com

Complete French Drain Inspection Checklist | Aqviz.com

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  French Drain InspectionCheck List Aqviz Waterproofing (Aqviz.com) Page 1 of 2 1. Preliminary Safety and Setup Note Wear gloves, work boots, and safety glasses Carry a flashlight, small shovel, water hose, and camera Use a moisture meter for nearby wall or soil testing Notify property owner before digging or testing near foundation Turn off nearby irrigation before the inspection 2. Surface Clues and Water Accumulation Inspect signs of standing water near walls or low spots Check for soggy soil, mud patches, or slow-draining areas after rainfall Look for grass discoloration, erosion, or pooling near suspected drain line Downspouts or sump discharge terminate near the French drain system Check sidewalk edges, driveway joints, or foundation lines for water stains 3. Drain Inlet Inspection (Where Water Enters the System) Locate surface grates or catch basins and inspect for debris buildup Ensure inlet points are not buried under mulch, leaves, or landscaping Inspect slope to confirm water naturally flows toward the drain Test water flow into the inlet using a hose for draining or backup Note if water bypasses inlet and runs toward the foundation 4. Drainage Trench and Pipe Alignment Trace path of French drain based on inlet and outlet position Check soil along the trench line for wetness or saturation Look for sunken soil or trench collapse Use inspection camera (if available) to assess interior of perforated pipe Note the drain system slope (minimum 1% grade recommended) 5. Pipe Condition and Cleanout Access Locate accessible cleanout caps or junction boxes Inspect for sediment buildup, root intrusion, or blockage at the cleanout Check if pipe is clogged by flushing water Inspect pipe material (PVC, corrugated, or perforated) Confirm presence of filter fabric around the pipe to prevent soil intrusion Need More Info? • Read more about French Drains - https://aqviz.com/basement/french-drains/ • Read more about Basement Waterproofing - https://aqviz.com/basement/waterproofing/ • Read more about French Drain Types - https://aqviz.com/basement/french-drains/types/
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  French Drain InspectionCheck List Aqviz Waterproofing (Aqviz.com) Page 2 of 2 6. Gravel Bed and Filtration System Note Check exposed gravel sections for silt, mud, or compacted soil Ensure gravel extends around the pipe and is not filled with organic debris Note missing or degraded landscape fabric above gravel bed Test water percolation through gravel Look for signs of plant roots invading gravel bed 7. Interior French Drain Inspection (Basement or Crawl Space Systems) Inspect wall-floor joint where drain is installed for seepage or staining Check for rust, efflorescence, or mold near the drain channel Confirm water enters the sump pit or outlet channel as designed Check if concrete over trench is cracked, uneven, or spalling Check signs of water bypassing the French drain and rising the floor 8. Discharge Outlet and Termination Point Locate the outlet pipe where water is discharged away from the structure Ensure outlet pipe is not buried, blocked, or covered with sod or soil Inspect for erosion or water staining near the outlet Confirm water exits during a hose or rainfall test Outlet discharges at least 6-10 feet away from foundation or dry well 9. Signs of Failure or Poor Installation Frequent water accumulation near home despite drain presence Visible mold, water stains, or dampness near French drain path Sediment or roots visible in cleanouts or discharge pipe Improper slope causing reverse flow or pooling inside pipe Drainage system not connected to sump or lacks proper discharge route 10. Recommendations and Next Steps Clean out clogged inlets, cleanouts, or outlet pipes Flush or jet French drain if slow water flow is detected Replace crushed or collapsed sections of pipe if excavation is needed Install or replace filter fabric and gravel in clogged trench sections Reroute downspouts or extend sump pump discharge Schedule full inspection if signs of wall seepage or flooding persist Need More Info? • Read more about How to Unclog French Drain - https://aqviz.com/basement/french-drains/how-to-unclog/ • Read more about French Drain Maintenance - https://aqviz.com/basement/french-drains/maintenance/ • Read more about Basement flooding - https://aqviz.com/basement/flooding/