Choosing the right yard drain doesn’t have to be draining
Both Swale and French drains reduce flooding and erosion by capturing excess water.
French drains use piping and gravel to carry water away from a home’s foundation.
Swale drains utilize natural landscaping rather than industrial materials.
French drain installation costs more but has a long lifespan and needs less maintenance.
Swales are typically less expensive and more DIY-friendly to install.
If your yard is prone to puddling or flooding, installing a drainage system can remove excess water and prevent serious issues. Two popular types of drainage systems to debate are swale vs. French drains. Let’s explore the key features, pros, and cons of each drain type to help you decide which is right for your yard.
Swale and French drains redirect excess water to designated channels, lowering the likelihood of standing water, which can harm your property and the environment. However, there are a few differences between these two popular drainage systems. Swale drains use the natural slope of your yard to divert the drainage of excess water into the soil. On the other hand, French drains use a sloped trench consisting of pipe and gravel to carry excess water away from your home and toward a suitable drainage location.
Ultimately, both drain types serve the same purpose, and choosing between a swale and French will depend on your specific landscape and needs. In fact, some homeowners get the best of both worlds by using the two systems in tandem; excess water can flow from into a French drain and then be released into a swale.
A swale drain is a shallow and wide trench dug into the natural slope of your yard. This type of drainage system is beloved for its aesthetic landscaping appeal while allowing excess rainfall to seep into the soil, rather than pool or flood. Not only can a swale drain protect your property from water damage, but it also provides a host of environmental benefits, including pollutant removal and increased biodiversity.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Easy installation | May not be suitable for certain areas |
| Affordable | Prone to buildup and blockages |
| Aesthetic appearance | Requires regular maintenance |
Best for:
Incorporating drainage into aesthetic landscaping
Slightly sloping or hilly terrain
Large stretches of turf
Easy installation: Swales are considered the easiest type of drain to construct and maintain. This simple system uses natural landscaping to prevent flooding rather than industrial materials.
Affordable: The average cost to build a swale drainage ranges from $0.50 to $1 per square foot or $5 to $15 per linear square foot, making this drain type one of the most affordable to install.
Aesthetic appearance: Due to their inconspicuous appearance, swale drains can easily fit into your landscaping plans. Passersby may stop to admire your lush lawn without even knowing it doubles as a swale drainage system.
Incompatible with certain areas: Before digging your swale drain, you’ll want to make sure that your site is compatible. Ensuring that your soil type, drainage patterns, and terrain are suitable for a swale before building can save you time and money.
Buildup and blockages: Swales can become clogged with sediment buildup and debris over time. Regular maintenance can keep your swale free from erosion, buildup, clogging, and blockages.
Maintenance required: Heavy rainfall and a lack of regular maintenance can cause serious issues with your swale drainage system. That said, you’ll need to invest time and money in regular drain maintenance.
The French drain is a sloped trench made up of a perforated pipe surrounded by gravel or stone. Since water always follows the path of least resistance, this basic sloped drain system is able to easily drain excess water away from your home and toward the nearest drainage location.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Protects foundation, basement, and yard | Costly and lengthy installation |
| Long-lasting results | May become clogged |
| Aesthetically pleasing | Installation can be dangerous |
Best for:
Homes prone to interior and exterior water damage
Areas with heavy rainfall
Yards that can accommodate a sloped drain
Protects home and yard: If your home has experienced water damage in the yard and basement, a French drain system can resolve both issues by installing a foundation drainage system.
Long-lasting: Properly installed and well-maintained French drains can last between 30 and 40 years, making them a cost-effective drainage system option.
Aesthetically pleasing: Installing a French drainage system doesn’t have to come at the expense of your yard’s appearance. You can cover your French drain with gravel or plants to elevate the look of your landscape.
Costly and lengthy installation: The cost to install a French drain system can range from anywhere between $500 and $18,000. In addition to potentially high costs, installing a French drain can take 6 to 10 hours or more.
Possible clogging: Over time, French drains can become clogged with sediment, mud, and vegetative debris. Regularly cleaning your drain can help prevent clogging and overflowing.
Potentially dangerous installation: Installing a French drain requires working with water, gas, and other utility lines, which pose safety concerns. Additionally, installation may require the removal of structures like sidewalks, porches, or decks which can be very dangerous work. It’s best to hire a French drain installer for complex installations.
Swale drains are one of the most affordable types of drainage systems. If you feel up to tackling this DIY installation, you’ll only pay the cost of materials and tools. On the other hand, more complex French drain installations require professional installation and high-grade materials which can drive up your final price. French drain installation costs about $10 to $100 per linear square foot, depending on the size and location.
More complex French drain installations can be dangerous and labor-intensive, requiring the help of a drainage professional. Since swale drain installations only use natural landscaping, installation tends to be easier for knowledgeable DIY-ers who are willing to put in the time and physical labor.
You can integrate both swale and French drainage systems into stunning landscape designs. You can cover both types of drainage systems with gravel and a variety of plants, boosting the aesthetic appeal of your yard while also reaping functional benefits of your drainage system.
Swale and French drain systems are eco-friendly options that can make a positive impact on your home and the environment. Drainage systems help to reduce rainwater runoff, soil erosion, while enhancing soil quality and plant growth.
For a Swale or French drain to function optimally, regular maintenance is required. French drains only need to be maintained annually. Cleaning the system can be a DIY project if you have the proper equipment, knowledge, and don’t mind getting your hands dirty.
Maintaining a Swale drain usually requires a bit more monitoring and maintenance. You’ll need to examine your swale frequently, especially after heavy rainfall to monitor flooding. Common maintenance jobs include mowing, dewatering, trimming vegetation, and removing any debris or sediment that may accumulate over time.
