drainage

Started by ReneeL4 • 7 replies • 166 views

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ReneeL4 (Florida)
Posts: 6

Posted:

At our complex, we need to have french drains dug out, with perforated tubing running drain length, then having it end in rock sink. Has anyone else put such a drain in? About how much do you think it might cost?

JohnC46 (South Carolina)
Posts: 14,265

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By ReneeL4 on 11/18/2024 10:32 AM
At our complex, we need to have french drains dug out, with perforated tubing running drain length, then having it end in rock sink. Has anyone else put such a drain in? About how much do you think it might cost?

Without specifics (location, length, depth, width, etc. how do you expect one to answer?

GregoryT1
Posts: 315

Posted:

Hi I am assuming these are exterior french drainage systems.

You will need to understand that solution you are going after is that the right solution. The bigger the project you might need to have an expert come in and take a look and give an expert opinion on the problem and solution. Then you can start a bidding process with various contractors. The expert cannot recommend a contractor but they might be able to come up with pricing. In any case I don't where you sit in terms of the association. Are you on the board or you a assn member. If you are on the board then an expert opinion is great info to share with the assn if this is a big project. This is a way to pass along information if you have to bring it to a vote.

What John said is correct no way for us on the discussion board to understand the scope of the project.

DeanJ
Posts: 1,786

Posted:

$25-$40 a linear foot.

JimB37 (Florida)
Posts: 76

Posted:

I've put in a system here in Florida. Count on $8/foot for the pipe alone. Again, that's just the pipe material. That's 4"x 10'pre-wrapped pipe. No need for additional wrapping material or gravel in the trench. (I scope my system every year and the pipes are pristine.) If you're dealing with a lot of surface water, include 6" catch basins along the way. Each pipe will pull water from as far as 15ft either side.

BryonW (Massachusetts)
Posts: 55

Posted:

Hi Renee, there are some vendors who specialize in french drains who will always recommend french drains, even when other less expensive waterproofing tactics could solve your problem.

Here are three simpler things to consider first (All assuming your job is exterior):
- extend downspouts farther from the building
- re-grade so the land slopes away from the building
- add a couple inch thick layer of relatively impermeable soil ("Clay cap") around the perimeter of your building.

In case these ideas do not apply to your exact situation, here are a couple great articles about waterproofing best-practices:
https://buildingscience.com/sites/default/files/document/BSI-146%20Below%20Grade%20Water%20Management.pdf
and
https://buildingscience.com/sites/default/files/document/bsi-110_keeping_water_out_of_basements_c.pdf

All that said - back in 2021 I had a job done that was on the exterior of a building. 40 linear feet, excavated to 4ft deep. Scope was: jack hammer out existing sidewalk that was on top of the work area. Existing masonry foundation wall was parged with a layer of concrete to consolidate, then coated with sealant, and drainage board installed. Back-filled with gravel. Re-pour the sidewalk afterward. Cost was $16,000. A crew of ~4 workers spent about a week on the job. Other vendors quoted as high as $50,000 (and were laughed out of the room).

ReneeL4 (Florida)
Posts: 6

Posted:

Jim, I'm in Florida. So, you just lay your pipe on top of the sand? No, gravel base?

We have various sections in the Complex to do. Some are maybe 200 ft, others are much more in length.

ReneeL4 (Florida)
Posts: 6

Posted:

thank you, Bryan.

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