How to maintain a filter drain system

Filter drains (also called French drains) are useful inventions filled with gravel or rock, or both designed to redirect surface water and groundwater away from an area. 

They are primarily used to prevent ground and surface water from penetrating or damaging building foundations and as an alternative to open ditches or storm sewers for streets and highways.

Such an invention, which has a critical mission needs to be maintained or otherwise its effectiveness may be compromised. This is becoming more important as global warmining may cause increasing number of extreme weather events.

First of all, it is important to understand why maintenance is required in order to then get to the bottom of the problem. 

Debris and detritus are dropped by plants and are moved by growth, wind, water and traffic into these catchment areas. The aggregate at the top of the drain naturally filters the water leaving solids accumulating on the surface. Small animals and organisms help elements break down that solid organic debris into soil. Soil, in turn, is the storage of moisture and nutrients that allows Weeds to grow, creating further organic material (the soil cycle). The build up of organic material on the surface gradually reduces the capacity of the drain to perform its function.

To get the filter drains working as intended, we tried three different methods to find the best result for this issue:

1. Thermal Method - Hot Water - Eco Weedkiller
2. Thermal Method - Hot Air - Ripagreen
3. Mechanical Method - the Kersten Gravel Path Renovator

If you take a quick look at this image, you will see how different results can be achieved using different methods.

Conclusion:

As you can see in the pictures, The Kersten Gravel Path Renovator was most effective technology for weeding the filter drains, removing the soil buildup and the weeds. You could supplement the mechanical method with occasional spot treating with the Hot Water machine or the Hot Air, in order to maintain what has been achieved for longer. 

Watch the YouTube video here!