skip to main content

The Old House Basements

French drain looks dark and dirty

4 years ago

last modified: 4 years ago

I just joined after lurking here for a while. I bought a house with basem which has a french drain. The drain runs along basement wall and appears dirty looking. how do I clean it? I was told that I should not fill drain with anything. Basement is dry and has never flooded according to previous owner. At times some bugs come out of french drain.

I am attaching pics for reference. Thanks in advance.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (2)

worthy
4 years ago
If you actually have an an interior footing drain--or "French" drain after a Massachusetts judge named French--here's what it should look like.

Install fibreglass screening in the groove to keep insects at bay.
Seabornman
4 years ago
It's hard to tell from the photo, but I think that's just an asphaltic control joint with the concrete shrinking away from it. Buy a roll of https://www.homedepot.com/p/M-D-Building-Products-1-2-in-x-20-ft-Caulk-Backer-Rod-71480/202066515 backer rod in an appropriate width and stuff it in. See if anything happens.
Related Professionals
Lufkin Home Remodeling · Owensboro Home Builders · Las Vegas Home Builders · Anniston Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · London Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Dalton General Contractors · Bend General Contractors · Cape Coral Interior Designers & Decorators · Carbondale Interior Designers & Decorators · West Plains Interior Designers & Decorators · Vicksburg Cabinets & Cabinetry · Enid Cabinets & Cabinetry · Mesquite Cabinets & Cabinetry · Ogden Cabinets & Cabinetry · Bronx Cabinets & Cabinetry

Related Stories

DECORATING GUIDES What Goes With Dark Wood Floors?

By Laura Gaskill

Avoid a too-heavy look or losing your furniture in a sea of darkness with these ideas for decor pairings

KITCHEN DESIGN Kitchen of the Week: French Industrial Style in Black and White

By Becky Harris

Parisian pastry shops inspire a New Jersey kitchen’s marble countertops, tile walls and professional look

DOORS French Doors: Ooh La La

By Margaret Everton

Open or Closed, Double Glass Doors Add Elegance, Function and Beautiful New Views

BEFORE AND AFTERS Reader Project: California Kitchen Joins the Dark Side

By Mitchell Parker

Dark cabinets and countertops replace peeling and cracking all-white versions in this sleek update

TILE Top Tile Trends From the Coverings 2013 Show — the Wood Look

By Becky Harris

Get the beauty of wood while waving off potential splinters, rotting and long searches, thanks to eye-fooling ceramic and porcelain tiles

LAUNDRY ROOMS Laundry Room Redo Adds Function, Looks and Storage

By Mitchell Parker

After demolishing their old laundry room, this couple felt stuck. A design pro helped them get on track — and even find room to store wine

MOST POPULAR Trend Watch: 13 Kitchen Looks Expected to Be Big in 2015

By Natasha Saroca

3 designers share their thoughts on what looks, finishes and design elements will be on trend in the year ahead

SMALL KITCHENS 12 Ways to Make Your Kitchen Look and Feel Bigger

By Toronto Interior Design Group

Try these clever design moves to get more storage and create a roomier feel

HOUZZ TOURS My Houzz: French Country Meets Southern Farmhouse Style in Georgia

By Corynne Pless

Industrious DIYers use antique furniture, collections and warm colors to cozy up their traditional home

UNIVERSAL DESIGN What to Look for in a House if You Plan to Age in Place

By Laura Gaskill

Look for details like these when designing or shopping for your forever home

Sponsored

Structural Remodeling

Franklin County's Heavy Timber Specialists | Best of Houzz 2020!

More Discussions

Enclosing portion of wrap around porch

10

70’s Ranch Remodel

12

1975 Kitchen Need help

3

My new 6 light chandelier, then I ordered clip-on shades for it....

17

Need Siding Ideas for Craftsman House

5