Questions and Answers for NDS 4 in. x 5 ft. EZ-Drain Prefabricated French Drain with Pipe

A:  I believe so...Dig deeply. 24-36" depending on rain totals in your area.

A:  if you use this in a traditional septic drain field. you would still have to build a rock bed. This increases the surface area of the dirt as opposed to just digging a little trench and putting this in. If the latter is your plan then you will quickly get bioslime buildup as it cannot drain quick enough. Hence if you are still committed to the gravel bed, then this is pricey as compared to the french drain pipe with no styrofoam. Also, I would be concerned about bioslime buildup in the styrofoam. The goal is to get it out of the pipe into the space between the gravel/stone so that it is absorbed by the soil. The goal of the styrofoam is to keep

A:  you could but it would have little effect if the water cannot get to it. I assume you will have drains in the paver patio that drain into this. Further, would be even better if this could connect to drainage system or field. By field I mean you do not just dig a trench and place this into it. You need a gravel bed (big trench filled with gravel for increased surface area to the dirt for drainage). The styrafoam is only to keep dirt from getting into the pipe. No effect on the water really.

A:  This product can be used.

A:  no, I do not think so, the roots will grow around it. It can sustain a large radial force without penetration. Good luck digging thru roots to lay it. Might need a chain saw!

A:  Root intrusion should be no more of a significant factor than in any other type of drainage system. The same "best design practices" should be employed for EZdrain that are applied on other types of drainage systems. If roots are a concern then commercially available root inhibitors are available (by others).

A:  If the EZ drain is to be installed in heavy clay soils, we recommend adding an additional fabric around the product. Also, backfill a minimum of 4" of permeable material. This can be gravel, sand or a loose mulch.

A:  no, not really. Clay drains very slowly. Better solution is to build a drain and run similar conduit to drain it away from that area.

A:  The depth that the product is to be installed varies on the application. You will need a minimum of 6" of cover is the EZ-Drain is installed in a location where grass will be growing on top or if only pedestrians will be walking on the surface. If it is being installed as a foundation drain, then the maximum cover is 12'. If EZ-Drain will be collecting surface water then start with 6" of cover and slope at 1% from there. If it will be used as a foundation drain, then install this equal to the top of the foundation footer.

A:  manufacturer says 8" to 2 feet is the range. OBVIOUSLY you need it to be such that the water does not run "uphill" at any point. https://www.ndspro.com/french-drain-installation

A:  of course they can chew thru plastic, if they approach it from the side they would probably damage the foam lining.

A:  There is nothing in the product to attract the gopher, but there is nothing in this product to prevent the gopher from chewing through the mesh, aggregate, or pipe. The pipe inside the EZ-Drain is standard corrugated pipe.

A:  Yes, the EZ-Drain is Flexible. You can bend this around corners of a building.

A:  No. I purchased elbows to make the turns. works well.

A:  absolutely

A:  Yes, this is flexible, but will probably not make a 90 degree bend.

A:  Yes. I had to cut the pipe to make the final connection. Took out some of the foam, used zip ties to reseal. Worked great.

A:  The best way to remove some of the polystyrene aggregate is to carefully cut the nylon zip tie on the end of the product. You can now pour out as much of the product as needed. Another nylon zip tie can be placed around the pipe to prevent more aggregate from getting out. Removing the aggregate will reduce the storage capacity and load bearing capacity of the product. Another option would be to work the aggregate to two sides of the product. You can then slide the product into the trench. The fabric should be flexible enough to allow you to do this without damaging the fabric.

A:  these are not rocks, but soft styrofoam products.

A:  A minimum of 6" of cover is required in all applications. Under athletic fields with consistent activity should have 8" of cover and in places with occasional light vehicular traffic should have 12".

A:  at least 8 inches

A:  I assume you mean slope and the industry standard is 1/8" per foot