Is a french drain part of a plumbing system when a house is built? Does it normally drain to grade (or daylight). How can I determine if there is a clog in the system.

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Originally Posted by joppa520

Is a french drain part of a plumbing system when a house is built? Does it normally drain to grade (or daylight). How can I determine if there is a clog in the system.

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No, a french drain,(see image) is installed separately from the plumbing system.
To learn more about french drains and how to build one click on: http://www.gardenadvice.co.uk/howto/...d/frenchdrain/

"Does it normally drain to grade (or daylight)."
No, It terminates in a leaching pit back into the soil.

"How can I determine if there is a clog in the system?

If you're asking about a clog in a french drain there's nothing to clog up.
If the ground gets saturated you will see water poolng around the foundation. Regards, Tom

Thanks for the information. I was actually asking about an interior french drain around the inside perimeter of the basement.

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Originally Posted by joppa520

Thanks for the information. I was actually asking about an interior french drain around the inside perimeter of the basement.

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Not a good idea leaving all that moisture in your home waiting ,how long, to leach out. Mold, humidity and who knows what else will grow. Rule of thumb. French drains= outside. Sump pumps= inside. Better to keep the moisture and the french drain outside instead of in your house.
Regards, tom