French Drain Installation
This type of drainage system is commonly used on residential properties. Some French drains refer to a trench in which a drain pipe is laid and then filled with gravel. Traditional French drains, however, are simply filled with gravel and do not include a pipe.
Either way, French drains are designed to redirect surface water and groundwater away from trouble areas. Here’s the basics of installing a French drain:
- Identify an appropriate area for the excess water to be routed. It’s important to choose a location where the flow of water won’t damage neighboring properties.
- Establish trench lines along the slope on the side of your property line. The route needs to slope downward in the direction you want the water to go. The area should also be clear of any obstructions, such as trees and bushes.
- Dig a 5-6 inch trench along the plotted trench lines. This is the most time-consuming part of installing French drains.
- Fill your trench with a few inches of coarse gravel and cover it with landscape fabric. Then, lay piping into the trench. Wrap more landscaping fabric around the pipe to prevent dirt and roots from obstructing the system. This is important as water percolation is essential to an effective French drain.
- Finally, fill the trench with more gravel and a layer of topsoil. For aesthetic purposes, you can lay sod on top and add a bed of stones around the open end of the drain.
Various materials and techniques can be used to install French drain systems. As long as an adequate slope has been created and thought has been given to where the water will be directed, you should have a working drainage system that prevents water from pooling in your yard or damaging your home’s foundation. This is one of our teams favorite drainage solutions
