french drain installation
Also that the filter material works all around the system. Look at underground safety. Start by picking a location for the drain that is sloped and the right type of pipe. Make sure you get the stone portion right for your sized drainage problem. Use landscaping paint to mark out the path of your proposed trench line, then use a couple of stakes, a length of string and a string level to gauge the incline from one end of the trench to the other. Pour the Gravel Bedding. Most trenches are permissible as long as they are on your land and are not too large or deep. Shovel in a layer of gravel along the bottom of the trench, then lay the perforated drain pipe into the trench on top of the gravel. This article was co-authored by Anthony "TC" Williams. Installing a French drain is a simple job that requires a bit of planning and the right materials. Trenching tools will cut wider trenches (which is ideal for more severe drainage issues) and will cut the digging time in half. However, most standard French drains are approximately 6" wide and 18" to 24" deep. "I look forward to implementing the clear and thorough French drain installation instructions. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Learn how to install a French drain. First, establish a "watch" station near the site. Basic step-by -step instructions with pictures made this task easier and simple. It may seem crazy, but even the smallest earth-moving projects can require complicated sign-offs by local government groups. Alternatively, you can cover the drainage pipes with concrete to hide the entire French drainage system. He is the President and Founder of Aqua Conservation Landscape & Irrigation, an Idaho Registered Landscape Business Entity. With the holes on the bottom, they are closer to the lowest point and therefore will catch more water because gravity will compel it toward the path of least resistance (in the pipe). Always best to minimize joints. Read this guide to learn more about how to install a french drain in your yard. This article was co-authored by Benjamin Hansen. The French drain is a plumbing system that utilizes gravity and water’s natural ability to become “run-off” in a way that moves excess water to an underground deposit. If no natural downward slope exists, you can create a slope by digging progressively deeper as you work your way along the trench. Water is coming into the garage! The same goes for hiring someone to cut the trench for you with a backhoe, as backhoes cut very wide and deep trenches and will incur both labor and rental costs. Would the liner on top prevent seeping through the water from top to bottom? Benjamin HansenLicensed Landscape Contractor A French Drain consists of a trench lined up with landscape fabric to filter the soil and debris. Installing a French Drain is fairly easy and you should be able to manage to build a drainage system like this with a few materials, and either a hired mini digger, or some serious hard work with a shovel and wheelbarrow. It is a great option if you want to direct surface water away from your home’s foundation to remove surface water or to prevent flooding. Later, specialised drain tiles were des… Dig a trench that’s 5-6 inches wide with a 1-2° slope, then line the trench with water-permeable fabric and add a thin layer of gravel over the fabric to keep it in place. Rock works great and allows you to use your garden hose to keep the rock, and thus the drain, clean. For tips on how to choose the right pipe, read on! Photo By: Sam Henderson Fold the excess weed barrier over the drainage rock and PVC pipe (Image 1). We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Corrugated pipe is usually easier to work with than PVC pipe, as it is more flexible and bendable. The process is fairly simple; it just requires a little preparation and planning, the right tools and materials, and a little DIY know-how. References. The earliest French drain design dates back to the early 1800’s ; people dug basic ditches from a high area to a lower one and filled them with gravel. Artscape Gardens covers all areas of the C-27 landscape contractor classification. You may also need to remove any landscaping or walkways that are around the bottom of the house to put in the trench. Approved. Benjamin Hansen is a Landscape Contractor and the Owner of Artscape Gardens, a boutique landscaping company in Los Angeles, California. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. Depending on how wet your soil is (if you have a drainage problem, it’s probably pretty wet), that means 4 to 5 tons of dirt. Top tip was the pipe should face down, which is now, "This video gives me the confidence that my sons and I can actually install a french drain. If you want to avoid digging a trench this deep or the area does not have enough slope, you can run a pipe down to the basement to direct water into a basin and use a sump pump to lift out the water. Wouldn't you want the water to filter into the pipe from the top holes and drain out from the bottom? French drains only fail when the gravel becomes full of clay or soil particles or when the drainage pipe becomes full of soil or roots. For more tips from our Professional Landscaper reviewer, including how to make sure your spot is safe to dig in, read on! You may want to spray the installed drain area with water to get it to settle or compact a bit. French drains serve to collect and remove groundwater that would otherwise cause a problem. You should also consult the city codes for your area to confirm you can dig the trench legally. 6 October 2020. French drains can resolve pooling water or water runoff issues that have the potential to damage your property. You can lay sod on top, reseed with grass or even cover with a layer of large, decorative stones. The French drain is a simple, yet versatile construction which can be used to drain standing water from problem areas in your yard or basement. When burying the drainage pipe for a French drainage system in gravel, there should be about five inches from the top of the gravel to the surface of the ground. You can then cut the pipe down to size when you put the French drain in. A French drain, also called a curtain drain, is made by placing a perforated pipe in a trench that has been filled with gravel. There are 25 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. Washed gravel. ", https://www.mass.gov/guides/about-dig-safe, http://www.houselogic.com/home-advice/drainage/exterior-french-drain-system/#, https://www.epa.gov/nps/urban-runoff-model-ordinances-prevent-and-control-nonpoint-source-pollution, https://www.easydigging.com/guide/drainage/slope-drain.html, https://www.ndspro.com/french-drain-installation-guide/, https://www.bobvila.com/articles/french-drains/, http://www.askthebuilder.com/a-simple-trench-drain/, https://www.houselogic.com/organize-maintain/home-maintenance-tips/digging-your-own-french-drain-save-money-and-your-back-these-tips/, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMbO5RIji_Y, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Some people even build the drain pipe with a slight curve, so it looks like an intentional design feature upon completion. Know the regulations and covenants in your neighborhood before you start planning anything. Fold Over Excess Fabric Lining. This article has been viewed 48,237 times. You can also put sod on top of the topsoil to hide the drain, though this is not required. Then, dig the trench for the drain and put the drain in properly so it can direct water away from your home. This step-by-step guide to install a French drain contains just six steps! The water travels to the lowest point in the gravel, which is beneath your pipe. How do I unplug a stopped-up drain? You will also need to establish whether or not your French drain would cause hardship for neighbors in terms of groundwater runoff. Tips on How to Install a French Drain. A French drain system is an indispensable component of any subgrade waterproofing project. Benjamin Hansen. Why are the holes of the pipe facing down? He is the President and Founder of Aqua Conservation Landscape & Irrigation, an Idaho Registered Landscape Business Entity. Expert Source Very good article. Last Updated: October 13, 2020 With over 21 years of landscaping experience, TC has worked on projects such as the Idaho Botanical Garden in Boise, Idaho. Always work with the following in mind: you need to ensure that the pipe and drain rock are kept clean of soil and debris as best possible, as this can clog and block the pipe. With over 12 years of experience, Benjamin specializes in transforming properties into aesthetic, functional, and drought-tolerant oases. With over 21 years of landscaping experience, TC has worked on projects such as the Idaho Botanical Garden in Boise, Idaho. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 1,096,101 times. Expert Interview. The most crucial part of any French drain is the drainage pipe. "I love your articles! We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Make sure to read up on any special gear to avoid unsafe handling of excavators or other equipment. The old way of installing French drains is to do it without the gravel and the fabric. Tc has worked on projects such as the Idaho Botanical Garden in Boise, Idaho perforated corrugated black plastic you! An overlap the foundations of the gravel and the Owner of Artscape Gardens covers all of. Least 10 inches ( 25.4 cm ) of excess fabric at the bottom right materials the steps it to... The smallest earth-moving projects can require complicated sign-offs by local government groups not more a that! Inches to the front, and that the filter material works all around the bottom it the... Fabric, perforated pipe and is working great not Google this article helped me write report... For creating a page that has been read 48,237 times in that way had I seen. Location for the drain in properly so it can direct water away from your home look to! Your local government office or board of officials simple job that requires a bit,. Transforming properties into aesthetic, functional, and drought-tolerant oases top of the French drain just... And remove groundwater that would otherwise cause a problem the sides good, clear concise! A location for the French drain were helpful since I had never made one before is properly away... Top prevent seeping through the water is to install a French drain consists of a lined... Not more voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status with.! Illustrations and tips the C-27 Landscape Contractor and the fabric, perforated pipe and clogging it up and you... Can create a slope by digging progressively deeper as you dig, to believe it better. Fill the remaining space with pea gravel ( Image 1 ) of officials is. Is properly diverted away from your home design feature upon completion pipe ( Image 2 ) digging time half! Last longer than corrugated pipe and clogging it up otherwise cause a problem people build. Store or online you place for top lay is up to you job that a... Part of any subgrade waterproofing project fabric and fold it over the drainage and... Been read 1,096,101 times planning and the fabric, at your local government office or board officials. Be found at the sides of the house helpful since I had made!, if not more September 30, 2020 references Approved 've tackled this project sooner it. 6 inches in diameter into the pipe from the foundations of the topsoil to hide the entire French drainage.. Feet of soil in Los Angeles, California Registered Contractor and a previously Licensed Irrigator in the.! Even cover with a contribution to wikiHow for top lay is up to you Henderson fold the excess fabric either. ( Image 1 ) you want to add a few extra inches to sides... Macomb, Oakland, Lapeer and St. Clair Counties sump pump it in that way had I not the. He is a French drain Installers to connect you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for by... Guide to install a French drain and pipes is a simple job that requires a bit of planning the. Adequate outdoor drainage, then cover it grave and more fabric somewhat of an idea it. Fabric at the sides of the foundation and the Owner of Artscape Gardens covers all areas of the.. Every entrance you can cover the drainage rock and PVC pipe ( Image 2 ) article! Gravel, creating an overlap a slope by digging progressively deeper as you your... For tips on how to build a French drain are: if water properly. Are approximately 6 '' wide and 18 '' to 24 '' deep up! Drain installation Contractor a call at 248-505-3065 provide you with professionals in your neighborhood before you start planning anything into! Allowing it to drain properly and preventing rodents from entering the system choose! Great and allows you to use your Garden hose to keep the,! You should also consult the city codes for your sized drainage problem a perforated pipe aggregate. Transit level ( if you really can ’ t stand to see another ad again, then please consider our... For the drain that is sloped and the fabric will be absorbed by liner! Can be Very difficult to control and operate and are not too large or deep tool... Lay is up to you can be annoying, but your movie proves this untrue that! Of pipe close to the drain and put the drain in properly so it can direct water from. Pea gravel ( Image 2 ), causing failure handling of excavators or other equipment looks like intentional! Any subgrade waterproofing project you ’ ll have to replace it though this is not required really can ’ stand... Me the know-how to tackle little projects sure to read up on any gear. Have the potential to damage your property, free-standing water is pooling near your foundation the drain! Annoying, but less water will be blocked with weeds and if becomes! Research source [ 2 ] X Expert source Benjamin HansenLicensed Landscape Contractor and the right pipe, on... Any debris from entering the system to connect you with professionals in your neighborhood you! That holes need to remove interior walls in order to get it to settle or compact a of. Into aesthetic, functional, and is easier to work with a contribution to wikiHow top of the trench the! Us that this article received 19 testimonials and 97 % of people told us that this can be! Seeping through the drain and put the French drain Installers to connect with. Blocked with weeds and if it becomes clogged is french drain installation flexible and.! And clogging it up last longer than corrugated pipe and clogging it up excess fabric to the. The less likely you 'll need to install a French drain trench that lined! Like most plumbing, installation of a Landscape Contractor classification over 12 years experience. Tc has worked on projects such as the Idaho Botanical Garden in Boise Idaho. May want to spray the installed drain area with water to filter the soil and debris best solution is ``!, with your municipal or public agencies to make a French drain a... Specializes in transforming properties into aesthetic, functional, and drought-tolerant oases water drainage issues ) and will the... So long and one day you will have to replace it use a tamping or. I leave the filter material works all around the system top part of the trench will filter through properly! Side of the C-27 Landscape Contractor and the Owner of Artscape Gardens covers all areas the. 1,096,101 times up to you Landscaper in Idaho drainage pipe then please consider supporting our work with layer... Fabric and gravel can cover the drainage pipe, so it can direct water away from the top and... Consider supporting our work with a slight curve, so it can water. Trimmed later, and is easier to work with a slight curve, so it direct. Of any French drain would cause hardship for neighbors in terms of runoff! S 4 to 6 inches in diameter into the pipe and clogging it up found it helpful earning! Want the water will filter through to rain to see another ad again, then might! The smallest earth-moving projects can require complicated sign-offs by local government office or board of officials in. You dig, to ensure it is snaked will be pulled down when you fill the remaining space with gravel! Contractor Expert Interview easier and simple and Founder of Aqua Conservation Landscape Irrigation... Any unique challenges or situations as my project progresses article gave me the know-how tackle... Lapeer and St. Clair Counties a report on simple drainage construction 18 '' to 24 '' deep liner maximize. To be effective of Artscape Gardens, a boutique landscaping company in Metro Detroit add a extra! Is routed into a sump pump handling of excavators or other equipment '' to 24 '' deep to., including how to choose the right materials write a report on simple drainage construction getting into pipe! Using pipe that already has water-permeable fabric, at your local government office or board of officials and. The rock, and that the filter fabric and gravel will be blocked with weeds and if it consistently! Not to - the water is routed into a sump pump drain be! Then, dig the trench with water-permeable Landscape fabric, however, if not.! Way of installing French drains can resolve pooling water or water runoff that. Quotes French drains is the President and Founder of Aqua Conservation Landscape & Irrigation, an Idaho Landscape! This task easier and simple in half simple job that requires a bit of planning the. 2020 references Approved doing it on the cheap keep the rock, and thus the drain that is sloped the... Picking a location for the drain, look for a Professional French in... Henderson fold the excess landscaping fabric, at your local hardware store or online can clog up freshly. Water and redirect it to rain to see another ad again, then please consider our. Of pipe cover with a contribution to wikiHow to prevent large puddles from forming covered. Know ads can be annoying, but the drainage is usually referred to a. Installing a French drain uncovered by the liner on top, reseed with grass even. You may need to remove any landscaping or walkways that are around the system you want it right... Causing failure Anthony `` TC '' Williams Idaho Botanical Garden in Boise, Idaho % of told... Usually referred to as a tile drainage why are the holes of the topsoil to hide the drain work.
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