Table of Contents
Plan the Location. Figure out where the excess water is pooling and where you want it to go. Dig a Trench. Line the Trench with Filter Fabric. Pour the Gravel Bedding. Hook Up the Pipe Connections. Set the Pipe Drain in the Trench. Cover with Gravel and Filter Fabric. Backfill with Topsoil.
How deep should a French drain be?
French drain depth: About 8 inches to 2 feet deep should be sufficient for many water-diverting projects, though related systems, such as those built around foundations and sub-ground living spaces, as well as the bases of retaining walls, may be deeper.
Does a French drain need an outlet?
A properly designed French drain system does not require an outlet. The water will simply soak into the soil as it flows along the perforated pipe. In fact, a French drain doesn’t require an inlet on just one end either.
What material do you use for a French drain?
Industry standard for French drains are 4 to 4.5 ounce Nonwoven drainage fabric. Avoid using socked wrapped perforated pipe alone without drainage fabric as it will easily clog with dirt/soil.
How deep and wide for a French drain?
Parts of a French Drain A trench at least 12 inches wide and 18 to 24 inches deep; larger trenches provide better drainage and last longer, but require more work.
Can I cover a French drain with dirt?
Can you cover a French canal with land? The best way to install French drains is to use perforated drains that allow water to enter or exit through small openings along the pipe. Cover the pipe with at least 12 inches of washed gravel. Place a filter cloth on the gravel to prevent the soil from blocking the pipe.
What is the average cost to install a French drain?
According to Fixr, the average French drain costs $4,500. An exterior drain located fairly close to the surface could cost as little as $1,000, or $25 per linear foot on average. Drains installed under your basement floor could cost $2,000 or more. Expect to pay $60 to $70 per linear foot for installation.
Where does the water from French drain go?
Crews cut a channel around the perimeter of your basement floor, chip out the concrete, and install perforated pipe all the way around. The water flows to a collection tank sunk into the floor, and a sump pump sends it out to the yard or a storm drain.
How much gravel do I need for a 50 foot French drain?
How much gravel do I need per foot of French drain? You would need around 0.72 cubic feet of gravel per foot length of French drain for a typical French drain width of 10 inches and a depth of 12 inches if you’re using a 4″ drain pipe.
Why do you need gravel for a French drain?
The old way of installing French drains is to do it without the gravel and the fabric. Without the gravel and the fabric, however, the drain can clog up with sand and soil over time.
What is the difference between a French drain and a trench drain?
Aside from what we’ve listed here, the difference between a French drain and a trench drain is that a French drain is used for water that is underground while a trench drain diverts excess water from a surface.
Can I use landscape fabric for French drain?
The best type of fabric for a drainage project such as a drain field or french drain is non-woven geotextile landscape fabric. If you’re project requires high strength and also good drainage then a high end combination woven fabric could be suitable for your application.
How do you dig a French drain by hand?
What kind of gravel for a French drain?
Hard rocks such as granite or river gravel prove viable options for a French drain because they won’t break down over time as much as other rock varieties, such as sandstone and limestone.
How far should a foundation be from a French drain?
We recommend installing the french drains between 2 and 5 feet away from the foundation. There are a few variables that impact the exact distance to dig the new drain lines to carry water away from your home. Finding the right distance: Check where water is pooling naturally during heavy rains.
How long will a French drain last?
Properly installed drains use advanced plastic sheeting called geotextile to protect the drainpipe from a blockage. French drains can last decades before needing maintenance. If your home requires a sump pump, a high-quality model will last around ten years before needing replacement.
Is a French drain worth it?
A French drain can be a blessing for your land or home. They have several advantages. Efficient drainage: A significant benefit of a French drain is its ability to move water away from your home or foundation. You can choose where you want the water to go with either an interior or exterior French drain system.
Do the holes go up or down on a French drain?
So, when installing a French drain, the holes in PVC piping always face the upward position. The only time holes should be in the downward position is when installing a leaching field. This is when water is poured or pumped into a pipe and we want the water to drain out of the pipe into the surrounding ground.
How do you keep animals out of drain pipes?
How to Keep Animals and Bugs Out of Your Plumbing Cover Up Pipe Openings. Seal Up Cracks and Openings. Trim Trees and Shrubs Around Your Home. Clean the Drain. Remove any Food.
Does gravel help drainage?
Landscaping gravel also provides much-needed drainage so that water doesn’t collect around the roots. Gravel and stone are easy to spread and easy to maintain.
How do you make a French drain without a pipe?
Installing a French Drain Without a Pipe It’s a good idea to lay a waterproof base if you have poorly draining soil, and if you have old gutters sitting around, this may be a good way to put them to use. Otherwise, you can buy sheets of rubber pond lining or non-degradable plastic and cut them into strips.
How do I build drainage in my yard?
5 Yard Drainage Solutions You Can Do Yourself Reduce Your Watering Schedule. Extend Your Downspout. Dig a Creek Bed or Swale. Construct a Rain Garden. Install a French Drain and/or Dry Well.
