Table of Contents
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.
How do you properly do a French drain?
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.
Does 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.
How do I put 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.
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.
How far should French drain be from foundation?
Recommended French Drain Installation Distance 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.
How much does a DIY French drain cost?
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.
Can you cover a French drain with dirt?
Can I cover a French drain with dirt? Because a French drain has holes throughout the pipe which allow it collect water, you should not install dirt on top of the drain pipe. Installing dirt will clog the pipe and the holes, rendering it useless.
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.
Where do French drains run to?
As mentioned a moment ago, French drains ensure any rainwater in outside your property will flow away from the building. The liquid runs into a gravel trench and then flows into a pipe at the bottom of the drain. The water travels through the tube and then empties somewhere safe away from the house.
Where should a French drain drain to?
LOCATION: French drains should run along the center of the low area(s) needing drained, and end at the desired drainage point. There should be adequate “fall” in the french drain construction, for water to naturally run downhill, toward the drainage end.
Can you cover a French drain with grass?
The simplest drain is a classic French drain, which is nothing more than a trench filled with coarse stone or gravel. The drain can be left open or, if aesthetics are a concern, can be covered with a couple of inches of topsoil and sod.
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.
What is the difference between a curtain drain and a French drain?
A curtain drain is an underground trench that slopes downward. It usually begins around two feet below ground level and is one and a half feet wide. A French drain sits at ground-level. You can see the gravel even with the ground around it.
How shallow can a French drain be?
DIGGING A TRENCH FOR A FRENCH DRAIN Because there is a direct relationship between the diameter of a drain pipe and its relative effectiveness, make your trench no smaller than 12 inches wide, and aim for a depth between 18 and 24 inches.
How do you keep animals out of drain pipes?
Fortunately, there are easy and humane ways to keep those animals out of the home without flushing them back down the drain. First seal up any exterior gaps and putting food in airtight containers. Since animals are naturally drawn to food, this measure will help deter them from entering in the first place.
How do I keep water from pooling in my yard?
Identify where you have standing water in your yard. Use a shovel to dig a trench in that area that leads to a place where the water can more easily drain. Line the trench with pea gravel. Purchase a French drain pipe or simply get a plastic, flexible landscape pipe.
