Table of Contents
How deep does a French drain need to 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.
Can I install a French drain myself?
Because digging the trench can be difficult work on your own, get friends and family to help if possible. Once the trench is complete, installing a French drain is a straightforward process. The new drain will get runoff water under control, protect your basement and keep your yard from becoming a swamp.
Can you install a French drain without gravel?
Good drainage is important to ensure that a home stays dry and free of mold. 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.
Why do french drains fail?
Over time, a French drain may become clogged. Tiny soil and clay granules slip through the pores of the landscape fabric and gradually build up inside the pipe. Another common cause of French drain clogs is root intrusion from grass, shrubs, and trees.
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 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.
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 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.
How do French drains work in yard?
French drains provide an easy channel for water to flow through. Water runs into a gravel-filled trench, then into perforated pipe at the bottom of the trench. Water travels freely through the pipe, which empties a safe distance from the house.
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 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.
What kind of gravel for a French drain?
The stone should be no less than ¾” and dense (we suggest Granite, or River Gravel) so it will allow good water flow. Lime Rock, although inexpensive, is a poor choice for a French Drain because it will begin to deteriorate over time and eventually begin to pack down and restrict flow.
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 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.
Do you cap the end of a French drain?
Cap the end at beginning of the system. Level rock 4 inches from the top of the trench. Note: If you just dump rock on top of the pipe, it will shift to one side of the trench. Make sure to keep it in the middle of the trench.
How often replace French drain?
This is why most experts state that a French drain is not a long-term solution to a drainage problem: You have to dig it up and reinstall it every eight to 10 years.
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.
Can you do a French drain without pipe?
Installing a French Drain Without a Pipe When you omit the pipe from a French drain, you’ve basically got a trench drain. If your soil drains well, you can simply dig the trench and cover the bottom with 3 to 4 inches of 3/4-inch drainage rock, depending on the depth of the trench.
How do I divert my standing water from my house?
How To Divert Water From The Home Clean Your Gutters. This task is both simple and free. Extend Your Downspouts. Create A Rain Garden. Install A Rain Barrel. Seal The Driveway. Install A French Drain. Improve The Grading. Install A Sump Pump.
