How to dig and install a french drain

We recommend using sand in the area dug out using an auger and gravel for the rest of the drain pipe. Landscaping fabric should be used to line the exterior of the drain to prevent soil from seeping in over time. We recommend lining the exterior of the surface drain with larger rocks and boulders to create a natural barrier around the drain. If you have a downspout from your gutters it might be a good idea to run a PVC pipe and water directly into the french drain instead of draining water into the yard.

Ground water can cause a sink hole in some circumstances. Make sure your french drain installation is built on solid ground and has a solid exterior foundation of geotextile fabric, gravel, and a sturdy retaining wall to avoid sink holes and dangerous cave ins.

The key is to dig at angles that are supported by your soil. Vertical drains use many of the same parts as a traditional exterior french drain the biggest difference is that there is not an extended trench drain with perforated pipe running across the yard instead the drain is buried vertically in the ground. Yes, traditional french drains are installed horizontally but they can also be installed vertically into the ground. A french drain can be built without a pipe but then it is basically a dry well but the effect will be similar.

Best Sump Pumps. Best Pump Alarms. Vertical French Drain Guide. Why Install a Vertical French Drain Here are the main reasons to choose a vertical french drain for your drainage system. Increased Drainage The main reason to install a vertical french drain is the increased runoff drainage in one specific area of the yard. Protect the Grass Another common reason is to protect the grass in your yard. Yard drainage projects might be restricted by local building codes, zoning laws, or community rules.

Always confirm your plans with the local building and zoning authority and homeowners association as applicable. It can be unlawful to direct water runoff from your property into stormwater systems. If your plan is not approved, you might be able to use an alternative drainage system, such as a dry well, to keep the drainage water on your property and let it soak into the ground rather than flow over the surface.

Assess the flood-prone area s of your yard to determine a general location and route for your French drain. Most important, determine where the water should go, and confirm that the exit or drainage end of the trench is in a suitable location. Also consider the practical effects of an exposed gravel channel in the yard: How might it affect traffic routes, views, or recreation areas?

Confirm that your yard drainage will not adversely impact anyone else's land or any public areas, which could lead to legal problems. Check with your city's building authority to make sure your plans conform to local law.

Call the national "Call Before You Dig," or " Dig Safe ," hotline to have all underground utility lines marked on your property. This is essential before doing any digging. A French drain must be sloped to carry the water down to its destination.

A minimum slope of 1 percent that is, a drop of 1 foot for every feet in length is recommended. It's fine if your yard creates a natural slope that is steeper; just be aware that steepness increases water velocity and can lead to more erosion in the discharge area. Check the natural slope by driving a stake at the beginning and end of the planned trench route.

Tie a mason's line tightly to one of the stakes; then run it over to the other stake and tie it off loosely. Attach a line level to the line. Detach the loose end of the line, pull the line taut, adjust it so it is level, and tie it securely to its stake. Measure straight down from the line to the ground at regular intervals every 4 feet, or so to see how the slope changes. You can adjust the depth of the trench as needed to create the desired slope; working against a natural slope just means more digging.

Reset the stakes and level line, if necessary, so the line runs down the center of the planned trench. Begin digging the trench by cutting a straight line through the sod, 3 inches or as desired to one side of the line using a square garden spade.

Repeat the same process on the other side, also 3 inches from the line, for a total trench width of 6 inches or as desired. Remove the sod, then dig the trench, creating vertical sides and a smooth, sloped bottom. Measure down from the line frequently as you work to check the slope of the trench bottom.

Benjamin uses color scheme, dimension, and water conscious spaces to inspire the design and installation of soft scape, hardscape, patios, pathways, irrigation, drainage, fencing, concrete, lighting, and electrical work. Artscape Gardens covers all areas of the C landscape contractor classification. This article has been viewed 62, times. A French drain, also called a curtain drain, is made by placing a perforated pipe in a trench that has been filled with gravel.

Installing a French drain is a simple job that requires a bit of planning and the right materials. Start by picking a location for the drain that is sloped and the right type of pipe.

Then, dig the trench for the drain and put the drain in properly so it can direct water away from your home. If you want to install a French drain, look for a spot with a downhill slope close to where water has been collecting. Finally, replace the topsoil you removed when you dug the trench.

For tips on how to choose the right pipe, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No. Log in Social login does not work in incognito and private browsers. Please log in with your username or email to continue. No account yet? Create an account. Edit this Article.

We use cookies to make wikiHow great. By using our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Cookie Settings. Learn why people trust wikiHow. Download Article Explore this Article parts. Things You'll Need. Related Articles. Article Summary. Part 1. Look for a spot with a downhill slope close to the problem area.

The spot will need to be downhill enough for the water to run away from the problem area. In general, the drain will need to have a percent slope drop for every feet 30 m of length. The slope should start as close to the problem area as possible and move downward towards a draining site.

If you are trying to prevent flooding in your basement, you will need to run the drain around the foundation of your house below the finished flooring and position it downhill into a draining site. Check that the spot will drain into a ditch, the street, or a dry well.

A drain made for moving surface water can usually drain into the street, as there will be small amounts of water running through it. A drain made for moving flood water should empty into a ditch or a dry well, as there may be larger quantities of water.

If there is not a direct line from the spot to the draining point, you may need to curve the drain so it goes towards the draining point when you dig the trench. Pick a spot that is 5 to 6 inches 13 to 15 cm wide. Make sure there is enough available ground at the location so you can put in a trench this wide.

The trench does not need to be wider than 6 inches Go for a spot with sandy soil so it is easier to dig. Sandy soil will make removing the soil for the trench easier, especially if you plan to do it by hand with a shovel. If you have soil that is thick or rocky, you may need to buy or rent a trench digging tool to make digging easier. Part 2. Use slotted PVC pipe for a more rigid drain. PVC pipe is a good option if you plan to a run a drain that does not snake around any objects or plants.

It creates a strong, rigid drain for a trench with a straight slope downward. Go for corrugated pipe with slots for a more flexible drain. If you need a French drain that can snake around trees or landscaping, use corrugated pipe. Make sure the corrugated pipe has slots so it can drain properly.

But this can also make it prone to leaks and tears. Look for perforated pipe already encased in water-permeable fabric.