Ah, the joys of homeownership – endless yard work, maintenance, and repairs.
A French drain is a simple and effective solution for preventing water from damaging your home – and whether you choose to do it yourself or hire it out to the experts, it’s a project that can help save you significant time, money, and stress later on down the road.
Don’t worry if you’re not a DIY expert; we’ll guide you through the process step by step. So, roll up your sleeves, grab a shovel, and let’s get started with our ultimate guide to how to install a French drain. Also, if you’re looking for a done for you service check out our Yard Drainage Southington page where we discuss all of the services, including French drains that we offer.
Can I Install a French Drain Myself?
One of the pros of installing a French drain yourself is that you save money on labor costs. However, before you decide to take on this project, there are a few cons to consider.
First and foremost, digging a trench for a French drain is arduous work, and you will need to have the right tools and machinery to get the job done. A trenching machine can usually be rented at your local home improvement store, but if you don’t have experience operating one, it can be dangerous.
Another con to installing a French drain yourself is that you need to have the right knowledge to plan and execute the project. If you don’t have the expertise, you risk ending up with a poorly designed and constructed drain that won’t work. It’s best to consult with a professional, at least for guidance and advice on how to proceed.
Before you start the installation, you need to make sure you have all the necessary tools and materials, including a trenching machine, shovels, gravel or rock, drainpipe, end caps, and couplings.
You also need to plan the drainage route carefully, taking into account the slope and any obstacles. Make sure that you obtain all necessary permits before you start the installation to avoid potential legal problems.
Types of French Drains
Knowing the different types of French drains can help you make an informed decision about which one to install in your yard.
Here are a few of the most popular types.
Gravel-Lined French Drain
The gravel-lined French drain is the most common type of French drain. It consists of a trench filled with gravel and a perforated pipe that redirects the water.
The gravel allows water to flow easily through the trench, while the pipe prevents dirt and debris from clogging the system. This type of French drain is ideal for residential properties and can be installed at a reasonable cost.
French Drain with Catch Basin
A French drain with a catch basin is an excellent choice for large properties or commercial properties. The catch basin is installed at the beginning of the drain to trap large amounts of water and debris.
The trench is then filled with gravel and a perforated pipe to redirect the water. It is designed to handle large volumes of water and can be a bit more expensive due to the additional materials required.
Exterior French Drain
An exterior French drain is installed on the exterior of your home, typically along the foundation. This type of French drain is designed to prevent water from entering your basement or crawlspace.
The trench is dug along the exterior of the foundation, and a perforated pipe is installed. The trench is then filled with gravel and covered with a waterproof membrane to prevent water from reaching your foundation.
Curtain Drain
A curtain drain is a unique type of French drain that is designed to redirect water away from a hillside or slope. This type of French drain consists of a trench dug along the top of the slope and a perforated pipe installed in the trench.
It is filled with gravel, and the pipe redirects the water away from the slope. This type of French drain can be very effective at preventing erosion and landslides.
Interior French Drain
An interior French drain is installed on the interior of your home, typically in your basement or crawlspace. This type of drain is designed to prevent water from entering your home.
The trench is dug along the interior perimeter of your home, and a perforated pipe is installed. It is then filled with gravel and covered with a waterproof membrane.
Is There Anywhere You Shouldn’t Install a French Drain?
Though installing a French drain seems like a no-brainer, there are certain areas where you should avoid placing one.
For example, installing a French drain too close to utility lines can be extremely dangerous. The perforated pipe can easily puncture the lines, leading to gas or electrical leaks. To avoid this risk, locate your utility lines before digging, and make sure to keep a safe distance.
If you plan on installing a French drain in a high traffic area – such as near a walkway or driveway – it may not be the best option for your home.
The gravel used to fill the drain can easily be kicked around, creating an uneven and potentially hazardous surface for people to walk on. In this case, it may be better to consider other solutions, such as a dry well or a surface drain, that won’t pose a risk to you or your guests.
Finally, you’ll want to avoid installing a French drain too close to established trees. The roots of mature trees are often spread throughout the top layers of soil, and digging up these areas can disturb the tree’s root system. This can lead to a loss of stability or even the death of the tree.
How Should a French Drain Be Installed?
If you plan on installing your own French drain, here are some tips to help you get started.
Step 1: Plan the Route
The first step in installing a French drain is deciding where it should go. Look for areas in your yard where water tends to collect and where the soil has poor drainage.
Make a rough sketch of the area and the placement of the drain. You’ll need to measure the length of the trench, as well as the depth and width of the trench and gravel bedding. Keep in mind that the trench should slope downhill at a ratio of one inch for every eight feet to ensure proper drainage.
Step 2: Dig the Trench
Time to grab that shovel and get to digging! Using your sketch as a guide, dig a trench along the planned route.
Make sure that the depth and width of the trench correspond to your measurements. Pro tip? It’s easiest to use a trenching shovel for this task.
Once you’ve dug the trench, use a rake to smooth out the bottom to make a flat bottom.
Step 3: Add Gravel Bedding
After the trench is dug, evenly lay a bed of gravel about 2-3 inches deep on the bottom of the trench. This will help to promote adequate drainage.
Collect the excess dirt you dug out of the trench and use it to create walls on either side, forming a trough. This is to create space for the perforated pipe and also to align the pipe in the center of the trench.
After this, add another two to three inches of gravel as a layer on top.
Step 4: Insert Perforated Pipe
The next step in installing a French drain is to lay the perforated pipe on top of the gravel bed in the center of the trench. The perforated holes in the pipe should be facing down to allow water to drain into the gravel bed.
Make sure the pipe has a downward slope following the incline you made in the trench. Continue covering the pipe with gravel until it reaches the top edge of the trench.
Step 5: Cover the Drain with Fabric and Soil
Now that the pipe is in place, it’s time to cover it with fabric.
Lay a layer of landscape fabric over the gravel, ensuring that it covers the entire length of the trench. This will prevent dirt and debris from clogging the perforated pipe.
Finally, backfill the trench, making sure to compact the soil as you go along. It’s important to make sure that the soil is firmed around the drain, but not over-compacted. Finish off with some grass seed or other landscaping elements, if you’d like, or feel free to call it quits for the day.
Improve Your Drainage Today
Congratulations, you’ve successfully installed a French drain! That wasn’t so bad, was it?
Installing a French drain can be quite simple, but it’s important to make sure that it’s done correctly to effectively prevent water damage to your home or yard – and to make sure you’re not installing it in the wrong spot.
If you don’t feel comfortable tackling this task on your own, C&B Property Maintenance is happy to help. We offer a variety of landscaping and property maintenance services, including the installation of French drains.
Remember, a little bit of prevention can go a long way when it comes to the longevity of your home, so don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance! Contact us today for a free quote on your next affordable French drain installation project.