Simple French Drain Installation Instructions
A French drain is a gravel-filled trench with a perforated pipe that redirects water away from problem areas in your yard. Here’s how to install one:
🛠️ What You’ll Need:
- Shovel or trenching tool
- Perforated drain pipe (4")
- Landscape fabric
- Gravel (¾" crushed stone recommended)
- Level or string line
- Utility knife
- Optional: catch basin (for extra water collection)
✅ Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Plan Your Drain Path
- Identify where water collects and where you want it to go (away from your house or low spots).
- Mark the path using spray paint or string.
- Ensure a slight slope: ideally 1% grade (1 inch per 8 feet).
⚠️ No slope? You may need a sump pump system instead.
2. Dig the Trench
- Dig a trench about 6 inches wide and 18–24 inches deep along the planned path.
- Maintain a consistent slope for proper drainage.
3. Line the Trench with Landscape Fabric
- Lay landscape fabric in the trench, leaving extra on both sides to wrap over the top later.
- This prevents soil from clogging the system.
4. Add a Base Layer of Gravel
- Pour 2–3 inches of gravel into the trench.
- Level it and ensure it maintains the slope.
5. Lay the Perforated Pipe
- Place the perforated pipe holes-down on top of the gravel.
- Make sure the holes face downward so water enters from the bottom and doesn't carry silt.
6. Cover with More Gravel
- Cover the pipe with at least 6 inches of gravel, or up to the ground level.
- For better appearance and function, stop a few inches from the top and add soil and sod.
7. Wrap the Fabric
- Fold the extra landscape fabric over the gravel to fully enclose the pipe.
- This helps keep debris and dirt out of the drain.
8. Backfill and Finish
- Top off with soil or decorative stone depending on your preference.
- For lawns, add topsoil and reseed or sod the area.
🧼 Maintenance Tip:
- Check the outlet regularly and keep it clear of debris.
- Flush the pipe every few years to prevent buildup.
A French drain is a simple yet powerful way to solve standing water and yard drainage issues—especially when installed properly.