How to Build a French Drain

A French drain is a system that helps to redirect water away from your home or property. It is a trench that is filled with gravel and a perforated pipe that helps to channel water to a designated area. Here are the steps to build a French drain:

Step 1: Determine the location
The first step is to determine where you want to install the French drain. Look for areas where water tends to accumulate or where you want to redirect water away from your home. Once you have identified the location, mark the area with spray paint or flags.

Step 2: Dig the trench
Using a shovel or a trenching machine, dig a trench along the marked area. The trench should be about 12 inches deep and 18 to 24 inches wide. For longer distances, you may need to create multiple trenches with a slope of 1% to 2% to ensure the water flows away from your home.

Step 3: Add gravel
Once you have dug the trench, add a layer of gravel at the bottom of the trench. The gravel should be about 2 to 4 inches deep.

Step 4: Lay the perforated pipe
Place the perforated pipe on top of the gravel. Make sure the pipe is sloping towards the designated area where you want the water to flow. Connect the pipes as needed with T-connectors or couplings.

Step 5: Cover with gravel
Cover the pipe with more gravel, filling the trench to about 2 inches below the surface.

Step 6: Add landscape fabric
To prevent dirt and debris from clogging the drain, add landscape fabric over the gravel. The fabric should be large enough to cover the entire trench and extend about 6 inches beyond the edges.

Step 7: Cover with soil
Finally, cover the landscape fabric with soil and compact it with a tamper or shovel. Make sure the soil is level with the surrounding area.

Congratulations, you have successfully built a French drain! Remember to periodically check the drain for any clogs or debris buildup to ensure it continues to function properly.