What is a French Drain?

Category

Blog

Date

November 21, 2024

Author

Marco

French Drain Clearance

Table of Contents

A French drain is also commonly known as:

  • Gravel drain
  • Trench drain

A French drain is installed to handle surplus water by rerouting it far from a specific region. It generally involves creating a channel in the ground and filling it up with the following:

  • Gravel
  • Perforated Pipe

The gravel enables water to circulate freely in the pipe, so you can channel the water at a distance from the problematic region deep below the surface to enable it to flow out and circulate in the base.They are mostly installed in gardens where water stagnation is natural and close to the walls of a home. These are also installed in other parts of the ground or driveway which are susceptible to flooding, including:

  • Waterlogged Lawns
  • Basement Flooding
  • Any Space with Inferior Drainage and a Likelihood of Land Erosion.

Signs That You May Require a French Drain

The following are the signs which indicate that you may require a French drain:

  • Water pooling in your yard
  • Damp or musty odours
  • Cracks in your foundation
  • Soil erosion

Advantages of a French Drain System

The following are the advantages that a French drain system offers:

Prevents Standing Water

No homeowner wants standing water on their lawn. A French drain funnels surface water to a designated exit point, preventing puddles and muddy footprints while protecting your landscape from water damage.

Aesthetically Pleasing

French drains blend seamlessly into your landscape with customisable gravel colours and plant coverage options. They make a beautiful addition to lawns or garden beds, offering function without compromising style.

Erosion Control

Erosion can damage your landscape and home’s foundation, but a French drain prevents water from sliding across the surface, allowing it to seep safely into the ground and protecting vital topsoil.

Minimises Toxic Rainwater Runoff

French drains reduce the spread of harmful chemicals like fertilisers and pesticides by directing stormwater through a pipe and landscape fabric, minimising its environmental impact on local waterways and aquatic life.

Drain Relining

Tools and Equipment Needed for French Drain Installation

The following are the tools and equipment needed for French drain installation:

  • Line level
  • Hammer
  • Digging shovel
  • Mason’s line
  • Square spade
  • Bow rake
  • Tape measure
  • Utility knife

Materials Needed for French Drain Installation

The following are the materials required for French drain installation:

  • Landscape fabric staples
  • Landscape fabric
  • Wood stakes
  • Crushed granite

French Drain Installation Instructions

You can install the French drain by keeping in mind the following instructions:

Decide Where You Want the Trench Located

Specify areas of your yard susceptible to flooding and define the trench route. Ensure the water flows to a proper exit point for effective drainage. Plan the trench’s location carefully to avoid unwanted flooding elsewhere.

Obtain Approval

Check with your local building authority to ensure your drainage plans comply with relevant regulations. Make sure your yard drainage doesn’t negatively impact public areas or neighbouring properties. Confirm your project is approved to avoid legal issues.

Assess the Slope

Ensure a 1% slope to channel water to the desired exit point. Measure the natural slope using stakes and a mason’s line, adjusting the trench depth as needed to achieve the proper incline. Maintain a consistent slope for efficient drainage.

Dig the Trench

Mark the trench’s path, then dig it to the appropriate depth with a sloped bottom and vertical sides. Use a garden spade to create a straight trench, removing sod and smoothing the base. Make sure the trench is appropriately compacted and levelled.

Use Fabric to Line the Trench

Line the trench with landscape fabric, ensuring a continuous piece or overlapping of fabric sections. Secure fabric ends with staples and fold the excess fabric back along the trench sides. This fabric hinders soil from blocking the drain.

Fill Your Trench

Fill the trench with coarse drainage gravel, like crushed granite, until it’s level with the surrounding ground. Rake the gravel to smooth it out, then trim excess fabric along the trench edges to finish the installation.

Common French Drain Installation Mistakes

The following are the common French drain installation mistakes:

  • Forgetting about buried utilities
  • Utilising the incorrect type of drainage rocks
  • Not using drainage fabric 
  • Replacing the excavated soil
  • Incorrect slope
  • Not using a drainage pipe
  • Not placing the drainage pipe accurately

Keeping Water Far from Home Foundation

To keep the water far from the home foundation, keep in mind the following:

  • Regrade your yard when required
  • Install downspout extensions 
  • Clean your gutters regularly

Why Hire Professionals for French Drain Installation?

With regards to French drain installation, the advantages of recruiting experts like Fast Drains cannot be exaggerated. DIY options might seem fascinating because of cost effectiveness, but the complexities associated with accurate installation mostly require professional knowledge and expertise. 

The following are a few major reasons why recruiting an expert service is beneficial:

  • Expertise and Knowledge
  • Quality Materials
  • Time Efficiency
  • Proper Assessment
  • Peace of Mind

Connect with our team at Fast Drains today for top-notch French drain installation! With our long-standing expertise and proficiency, we can provide the best result for the money you spend.

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