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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. You can buy perforated pipe that has already been wrapped in fabric at your local hardware store or online. This pipe is often sold as an easy install for home improvement projects. Get 4 or 6 inches 10 or 15 cm wide pipe for the drain. This size will allow water to move through the pipe easily in a steady flow.
Pipe that is too narrow can cause the water to pool or trickle too slowly when it rains. Pipe that is too wide can take up too much space in the trench and allow debris to get into the drain.
Measure the location to get the right amount of pipe. Because a French drain has holes throughout the pipe which allow it collect water, you should not install dirt on top of the drain pipe.
Installing dirt will clog the pipe and the holes, rendering it useless. Instead, wrap the French drain and surrounding aggregate rock in a commercial grade permeable material like landscaping fabric. These layers will protect the pipe from surrounding soil while allowing water to flow easily into the drain pipe.
The best size gravel or rock to use for French drains is between. You can use either perforated PVC pipe or corrugated drainage pipe. The most common reason French drain systems fail is poor installation. The landscaping construction company who installs your French drain needs to make sure the proper slope is determined so water flows continuously and consistently to the pop-up valve or exit. Another common failure is the pipe perforations become clogged with dirt and debris. This is why the drain pipe and gravel should be wrapped in a permeable fabric.
This linear foot measurement is the distance from beginning to end of the drainage system. Determining the proper grade and length for your drainage system requires doing a thorough examination of your property. Therefore, some professional installation companies might charge you an initial fee for a site evaluation and estimate. Get the location checked by your utility company to confirm it is safe to dig. Before you dig, call your utility company and ask them to inspect the area for any power lines or underground lines that cannot be touched or moved.
They must give you all the clear for you to be able to dig the trench in the location safely. Most trenches are permissible as long as they are on your land and are not too large or deep. Call your local city building department to double check. Dig a shallow trench to redirect surface water. The trench should be 2 feet 0. This will ensure the drain can catch any water on the surface of your property near your home and channel it away to a safe draining spot.
Create a deep trench if you want to avoid flooding in your basement. The trench should run around the entire perimeter of your home at footing level. This is a deep trench that will require significant construction and effort. You may want to rent trench-digging tools to make the job easier. If you want to avoid digging a trench this deep or the area does not have enough slope, you can run a pipe down to the basement to direct water into a basin and use a sump pump to lift out the water.
This is a different method than using a French drain. Measure the grading using stakes and string. Put the stakes on either side of the trench every couple of inches to mark the dimensions of the trench. Then, tie a string around the stakes, forming two long lines of string on either side of the trench. Follow the grade marked by the strings as you dig to ensure the trench is the same dimensions all the way down. Use a shovel to dig the trench across the slope. Start at the top of the trench and dig your way down.
Check the grading regularly as you dig to ensure you are creating the right dimensions. You may find this process easier if you ask friends or family to help you dig, especially if you are digging a long trench. Rent a trench digging tool for a faster dig. Look into renting a trench digger at your local hardware store or buy one, especially if you plan to do deep digging in your yard in the future. A trench digger is usually a must if you are digging a deep trench around the perimeter of your home, as it will make the process much faster and easier.
Save the top soil and put the subsoil in a wheelbarrow. Scoop the top soil on one side of the trench so you can put it back on the trench when it is completed. Then, deposit the subsoil in a wheelbarrow so you can move it away easily. Use the subsoil to fill holes or area in your yard. You can also put the subsoil in a container or in the road so you can bring it to the dump or to your local gardening center later.
Line the trench with water-permeable fabric. Place one layer of water-permeable fabric on the bottom and sides of the trench. The fabric will prevent dirt from getting into the gravel and help water move through the drain. Place a thin layer of gravel over the fabric to keep it in place. Spread a light load of gravel with a shovel over the top of the fabric.
This will help the corners of the fabric warp around the gravel, securing it in place. Part 4. PVC Duct Pipe. CPVC Duct. Double Containment Pipe. Cross Slip Reducing Cross. Caps FPT. Plugs MPT. Carbon Steel Check Valves. Cast Bronze Ball Valves. Paddle Wheels. Pressure Gauges. Liquid Level Sensors. Filtration by Brand. Filter Housings. Filter Cartridges. Filter Bags.
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