A Frenchdrainis a common and inexpensive solution.
What Is a French Drain?
With a French drain, surface water flows into the trench, where it freely moves through the gravel.
David Beaulieu
Always confirm your plans with the local building and zoning authority and homeowners association as applicable.
It can be unlawful to direct water runoff from your property into stormwater systems.
Check with your city’s building authority to double-check your plans conform to local law.
This is essential before doing any digging.
Check the Slope
A French drain must be sloped to carry the water down to its destination.
Check the natural slope by driving a stake at the beginning and end of the planned trench route.
Attach a line level to the line.
Remove the sod, then dig the trench, creating vertical sides and a smooth, sloped bottom.
Measure down from the line frequently as you work to check the slope of the trench bottom.
Remember, you’re measuring into the trench, not to the ground surface.
Make the trench as deep as desired.
Compact and smooth the bottom of the trench as you go.
Line the Trench With Fabric
Line the trench withlandscape fabricusing a continuous swath if possible.
Secure both ends of the fabric with staples.
Fold back excess fabric to both sides of the trench; you will trim it to fit later.
Tip
The landscape fabric needs to overlap in the direction of the desired flow.
Rake the top of the gravel so it is smooth and even with the top of the trench.
Trim excess landscape fabric along the edges of the trench using a utility knife.
Improperly designed drainage systems can do more harm than good.
AFrench drainis a trench composed of landscape fabric and gravel that helps to direct surface water.
French drains are generally around 8 inches to 2 feet deep.
The depth can be adjusted along the drain to create aslope.
Dirt will clog up the French drainsgraveland prevent it from functioning properly.
