HOW TO INSTALL
A FRENCH DRAIN
A French drain is one of the most effective ways to protect your property from water damage. Learn how to install one the right way and know the signs that your home may need one.
DIY GUIDE
WATER IN YOUR
BASEMENT OR CRAWL SPACE?
Pooling or seepage is aÂ
sign poor drainage is
putting pressure on
your foundation.
WET SPOTS IN YOUR YARD?
Soggy areas that stay wet
after rain indicate poor
water flow and possible
drainage issues
DO YOU NEED A FRENCH DRAIN?
WATER BEHIND
RETAINING WALLS?
Hydrostatic pressure can
build up and lead to
water flow and possible
drainage issues.
DOWNSPOUTS WITH
NOWHERE TO GO?
If downspouts drain tooÂ
close to your home, water
will collect near your
foundation.
FREQUENT FLOODING
AFTER RAIN?
If your yard floods often,
your soil can't keep up
with the water volume.
CRACKS IN FOUNDATIONÂ
OR WALLS?
Excess water in the soil
can cause shifting,
cracking and long-term
structural damage.
1
PLAN YOUR DRAIN
Identify the problem
and where the water
needs to go. Plan the
best route for slope
and drainage.
4
ADD GRAVEL
Add 2-3" of gravel
to the bottom of the
trench for the pipe
to sit on.
PRO TIP:Â
Always maintain slope and ensure the drain has a clear outlet. A french drain without an outlet won't solve your problem!
HOW TO INSTALL A FRENCH DRAIN - STEP BY STEP
2
DIG THE TRENCH
Dig a trench 6-12" wide
and 18-24" deep with
a slight slope (1" per
10') toward the
discharge point.
5
PLACE THE PERFORATED PIPE
Place the perforated pipe
with holes facing down.
Connect to a solid pipe
that leads to daylight or
a dry well.
3
ADD LANDSCAPE FABRIC
Line the trench with
landscape fabric to
prevent soil and debris
from clogging the drain.
6
COVER WITH GRAVEL
& BACKFILL
Identify the problem and
where the water needs to go. Plan the best route for slope
and drainage.
PERFORATED DRAIN PIPE
4" is most common for
residential drains.
     WASHED GRAVEL
3/4" gravel works best
to allow water flow.
     LANDSCAPE FABRIC
Prevents dirt and debris from clogging the pipe.
     CONNECTORS & FITTINGS
Used to connect pipe and redirect flow.
CATCH BASIN (OPTIONAL)Â Â
Collects surface water and leads it into the system.
MATERIALS YOU'LL NEED
DO'S
Do slope the pipe correctly (1" per 10 ft minimum)
​
Do use quality materials and landscape fabric.
​
Do direct water to a safe discharge point.
​
Do clean out your drains periodically.
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DONT'S
Don't use solid pipe for the entire system.
​
Don't skip the gravel or use the wrong size.
​
Don't backfill without fabric (it will clog).
​
Don't drain toward your neighbor's property.
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