How to Install a French Drain _ The Home Depot

French drains allow water to drain naturally from your yard consisting of a channel filled with perforated pipe and gravel .

French drains are a simple diy project that can be completed in a couple of days .

Here's what you'll need first , you'll need to determine where excess water is pooling and decide where you want it to go instead before starting .

Make sure your water issue is not due to pipes that need repair .

If possible tap into existing drainage or other bodies of water , it might be easiest to divert your runoff water to the road , use spray paint stakes or flags to mark the direction and length of your trench .

Make sure the trench and pipe start at a higher elevation and drain to a lower elevation .

Always direct the water away from your home before digging your trench .

Make sure no underground utility lines or pipes run through your designated area .

Your trench should measure 18 inches deep and 9 to 12 inches wide .

French drains require a 1% grade so your drain should slope down at least one inch for every 10 ft of pipe for a smaller trench .

A standard shovel will do the trick line the trench with landscape fabric to keep it free of dirt , tree roots and silt leave 10 inches of excess fabric on each side to cover the pipe .

Later pour three inches of gravel in the bottom of the trench and make sure it's compact .

The gravel will act as bedding for the pipes position the inlet grate at the point where water pools , the most attach pipe fittings to extend the piping the entire way from the inlet grate to the drain point .

For a curved drain .

Choose a flexible drainage hose for a more durable system use PV C piping .

Make sure to drill holes six inches apart along the length of the pipes .

Once the pipes are connected , lay them on top of the gravel layer , pour water into the inlet grate to test the drain .

Now that you've tested the drain cover the entire pipe with gravel , keeping it below ground level , wrap the extra landscaping fabric around the pipe and gravel .

Put a temporary cover over the inlet grate to keep stones and soil from falling in the grate .

Cover the trench with top soil and tamp it down if necessary , reed the area over the drain or cover it with more gravel or landscaping stone .

Check the grate and outlet regularly to keep it clean if you encounter a clog , flush water to get debris through the drain .

If it stays clogged , you may need to uncover the drain for repair .

Installing a French drain is an easy way to protect your home and yard from water damage .

Good luck .

And thanks for shopping at the Home Depot .