FRENCH DRAIN INSTALLATION

French drains are also known as a trench drains, weeping drains, filter drains and land drains. These day’s French drains often consist of a perforated plastic pipe, placed within a trench, filled with stones and soil.

If you have a soggy yard or a wet basement, then a French drain is your cure. Here’s how they work, when to use them, the different types and cost.

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How a French Drain Works

French drains provide an easy channel for water to flow through. Water runs into a gravel-filled trench, then into perforated pipe at the bottom of the trench. 

Water travels freely through the pipe, which empties a safe distance from the house.

The trench bottom should be sloped about 1 inch for every 8 feet in the direction you want water to flow. Depending on your situation, the water can be diverted to:

• A low-lying area of your property

• A drainage ditch

• A dry well

• The street

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