How to Install a French Drain System
If you live in an area where it tends to rain or snow a lot, your home could be at risk for flooding. For this, you may want to consider a French drain system.
Installing French drains requires a lot of labor, which is why it's highly recommended to hire a professional plumber to help. They'll have all the tools on hand and can act as a consultant for where to best install this system to keep your home safe.
This blog post will go over what you need to know about French drains and how to install a French drain so you can decide whether this system is right for you.
What is a French Drain?
A French drain system is an effective way to protect your home from water damage caused by flooding. It consists of a series of trenches and pipes used to divert excess water away from the foundation or other areas of your home.
This simple yet effective and affordable solution can help keep your basement and yard dry and free from standing water, preventing costly repairs in the future.
Tools Needed for How to Install a French Drain in Your Yard
The tools a professional will use to install the system include the following:
- Spray paint or flags (or any way to mark target locations)
- A shovel or trencher
- Filter fabric
- Landscaping stone or gravel
- An inlet grate
- A drainage hose or PVC piping
- Good quality topsoil
Steps for How to Install a French Drain
- Plan where the French drain will be located
First, identify areas where water accumulates and determine the most desirable drainage path. It's important to ensure water is directed away from the residence to prevent potential damage. - Start digging the trench
Before doing any digging, it's imperative to check for underground utility lines and pipes. This precautionary measure will prevent damage to any existing structures. - Use filter fabric to line the trench
Place a water-permeable filter fabric on top of the trench. This will help prevent dirt and tree roots from making their way into the drain and clogging it up. - Fill the trench with stone or gravel
Then, fill the trench with roughly 3 inches of landscaping stone or gravel. This will serve as a supportive foundation for the drain. - Install an inlet grate
At the location where water tends to accumulate the most, install an inlet grate for drainage. - Build out the drain with hosing or piping
From the inlet grate, start to build out the drain with a drainage hose or PVC piping, laying the length in the trench on top of the stone bedding. - Test the drain system
To ensure the drain will work as intended, pour water into the inlet grate and observe the flow. - Cover the system with gravel and filter fabric
After you've determined that the system works, cover the hosing or piping with about 3 inches of the remaining stone or gravel and another layer of filter fabric. - Re-fill the trench with topsoil
The final step is to re-fill the trench with topsoil to completely conceal the presence of the drain system.
Want a French drain system installed? Get in touch with J. Blanton. Installing a French drain system is an effective way to protect your home from water damage caused by flooding. With the information we've provided here regarding how to properly install a French drain, you can hopefully better decide whether this system is right for your home.
If you’ve decided that this system is right for your home and want to get it installed, consider J. Blanton for the job. We’ve been providing Chicagoland homeowners with quality service for over 30 years.
Contact J. Blanton today!
