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What is a French drain? 

Traditionally it’s a trench filled with gravel so water will drain off from low areas.  However, today’s French drains can include a drain pipe at the bottom of the trench to help with the follow of the drain.  They are low cost and easy to install.  Here are a few tips for installing a French drain.

1.  Start with digging the trench.  The depth and width of the trench should be about 5 inches wide and 10 to 12 inches deep.
2.  You must have a proper slope.  There needs to be enough of a slope to move the water in the direction you need.  It is recommended to have a slope of 1% (one foot per every 100 feet) to ensure proper water flow.  Some recommend 6 inches per 100 feet.  It’s up to you as to your slope but it’s very important to have one.
3.  Add gravel to trench.  Add enough gravel to come within an inch or two from the surface of the trench.  I recommend using gravel that’s half an inch to an inch in size.
4.  Top off the remaining trench with sand.  You will want to use a coarse sand so water will properly drain through the trench.  The coarse sand will also allow turf to grow so the trench will not be seen.
5.  Add turf.  You can either lay sod over the top of the sand or plant grass seeds.

With these five simple steps, you can install a French drain in one afternoon.  For additional information, be sure to view this video: ”How to install a French Drain” for more information.