If you have a consistent wet patch in your yard or trouble keeping your basement dry, installing a French drain could be an easy solution to save your landscaping and the foundation. The following guide explains what a French drain is and how it works.  

What Is a French Drain?  

A French drain is a type of trench that directs rain and runoff water away from areas with too much moisture. French drains are typically filled with gravel or stone, both of which have faster infiltration rates than soil. The devices have a perforated pipe in the center of the trench to collect water. The gravel ensures that water moves quickly into the pipe, which then empties into a municipal storm drain or rain barrel. 

How Is a French Drain Installed? 

The installer first maps out a route between the problem area and the deposit point. Then, they’ll dig the bottom of the trench with a slight slope, using gravity to control the direction of flow.

To achieve the right depth and slope, the contractor will probably need to use a trench digger and then set up stakes every 8 or so feet along the trench with a level string set at a 1-inch decline. 

Next, they’ll line the trench landscaping fabric to keep the gravel from sinking into the soil. At this point, they’ll add the first layer of stone, wrap the pipe in landscaping fabric, and then lay the pipe down in the middle of the trench. The landscaping fabric and gravel both help keep dirt and debris from getting into the pipe and creating a clog.  

Once the pipe is positioned correctly, the contractor will then fill the rest of the trench with the remaining gravel. The finished French drain will last for decades and should only require occasional cleaning. A plumbing snake can clear away clogs if they develop. 

Even though the mechanics behind a French drain are simple, installing one is labor-intensive and requires special tools, like a trench digger. It helps to work with a professional who understands grading and who can predict how the feature will affect your overall landscaping. There are also municipal codes and regulations you need to take into account before changing your property’s drainage system. If you live in Salisbury Mills, NY, Black Rock Excavating Corp will perform these services for you. To learn more about their offerings, visit their website. Call (845) 649-1882 for an on-site consultation anywhere in the Hudson Valley.