What Is a French Drain System?

A French drain is a gravel-filled trench that contains a perforated pipe, designed to collect and redirect surface water from your yard. It’s a simple, highly effective drainage solution for homeowners experiencing pooling water in grass, near walkways, or along the perimeter of the house.

How does a French drain work? Water flows naturally through the gravel into the pipe, which then directs it away from problem areas to a safe discharge point. The system uses gravity and slope to move water efficiently, preventing lawn flooding, soil erosion, and damage to concrete walkways or patios.

How Do French Drains Work?

French drains operate on the principle of gravity and water redirection:

Step-by-Step Process:

• Excavation: A trench is dug along the affected area where water tends to accumulate.

• Lining and Gravel: The trench is lined with landscape fabric to prevent clogs, then filled partially with gravel.

• Pipe Installation: A perforated PVC or corrugated pipe is placed in the trench to collect water.

• Covering: The pipe is covered with more gravel and the fabric is wrapped over the top, then backfilled with soil or topped with sod to blend with the yard.

• Drainage Point: The system drains water away from the structure to a safe exit, like a street curb, dry well, or storm drain.

This process ensures water is quickly removed from problem areas, helping protect your property from damage.

When Do You Need a French Drain?

If you're seeing water issues in your yard after storms or irrigation, you might need a yard French drain. Common signs include:

• Persistent standing water in your front or backyard

• Muddy or soggy lawn areas, even during dry weather

• Water pooling along concrete walkways or patios

• Erosion around landscaping or flower beds

• Gutters and downspouts aren’t enough to keep the yard dry

A professional inspection will help determine the best French drain system to suit your yard’s layout and drainage challenges and can determine whether a French drain is the ideal solution for your property.

How to Install a French Drain

Wondering how to install a French drain in your yard? While it’s possible to attempt a DIY French drain, most homeowners find better results and fewer issues with a professional install. At 713 French Drains, we follow a proven method to ensure long-lasting performance:

• Site Evaluation: We assess the grade of your yard and identify where water collects.

• Trench Design: Plan the best path for the drain that uses natural slopes and avoids utility lines.

• Dig the Trench: Typically 6-12 inches wide and 18-24 inches deep, based on water volume and soil conditions.

• Install the Pipe: Lay a perforated pipe (holes facing down) wrapped in landscape fabric.

• Backfill: Cover the pipe with washed gravel and optionally finish with topsoil or sod for an invisible finish.

Proper installation ensures water flows easily and doesn't back up or saturate the soil.

Types of French Drains

There are several variations of French drains, including:

• Traditional French Drain: Gravel-filled trench with a perforated pipe.

• Surface French Drain: For shallow applications, typically in lawns or gardens.

• Interior French Drain: Installed inside a basement or crawl space perimeter to capture water entering the home.

• Curtain Drain: Installed shallowly around landscapes to intercept surface water before it reaches problem areas.

We'll recommend the best system based on your yard's layout and drainage needs.

French Drain Materials

Our installations use only high-quality, durable materials:

• Perforated Pipe: PVC or corrugated pipe designed to capture and direct water efficiently.

• Gravel: Washed, angular gravel to promote fast drainage and filter out sediment.

• Landscape Fabric: Prevents soil and debris from entering the pipe and clogging the system.

• Catch Basins (optional): For added collection at surface water entry points.

• Pop-Up Emitters: Discharge water to the surface in a discreet and effective way.

Using the right materials ensures your French drain performs reliably for years.