Question:  My wife and I just purchased a house and there’s an area in the garden that accumulates water.  How do I install a French drain?

Answer:  Let’s do a quick review on French drains.  French drains can be laid inside or outside a home.  They are used to assist drainage in areas that collect water.  After all, we know that standing water, in your home or garden, can create problems.   

A French drain is created by digging a long channel from the point of water collection to the point of discharge.  Before you start digging the underground channels contact your local utility company to avoid any surprises such hitting any gas, electric sewage or other lines.  After you get the all clear go-ahead you must decide where you are going to lay your drain and where your drain will end.  

The channel must be dug at a downward slope in order to use the force of gravity to keep the water traveling towards the discharge area. It is recommended that a slope of 1 foot per 100 feet attained – that’s a 1% grade. While digging, check your slope often.  It is very important to maintain the proper grade so water doesn’t back up in to the collection pool.  

The channel does not need to be deep, six to ten inches should do the trick.  Its width is up to you.  Do you get large accumulations of water - or just a little?  Obviously, if you get large accumulations, a larger width would be desired.  Depending on the size of trench you will be digging you may consider using a walk-behind trencher or mini excavator.

When you’re done digging, you’re almost home.  Your next step would be to line the trench with a permeable landscape fabric. Why?  You will be filling the trench with gravel but you do not want soil in your gravel. After you’ve put the gravel in the trench draw the fabric over the top of the gravel – in essence wrapping it up or creating a gravel tube.  Whatever you choose, cover the trench with rock or sand prior to laying sod – and you’re done!

If you have any questions, feel free to contact a Volvo Rents expert at any one of our locations.