{"id":118,"date":"2022-05-20T01:03:00","date_gmt":"2022-05-20T01:03:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/7xhouse.com\/?p=118"},"modified":"2022-05-20T20:44:00","modified_gmt":"2022-05-20T20:44:00","slug":"french-drain-construction-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/7xhouse.com\/french-drain-construction-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"French Drain: Construction &#038; Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>If you&#8217;re looking for an easy way to fix a drainage issue in your yard, installing a <strong>French drain<\/strong>\u00a0may be the perfect solution for you. Place the pipe under your soil and gravel layer, fill it with water, and let the system do its job of draining rainfall away from your property.<\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.soundproofcow.com\/soundproofing-101\/how-to-soundproof-a-home-2\/how-to-soundproof-a-pipe\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Pipe dampening<\/a> is a great way to divert stormwater away from where you don&#8217;t want it and deposit it in a more desirable place. Using pipe dampening can prevent water runoff that can damage your home&#8217;s foundation and cause flooding.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">If you&#8217;re interested in installing a french drain in your yard, read on for more information.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Recommended:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/7xhouse.com\/6-common-french-drain-mistakes-how-to-avoid-them\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">6 Common French Drain Mistakes &amp; How to Avoid them<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/7xhouse.com\/best-pump-to-drain-the-pool\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Best Pump To Drain The Pool in 2022<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/7xhouse.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">House &amp; Products<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_28 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-grey\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" style=\"display: none;\"><label for=\"item\" aria-label=\"Table of Content\"><i class=\"ez-toc-glyphicon ez-toc-icon-toggle\"><\/i><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\" id=\"item\"><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class=\"ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1\"><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/7xhouse.com\/french-drain-construction-guide\/#What_is_a_french_drain\" title=\"What is a french drain?\">What is a french drain?<\/a><ul class=\"ez-toc-list-level-3\"><li class=\"ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/7xhouse.com\/french-drain-construction-guide\/#Remove_Water\" title=\"Remove Water\">Remove Water<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/7xhouse.com\/french-drain-construction-guide\/#Prevention_of_Leakage\" title=\"Prevention of Leakage\">Prevention of Leakage<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/7xhouse.com\/french-drain-construction-guide\/#How_does_a_french_drain_work\" title=\"How does a french drain work?\">How does a french drain work?<\/a><ul class=\"ez-toc-list-level-3\"><li class=\"ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/7xhouse.com\/french-drain-construction-guide\/#Construction_Design\" title=\"Construction Design\">Construction Design<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/7xhouse.com\/french-drain-construction-guide\/#How_to_install_a_french_drain\" title=\"How to install a french drain?\">How to install a french drain?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/7xhouse.com\/french-drain-construction-guide\/#How_to_make_a_french_drain\" title=\"How to make a french drain?\">How to make a french drain?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/7xhouse.com\/french-drain-construction-guide\/#What_does_a_french_drain_look_like\" title=\"What does a french drain look like?\">What does a french drain look like?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/7xhouse.com\/french-drain-construction-guide\/#How_deep_should_a_french_drain_be\" title=\"How deep should a french drain be?\">How deep should a french drain be?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/7xhouse.com\/french-drain-construction-guide\/#How_to_dig_a_french_drain\" title=\"How to dig a french drain?\">How to dig a french drain?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/7xhouse.com\/french-drain-construction-guide\/#French_drain_distance_from_house\" title=\"French drain distance from house\">French drain distance from house<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_a_french_drain\"><\/span><strong>What is a french drain?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"420\" height=\"336\" src=\"https:\/\/7xhouse.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/french-drain-system-installation-company-okanagan.jpg\" alt=\"French Drain\" class=\"wp-image-123\" srcset=\"https:\/\/7xhouse.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/french-drain-system-installation-company-okanagan.jpg 420w, https:\/\/7xhouse.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/french-drain-system-installation-company-okanagan-300x240.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 420px) 100vw, 420px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Remove_Water\"><\/span><strong>Remove Water<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">A french drain is a drainage system that uses underground channels to move water and sediment away from your home or business. By eliminating the need for surface runoff, a french drain can help improve the landscape, protect your property from flooding, and reduce the amount of water down the street.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">You can avoid pooling on your property after a rainstorm by managing water at ground level with a French drain.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Prevention_of_Leakage\"><\/span><strong>Prevention of Leakage<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">A French drain can help solve problems with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.merriam-webster.com\/dictionary\/basement\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">basements<\/a> that admit water through the foundation. The drainage system helps keep the basement dry. It prevents water from pressing against the foundation, eventually leading to leaks.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">If your home suffers from water infiltration, installing a French drain may be the solution. This drainage system involves cutting a trench around the perimeter of the foundation and laying pipe in it. A sump pump is then installed to move water from within the trench to outside.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_does_a_french_drain_work\"><\/span><strong>How does a french drain work?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"467\" src=\"https:\/\/7xhouse.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/FG145DE-final-1BobLapointe-700x467-1.jpg\" alt=\"French Drain\" class=\"wp-image-126\" srcset=\"https:\/\/7xhouse.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/FG145DE-final-1BobLapointe-700x467-1.jpg 700w, https:\/\/7xhouse.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/FG145DE-final-1BobLapointe-700x467-1-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">French drains can be a helpful way to keep your property dry in the rain and snow and reduce water damage. If you have an incline or lot where it&#8217;s difficult to install traditional drainage pipes, French drains may be a good option for you. Talk to a contractor about how they can help design and install your french drain system.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Construction_Design\"><\/span><strong>Construction Design<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">The drainage pipe is surrounded by water-permeable fabric, covered in gravel or stones to prevent debris from obstructing the perforations, and wrapped in a layer of cloth to reduce erosion. These measures help keep your lawn clean and free from weed growth.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Adding gravel or stones to the soil helps water flow down into the drainage pipe, making it easier for water to be diverted away from areas where it may cause damage.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_install_a_french_drain\"><\/span><strong>How to install a french drain?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">The steps used to dig a trench whose bottom slopes discuss below, and that is lead to a discharge point:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Water is drawn up from below using a manual pump or an electric drain cleaner with the trench ready. The collected water is then emptied into the trench through a discharge point.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">The pipe is connected to the pump and discharge point. When the water level reaches a certain height, the pump will turn on and discharge water into the trench.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">This water collection and filtration system will help to improve the quality of fresh water available for use by residents in need.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">The gravel prevents water from seeping through the pipe, and the soil that was brought out fills in around the edge of the trench to create a seal.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_make_a_french_drain\"><\/span><strong>How to make a french drain?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"460\" height=\"345\" src=\"https:\/\/7xhouse.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/v4-460px-Build-a-French-Drain-Step-4-Version-4.jpg.webp\" alt=\"French Drain\" class=\"wp-image-127\" srcset=\"https:\/\/7xhouse.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/v4-460px-Build-a-French-Drain-Step-4-Version-4.jpg.webp 460w, https:\/\/7xhouse.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/v4-460px-Build-a-French-Drain-Step-4-Version-4.jpg-300x225.webp 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 460px) 100vw, 460px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">It is typically made out of PVC or concrete, and it can be installed in different ways depending on the location. Here are some general tips to help you make a French drain:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Estimate the size and shape of the drain<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">&nbsp;&#8211; Before you start any construction, it is important to estimate the size and shape of the drain that you need. This will help you determine the type of materials you need and the amount of labor that will be required.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Choose the materials<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">&nbsp;&#8211; Once you have estimated the size and shape of the drain, you need to choose the appropriate materials. PVC or concrete is usually the most popular option, but other options are available depending on your location and preferences.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Construct the drain<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">&nbsp;&#8211; Once you have chosen your materials and installed them, it is time to construct the drain. This can be done in various ways, but it often involves pouring concrete into a trench and then connecting the trench to an existing water source or drainage system.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Seal and finish off the French drain<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">&nbsp;&#8211; Once construction is complete, it is important to seal and finish off the French drain with a layer of asphalt or concrete sealant. This will protect the drainage system against future damage and make sure that water flows smoothly through the system.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_does_a_french_drain_look_like\"><\/span><strong>What does a french drain look like?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">A French drain is a drainage system that helps evacuate water from your home or business. It&#8217;s a simple system consisting of a trench dug along your property&#8217;s natural slope and a series of pipes that connect the trench to the main sewer line.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">When it rains, or there&#8217;s heavy runoff, water flows downhill through the trench and out into the sewer line.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_deep_should_a_french_drain_be\"><\/span><strong>How deep should a french drain be?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">A French drain is a trench or hole dug in the ground to remove water and sediment accumulated on your property. They are commonly installed in areas where there is heavy rain, snow, or flooding.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">The drain depth is typically <strong>4 feet<\/strong> deep but depends on several factors, such as the type of soil and the size of the water drainage problem. The deeper the drain, the more effective it will be at removing water and sediment.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_dig_a_french_drain\"><\/span><strong>How to dig a french drain?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/7xhouse.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/How-to-Dig-a-Drainage-Ditch.webp\" alt=\"French Drain\" class=\"wp-image-129\" width=\"742\" height=\"407\" srcset=\"https:\/\/7xhouse.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/How-to-Dig-a-Drainage-Ditch.webp 730w, https:\/\/7xhouse.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/How-to-Dig-a-Drainage-Ditch-300x164.webp 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 742px) 100vw, 742px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Digging a French drain can be a daunting task, but it can be a quick and easy process with the right tools and techniques. Here are the steps you need to take to get started:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Choose your drainage location<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">&nbsp;&#8211; Before you start digging, you first need to decide where the French drain will go. Make sure to consider the layout of the property and any obstacles that may be in the way.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Mark out your trench<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">&nbsp;&#8211; Once you have decided on your drainage location, it&#8217;s time to start marking out your trench. Use a trenching machine or a hand-held spade to create a wide enough hole for the drain pipe and deep enough to accommodate the french drain pipe. Make sure to account for any obstruction (such as trees) that may be in the way.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Install the french drain pipe<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">&nbsp;&#8211; Once your trench is ready, install the french drain pipe by drilling into the soil and fixing it in place with screws or bolts. Ensure that the pipe is angled properly so that water doesn&#8217;t accumulate in pools near your drains.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Connect the drains<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">&nbsp;&#8211; Once your french drain is installed, connect it to any other existing drains on your property by using flexible hoses or connecting rods. You may also want to add an automatic timer so that water flow is regulated according to schedule.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"French_drain_distance_from_house\"><\/span><strong>French drain distance from house<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">A French drain is a trench or an excavation, typically<strong> 6 to 12 feet (1.8 to 3.6 m)<\/strong> wide, dug in the ground to convey water, debris, or sewage away from the building site. The trench&#8217;s sides are sloped so that the water flows away from the building.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">A French drain can be connected to a storm drain or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/technology\/wastewater-treatment\/Sewerage-systems\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">municipal sewer system<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">I hope you find this read helpful; we would be happy to hear your feedback on this article!!!<\/span><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you&#8217;re looking for an easy way to fix a drainage issue in your yard, installing a French drain\u00a0may be the perfect solution for you. Place the pipe under your soil and gravel layer, fill it with water, and let the system do its job of draining rainfall away from your property. Pipe dampening is &#8230; <a title=\"French Drain: Construction &#038; Guide\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/7xhouse.com\/french-drain-construction-guide\/\" aria-label=\"More on French Drain: Construction &#038; Guide\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":120,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/7xhouse.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/118"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/7xhouse.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/7xhouse.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/7xhouse.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/7xhouse.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=118"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/7xhouse.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/118\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":273,"href":"https:\/\/7xhouse.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/118\/revisions\/273"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/7xhouse.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/120"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/7xhouse.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=118"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/7xhouse.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=118"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/7xhouse.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=118"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}