How does a french drain work?
by
Jill
+7
I think I need to have a french drain installed to handle heavy rain water coming off a slope. Not at all familiar - because the water collects 20 feet from the downspout, does a french drain need to be connected to a downspout or can it be laid in the ground (not attached) And independently take the water to the street? Does the french drain pipe have to be run to the street?
Do I need a plumber or landscaper for the drain?
Appreciate all the help I can get!
Thx.
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Gardener, plumber, landscaper can install for you. All my downspouts are attached to a french drain. These sites will help explain in detail.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_drain
https://www.hgtv.com/remodel/outdoors/how-to-install-french-drains
https://www.bobvila.com/articles/french-drains/
I had a French drain put in my basement utility room, the width of the house. Haven’t had to worry about water in the basement since. Dehumidifier still plugged in but hasn’t gone off in three years. Best investment ever!
Sounds like you need a yard kind of drain system that directs water to the road. Have you talked to a landscaper? It sounds like something they would do. Or you could call your county offices & see what they recommend.
And don’t use the term “French Drain” because that’s BIG bucks!
You dig a trench, cover the bottom with a garden fabric and then fill the whole trench with small stone. Be sure it is sloped to a lower level and wide enough to take the excess water.
You should install a perforated drain pipe along with the gravel. You make sure the gravel is larger so that it will not fall into the pipe. It's very similar to field lines for a septic tank.
You don't connect the drain to a downspout. Think of it as a drainage ditch that has a pipe to carry the water away.