Recommended Products
- Mexican Beach Pebble – This is product is an ideal choice for french drain gravel. ...
- Vigoro All Purpose Decorative Stone – This stone is not quite as wide as the beach pebble but is still a great option for filling your french drain as it is extremely hard and will not wear quickly. ...
How to build the best French drain?
Part 1 Part 1 of 2: Planning and Preparation
- Look at underground safety. Before building a French drain in a specific area, you must locate all underground cables, pipes or other installations that could make digging dangerous in ...
- Check for any zoning or runoff issues. Some municipalities have rules on whether you can build or even dig on your own property.
- Find a downhill slope. ...
What size rock is best for French drain?
We recommend putting a layer of sod and larger pieces of rock around the entrance and exit for extra protection The best gravel size for french drains is small rocks and pebbles .5″ to 1″. Gravel this size is size enough to fit in the drain lines and big enough to properly filter the water.
How much gravel is needed for French drain?
You would need around 0.72 cubic feet of gravel per foot length of French drain for a typical French drain width of 10 inches and a depth of 12 inches if you’re using a 4″ drain pipe. How much gravel do I need for a 100ft French drain? The volume of the drain is the volume of the “box” that is 100 ft long by 6 inches by 18 inches.
What size gravel for a French drain?
The best size gravel or rock to use for French drains is between .5-1 inch. The purpose of the gravel is to help prevent dirt/debris from contaminating the system and create a void underground to quickly drain unwanted water. Should I use PVC or corrugated pipe for drainage? You can use either perforated PVC pipe or corrugated drainage pipe.
What kind of rock do you use for French drains?
gravelFor the best drainage, look for coarse washed rock (gravel) that is screened, with a stone size of 1/2 to 3/4 inch. Smaller rock with fine particles could clog the holes of the drain pipe. Pea stone works, but the smooth stones settle together and don't move as much water as coarse rock.
What is the best material for a French drain?
One of the most common pipe materials used to create a French drain is plastic because of its durability. There are two frequently chosen pipe variations: corrugated and PVC. Both are lightweight, but corrugated pipe can be flexible, while PVC is stronger and more rigid.
What size stone is best for drainage?
½ inch to 1-inchIn general, you want to aim for ½ inch to 1-inch gravel for drainage. Areas that will see especially heavy flow may need larger gravel. Or, projects without drainage pipes may also need larger gravel. For example, a French drain without perforated pipe needs 1 ½ inch gravel.
Does a French drain need rock?
0:102:12What is the Best Drainage Stone to Use for Your French Drain ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWhat is the preferred aggregate for a French drain inch. And a half round. Rock I prefer round rockMoreWhat is the preferred aggregate for a French drain inch. And a half round. Rock I prefer round rock over crushed. So do all the true professionals because crushed compacts. And you don't have the same
Can you make a French drain with just gravel?
2:074:21FRENCH DRAIN, Lots of GRAVEL - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd put it together. Remember the key to a French drain is lots of gravel.MoreAnd put it together. Remember the key to a French drain is lots of gravel.
Do you need gravel for French drain?
Without the gravel and the fabric, however, the drain can clog up with sand and soil over time.
How much gravel do I need for a 50 foot French drain?
How much gravel do I need per foot of French drain? You would need around 0.72 cubic feet of gravel per foot length of French drain for a typical French drain width of 10 inches and a depth of 12 inches if you're using a 4" drain pipe.
Can I use pea gravel for a French drain?
Do NOT Use Pea Gravel, Pea Pebble, Pea Stone When Building a French Drain. When building a French drain, you want to use a coarse rock that has been screened and washed. The rock that you see in this French Drain is 3/4″ and larger. You end up with large voids that'll move far more water.
How deep and wide should a French drain be?
The trench should be about 18 inches deep and 9 to 12 inches wide. French drains need to have a slope of at least 1 percent, so the force of gravity will work for you. This means that the drain should slope down a total of at least one inch for every 10 feet of pipe.
What is the best type of rock for drainage?
Crushed gravel is one of the best choices for drainage. Use #3 or #57 crushed stone for your drainage needs. Select an angular crushed gravel—smooth stones drain poorly. Gravel between 0.5 and 1.5 inches is the best choice for drainage.
Is 57 stone good for French drains?
Washed clean stone with an average size of 3/4 inch. This is used as drainage stone inside of French drains and in the back of retaining walls and for gravel driveways.
Is river rock good for French drain?
Hard rocks such as granite or river gravel prove viable options for a French drain because they won't break down over time as much as other rock varieties, such as sandstone and limestone.
How deep should I dig my French drain?
Dig a Trench The trench should be about 18 inches deep and 9 to 12 inches wide. French drains need to have a slope of at least 1 percent, so the force of gravity will work for you. This means that the drain should slope down a total of at least one inch for every 10 feet of pipe.
How deep and wide should a French drain be?
For example, most French drains need a ditch that's about a foot wide and 18” deep. For every foot you dig, you'll need to excavate one and a half cubic feet of soil.
Which PVC pipe is best for underground drainage?
SDR 35 thick-wall PVC piping is the best material for drainage system piping. Compared to the black, corrugated drain lines you're probably used to, our thick-wall PVC doesn't bend, sag, leak water, or get crushed. When properly installed, PVC drain lines will deliver decades of performance.
What are the different types of French drains?
There are several types of French drains, including surface French drains, blind French drains, and trench French drains. There are several types of trench drains, including channel drains, trench drains, and slot Drains.
What is a French drain?
Image Credit: daizuoxin/iStock/Getty Images. A French drain offers a gravity-assisted means of keeping the yard free from excess moisture. While several sizes and types of gravel may be used for the drain, your best option may depend upon the slope of the yard and whether you use a perforated pipe to help whisk the water away.
What fills the bottom of a French drain?
A layer of gravel fills the bottom of the trench, with several inches of coarse sand on top of that. Some French drains have sod over the sand to make them less visible, and some include a drain pipe in the bottom to ensure the drain structure lasts.
How does a French drain work?
A French drain draws water away from one area, such as the ground near a house foundation, to prevent water from causing damage to the structure. To do this requires a sloped ditch or trench with the high point at the area requiring drainage; the slope from end to end is generally 1 to 2 percent. A layer of gravel fills the bottom ...
What is the size of gravel used in a trench?
Gravel used for this layer is typically 1/2 inch to 1 inch across -- the larger it is, the better the water flow and less chance of clogs and blockages.
Does pea gravel allow water to flow?
Smaller gravel such as pea gravel would not allow sufficient water flow. No matter what the gravel or stone, opt for washed varieties, otherwise fine dust and particles may hinder or even stop water flow. Advertisement.
Can you use coarse sand in a French drain?
Coarse sand provides the filler for the top several inches of a French drain, whether you use a perforated pipe in the drain or not. Coarse sand doesn't clump or clog, and has been washed to remove impurities. Sod can be used on top of the sand, after placing a weed barrier cloth over the sand layer, or add decorative large rocks if you enjoy ...
What is the best drainage rock?
When available a great choice of stone is 1-1/2" Clean Round Rock. Use Natural 1-1/2" Round Rock for best drainage.
How to prevent flooding of drain system?
If this is the system you are working with you can prevent flooding of your drain system by installing a catch basin before before the drain field and tie the French drain into the basin.
What happens when a drain is flat?
No Slope: When the pipe is completely flat, water requires more energy to move through the drain. Zero slope systems will not allow sub-surface water to drain properly.#N#Low Spots: Be mindful to avoid low spots or dips in your trench. Pooling can occur, increasing the retained water within the drainage line. This kind of pooling can be extremely problematic as it attracts one of the most detrimental things to drains... tree roots. Tree roots naturally seek out moisture in order to promote growth and are attracted to the standing water in your drain. Once roots enter the system they will block flow and reduce effectiveness.#N#A properly built French drain that has low spots and retains water will NOT stop tree roots. These roots can and will gradually grow through the fabric destroying the integrity of your system as they seek moisture. Its important that all of the water is able to dissipate, avoiding the invasion of roots, vermin, and bugs.#N#Negative Slope: A less common but still undesirable pipe position is when the trench and/or pipe has a negative grade. This condition makes it impossible for water to flow through the pipe. The water table in the ground has to rise to a high enough level of saturation in order for it to flow through the system. Negative slope in your drainage pipe is bad if the goal is to drain away from a building as the negative slope can draw water back towards a structure or foundation, making things worse.#N#Good Slope: Greater than 1% grade slope is ideal for your trench. This will allow water to drain away from the inlet and ensure gravity does all the work to distribute it along your drain lines.
What happens if you omit drainage fabric?
By omitting this drainage fabric there is nothing stopping the subgrade earth from mixing in with your drain rock and this contamination will lead to reduced capacity and ultimately clogging/failure over time.
What is the purpose of a drain?
The purpose of a drain is to direct pooling surface and subsurface water where you need it to go. Having a drain pipe, most commonly a 4" or 6" perforated pipe surrounded by round drain rock provides the capacity to move this water away from structures and prevent pooling.
Why is pooling bad for drains?
Pooling can occur, increasing the retained water within the drainage line. This kind of pooling can be extremely problematic as it attracts one of the most detrimental things to drains... tree roots. Tree roots naturally seek out moisture in order to promote growth and are attracted to the standing water in your drain.
Why avoid small pea gravel?
Avoid small pea gravel as the spaces in between stone is smaller minimizing flow rates.
What is the best drain line for a French drain?
Pea gravel is a good choice for french drain lines since it is a good size and affordable on any budget.
What is a French drain?
The bottom of the trench needs to have enough room to let water flow – without being packed in too tight! Remember, a french drain system is basically an underground river that lets you drain water into an area of your choosing – as long as you can slope the drain downhill.
What to do if your French drains clog every spring?
If your french drains clog every Spring you likely need to loose the bottom layer of gravel in your drainage system or double check the perforated pipe.
Why is my gravel drain line clogged?
If your fill rocks and pebbles are too big water will drain too quickly from the line and there won’t be enough surface area for the top layer of sand to sit on top. If the gravel you choose is too small then it may compact in the drain lines and cause a clog.
How do French drains work?
French Drains are powered by gravity and work by using a slight 1 or 2 degree downslope. The layers of filler rock and sand help prevent blockages and protect the piping. We recommend putting a layer of sod and larger pieces of rock around the entrance and exit for extra protection.
How long does river rock last?
We like to use river pebbles for this layer since it has already been exposed to running water and is difficult to erode – meaning it will last for at least 20 years. Be careful if it feels like the stone you are putting into the bottom layer feels like it can crumble in your hands – it will likely break up in the drain line. River rock on the other hand will be smooth to the touch and unbreakable!
What is a French drain?
A French drain can be a great way to solve water pooling and water intrusion problems in your backyard. If you carefully estimate the gravel you will need using the French drain gravel calculator above and follow the tips outlined you can ensure a successful project.
How deep should a French drain be?
In most installations, an 8-12″ wide trench will suffice. Enter the depth of the French drain. The standard depth is about 12″.
How deep should a drain pipe be?
The standard depth is about 12″. On average this will allow for about 5″ above a 4″ drain pipe, and 3″ of top soil/grass above that. The depth may need to be increased if there are any humps or variability in slope of the area being trenched.
How much slope should a French drain have?
Drainage pipes installed in French drains should have at least an 1/8″ per foot slope. For more on calculating drain pipe slopes, click here.
What is the diameter of a 4" drainage pipe?
Drainage pipe outside diameter A 4" perforated drainage pipe has an O.D. of 4.215". Enter "0" if a pipe will not be used.
Can you use a catch basin in swampy areas?
You can use a catch basin like this one in real swampy areas to capture surface water at the beginning of the drain. I’ve used these with good success
What kind of rock should I use for a French drain?
I prefer a ½” – 3/4” coarse washed rock that is screened. Pea stone I have found works but doesn’t move the volume of water. The more rock and larger the trench the more water the French drain can handle and the longer it will work.
How to make a French drain with filter fabric?
For best results you need to use these steps. Dig a 14” wide trench and line the trench with the 8 oz. commercial filter fabric. Then put 3 inches of rock at the bottom of the trench. Place the 4” perforated corrugated pipe (without a sock on the pipe) on top of the rock. Next fill in around the pipe with stone on all sides and wrap the filter fabric on top. Now it is fully contained to not allow sediment or solids to contaminate the French drain compromising its performance.
What is a clean stone?
Washed clean stone is essentially crushed stone that has been washed to get rid of any small chips and rock dust. This prevents it from compacting and ensures that it will always have great drainage. Because of this, it’s an ideal choice for bottom and mid-layers, though it does tend to be a bit pricier than non-washed crushed stone gravels.
What is crushed stone #411?
Crushed stone #411 is another very popular crushed stone option that’s quite similar to crushed stone #57. In fact, it’s made up of crushed stone #57 mixed with coarse rock dust and small stones known as fines. The smaller stones and dust fill in the cracks left by the larger stones, causing them to all compact together and form a tight surface. It’s great as a top layer of driveways and other areas that require drainage, though the inclusion of smaller stones and rock dust means it’s not an ideal choice for other layers. Luckily, it does tend to be a cheaper option for the top layer than some of the more decorative river rocks and pea gravel.
What is base gravel 3?
Base gravel #3 is a perfect gravel for filling your base level. The stones in base gravel #3 can be two inches across and even a bit larger, making it perfect for that bottom layer where drainage is of the utmost importance. The smallest rocks in this gravel will be about an inch wide, so there’s nothing to compact and get clogged up, ensuring that you’ll have great drainage.
What is pea gravel?
Pea gravel is generally about ⅜-inch in size and is often called pea shingle. It’s a very attractive gravel that comes in a variety of colors, including brown, blue, red, and grey.
Which is better, river rock or pea gravel?
River rock gravel tends to be larger than pea gravel, so it performs better as a mid-layer, though it’s too small to be used as a bottom layer.
Where does river rock come from?
Just as the name suggests, the gravel used in river rock comes from the beds of rivers and streams. These stones are round and semi-polished from years of running water. They have a smooth texture, which means they tend not to stay put once you lay them down. However, they’re very attractive stones that are a great choice as a top layer. Just make sure to edge the river rock with another type of stone to keep it all in place.
Is pink quartz good for bottom layers?
Due to its higher price and the smaller size of the individual stones, pink quartz isn’ t an optimal choice for bottom layers.
What is a French drain called?
Most modern homes use a slightly variant form of the French drain called a curtain drain. This version consists of a perforated pipe that sits inside the gravel-filled trench. The curtain drain can be covered with soil, grass, landscaping, etc. Installed correctly, it is a subtle form of drainage that will blend right into your yard.
When Is a French Drain Necessary?
A French drain is used to channel groundwater and rainwater away from the foundation of your house, preventing expensive leaks and damage. Here are a few ways you can recognize that you need a French drain:
Why install a French drain?
Installing a French drain can create better drainage in your yard by keeping water away from your house and foundation. It can also help to prevent standing water, drain puddles that damage your grass and plants, and stop leaks from infiltrating your basement or washroom.
What is the name of the book that French authored?
French authored a book entitled Farm Drainage, and he went on to pioneer many practices that are still used today in agriculture and civil engineering to provide effective drainage. A true French drain is very simple.
Can you put a container at the end of a French drain?
You can also put a container at the end of the pipe to catch the water and recycle it to water your plants. Installing a French drain has a wealth of advantages. When properly installed, it can go a long way toward improving the drainage in your yard and preventing costly and disruptive damage to your home’s foundation.
Can a French drain freeze in the winter?
Will water freeze inside the pipes? Should you wrap the pipes with insulation? These are all valid concerns. It is possible for a French drain to freeze or malfunction in the winter if it is improperly installed or neglected.
Can you bury a French drain in the ground?
And if you live in a cold climate, you will likely need to bury the drain deep into the ground, which can add to the cost . Another factor is the cost and difficulty of servicing the drain. If the pipe in the French drain gets clogged, it is time-consuming to locate the part of the pipe that is causing the problem.
