To install a French drain, follow these key steps:
- Dig a trench wider than the pipe with a downward slope (about 1% gradient) to allow gravity to drain water.
- Line the trench with water-permeable landscape or geotextile fabric, extending it up the sides.
- Fill the bottom third of the trench with aggregate (gravel).
- Lay a perforated pipe in the trench with holes facing down.
- Cover the pipe with more aggregate until about 10 cm from the top of the trench.
- Fold the fabric over the aggregate to wrap the pipe and prevent debris from clogging.
- Finally, cover the trench with soil or sod to restore the surface.
This popular method helps drain water away effectively and prevents flooding or water pooling around your property.
