Five Critical Aspects of a French Drain Installation Project

Five Critical Aspects of a French Drain Installation Project

Although simple in concept, this type of improvement requires care to implement correctly. A faulty French drain installation produces poor results. Also, a property owner may even incur unforeseen expenses and delays. Avoid these problems by paying close attention to five aspects of this important water management project:

1. Direct Water Flow Carefully

First, always ensure a French drain installation does not cause water runoff problems for neighboring landowners. The drain may release water onto your land. Alternatively, it may direct the flow into an approved wastewater run-off channel. Lawsuits have arisen due to French drains that improperly spewed runoff onto adjacent tracts. Being a considerate neighbor remains the best policy.

2. Maintain a Correct French Drain Gradient

A French drain installation will fail unless the contractor supplies an appropriate gradient. Most sources recommend an inch of depth per eight inches of length. However, many factors potentially impact the slope of the drain. It usually makes sense to discuss this issue with your contractor.

3. Use Recommended Materials

Another issue to address with your contractor concerns the project materials. Today, a variety of products promote French drain installations. Also, an experienced installer may offer assistance in obtaining cost-effective supplies. For example, a licensed contractor usually enjoys options for buying perforated pipe (or drainage tiles) in bulk.

4. Install a Filter to Maintain The Anticipated Lifespan of This Improvement

Your contractor should enclose the perforated pipe or drainage tiles within an appropriate filter. This water-permeable mesh or cloth helps reduce the buildup of silt and sediment inside the pipe. Adding a filter helps ensure the French drain maintains its anticipated useful lifespan. Sometimes overlooked, this aspect proves important in terms of the drain’s longevity.

5. Take Steps to Prevent Weeds

Finally, experts recommend implementing built-in weed control measures during a French drain installation. Many weeds favor wet locations, and they may seek to tap into perforated water pipes or tiles. These roots can quickly clog a functional French drain, for example. To prevent this problem, ask your contractor to deter weed growth by adding a landscaping fabric barrier. It remains water permeable but blocks essential sunlight.

Considering these five aspects of French drain installation assists property owners. A correctly installed French drain supplies a valuable water runoff management measure. It usually makes a noticeable difference in directing water flows across a yard!