tips on installing french drains?

Answer 1

My husband and I have installed two french drains around basements where we were told it was impossible to keep them dry. We did it like this: 1. We dug 12" below the footing.2. We sloped the footing with concrete sealed with Loc-Tite starting about six inches up the block and sloping to the upper edge of the footing. 3. We laid landscaping fabric in the ditch and put drainage pipe with holes up on it and wrapped the fabric around in one layer.4. We back filled with clean gravel to within 1 ft. of the top of the basement and topped out with topsoil.5. We moved 4 feet out from the walls sloping the dirt then raised the planting beds 18 inches. We have never had a bit of dampness in the basements--Home inspectors couldn't believe it.

Answer 2

You didn't say what the drain will be used for. Most French drains I have installed are for drainage from a pipe above or just below ground such as washing machines. Depending on the amount of water it will be expected to handle, dig a hole and fill it with stone. I have also used PVC waterproofing pipe (with holes in it) as a sleeve and then poured the stone in.

Answer 3

Just keep something in mind, an axiom about manufacturing - the French imitate no one, and no one imitates the French.

Not bashing, people - I love the French, but it happens to be true that French manufactured goods aren't as widely distributed as goods from the US, Britain, or from elsewhere in the EU.

Answer 4

i'm working that now with my dad. what i was told to do is go about a foot into the ground, lay the pipe (holes up), put a few inches of gravel on top of that and then cover with dirt and that should do it. just make sure you dont put the pipe in upside down...the previous owners of my house did that...that is why i'm redoing it. good luck!