How to Build a French Drain

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Are you dealing with drainage problems in your yard? The best way to fix the water drainage issue is by adding a french drain. Here is everything you need related to the installation of a french drain. The experts of basement waterproofing in Toronto believe that if you follow the steps mentioned below, you can avoid issues that can build further. 

 

STEP #1. Planning And Preparation

 

The very step before building a French drain is to allocate the location. Before digging, keep in mind to check for dangers such as pipes and underground cables. Also, plan your drainage route, i.e., avoid tree roots and shrubs. 

 

STEP #2. Contact Your Local Government

 

Another thing to do before building a french drain is to talk to your local government, as some municipalities come with rules and regulations. So to avoid hardships, know the rules first. 

 

Also, keep in mind that your French Drain should discharge onto sandy soil to a land distant from buildings. Professionals in the domain of waterproofing services in Toronto will guide you to the best in this case. 

 

STEP #3. Find A Downhill Slope

 

The next step is to construct your French Drain on a slight downhill grade. If there is no natural downhill slope, you can create one by digging deeper. Besides, if you cannot figure out the right pitch, contact Aquatech Basement Waterproofing Company professionals. 

 

They are happy to give advice, free consultations, and free waterproofing services estimates in Toronto for all your problems, such as sump pump repair in Toronto, leaky basement waterproofing in Toronto, and much more. 

 

Wait no more, and consult with the basement waterproofing HomeStar winner in Toronto to get the issues resolved at the earliest. 

 

STEP #4. Gather Your Equipment

 

Once you’ve decided on the size of your yard and the scale of your drainage issue, it’s time to gather tools and materials. Be it basement lowering in Toronto or building a french drain. You’ll need some essential tools and materials. However, you’ll need a roll of water-permeable landscape fabric to construct a French drain, a perforated plastic drain, washed drainage gravel, and a trenching tool.

 

STEP #5. Build The Drain

 

This is the least complicated step. Depending on the severity of your drainage problem, dig the trench width and depth. Standard french drains are six wide and 18 to 24 deep. Also, keep in mind that the trench slope downwards. 

 

STEP #6. Line The Trench Using Landscape Fabric

 

After digging the trench, you’ll need to line it using water-permeable landscape fabric. Even though this can be trimmed later by the basement repair services in Toronto, you can leave it at a minimum of 10 inches. Besides, keep enough fabric on the sides to fold over the drain rock and keep it from contaminating and plugging the pipe. 

 

STEP #7. Add Gravel And Lay The Pipe

 

The next step is to add gravel on top of the landscaping fabric. Then Shovel about 2 or 3 inches of gravel along the bottom of the trench. Now, place the perforated drain pipe into the trench on top of the gravel. 

 

However, ensure the drain holes are facing down for the best drainage.

 

STEP #8. Cover The Pipe

 

Now you need to cover the pipe. For this, shovel more gravel over the pipe until the gap between the gravel and the trench’s top is 3 to 5 inches. Also, make sure to unpin the excess landscaping fabric. 

 

And at the end, fill the trench with displaced soil or cover it with stones. 

 

Hire A Professional For Better Results 

The best way to build a french drain is through a professional consultant. Be it basement waterproofing in Toronto or cracked foundation repair in Toronto, a company you can rely upon is Aquatech Basement Waterproofing. We have been serving customers for years and have never failed to meet their expectations. We come with the best equipment and provide fast, reliable, and high-quality service at affordable deals.