A French Drain is a fantastic approach to draining water from your property, but it must be set at the right distance away. This will ensure that any water that flows towards your home will be intercepted by the drain and directed away from the basement foundation.
This blog post will provide you with everything you need to know about the distance of the French Drain from the House.
Contents
What Is a French Drain?
French drains are a popular solution for managing water runoff and preventing basement flooding. They are installed underground and typically consist of a perforated pipe surrounded by gravel. The pipe collects water as it flows down the slope of your property and directs it away from your basement.
It is important to note that French drains must be installed at the correct distance from your house to be effective. If they are too close to the foundation, they will not intercept all the water flowing toward the house. This can lead to basement flooding and other water damage.
How Far Should French Drains Be Installed from the House?
Ideally, a French drain should be installed 3-4 feet far from the basement of your house. This will ensure that any water that flows towards the house is intercepted by the drain and directed away from the basement foundation.
It is important to note that the distance between the french drain and the house may need to be increased or decreased depending on the specific circumstances of your property. For example, if you have a very steep slope near your home, you may need to install the drain closer to the foundation to intercept all of the water.
If you are unsure of how close your French drain should be installed to your house, it is best to consult with a professional before proceeding with the installation.
Depth of the French Drain
In addition to being installed at the right distance away from the house, French drains must also be installed at the correct depth. The ideal depth for a French drain is between 1 1/2 and 2 feet.
This depth will ensure that the drain can intercept all water flowing toward your house. It is important to note that the depth of the drain may need to be increased or decreased depending on the specific circumstances of your property.
For example, if you have a very steep slope near your house, you may need to install the drain closer to the basement to intercept all of the water.
If you are unsure how deep your French drain should be installed, it is best to consult with a professional before installing.
How to Know If You Need A French Drain?
There are a few signs that you may need a French drain installed on your property:
- You have water in your basement or crawl space
- Your yard is constantly wet or soggy
- You have puddles that form in your yard after it rains
- You want to construct a retaining wall on the hillside
If you notice any of these signs, it is best to consult with a professional to see if a French drain is a right solution for your problem.
French Drain Installation Guide
Now that you know all about French drains, it is time to install one on your property. This guide will show you how to install a French drain in these easy steps:
Find Out the Accurate Distance
It is imperative to know the accurate distance from your foundation to where you will be installing the French drain. The most suitable way to do this is by using a measuring tape.
A distance of 3 feet is required to install French drains. To determine the optimum distance, measure the length between the house’s basement and where the water begins draining. If the distance is far away, it won’t accumulate all the water; if it’s too near, it could cause damage.
It will be prudent to double-check and then cut once. Begin by measuring 3 feet outside of your property’s foundation. From the site where you’ll attach the French drain, spray paint a line along the ground to indicate where it should begin. Measure from the foundation of your home, at least 36 inches away from it. With the spray paint, mark the location where you’ll start your French drain at your home.
Install Drain Lines
Once you have determined the accurate distance, it is time to install the drain lines. The most common type of French drain is made with perforated PVC pipe.
This pipe has small holes that allow water to enter the pipe while keeping dirt and debris out. To install the pipe, simply dig a trench that is at least 2 feet deep and 6 inches wide.
Next, lay the pipe in the trench to face down the holes. Finally, cover the pipe with gravel or stone so that the holes are not blocked.
It is important to note that if you live in an area with a lot of clay in the soil, you may need to use a different type of pipe called corrugated HD PE pipe. This type of pipe has larger holes that easily allow water to enter the pipe.
If you are unsure of what type of pipe to use, it is best to consult with a professional before proceeding with the installation.
Slop the Drainage Away
Once the drainpipe is installed, it is essential to ensure that the water is draining away. Simply backfill the trench with soil and slope it to drain the water from the foundation.
It is important to note that the soil should be compacted as you are backfilling the trench. This will ensure that the trench does not collapse over time. Its drainage goal is to push water through the drain, so it should be sloped 1% down to accomplish this.
Conclusion
Installing a French drain is a great way to protect your home from water damage. By following this guide, you can be sure that your French drain will be installed correctly and will work effectively for years to come.
We hope that this guide was helpful and that you now feel confident enough to install a French drain on your own. If you have any questions about installing a French drain or are unsure of anything, it is always best to consult with a professional before proceeding.
