Some Tips to Build a French Trench
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The concept of building a French trench is simple to understand. This drainage basically consists of a ditch in the soil that contains a perforated pipe on a gravel bed. This solution directs water efficiently away from the foundations. The components of a French drain are a 4-inch diameter perforated pipe, washed gravel, and garden netting (a water-permeable landscape fabric). This task is quite simple; it just requires a little preparation, planning, the right tools, and a little bit of DIY know-how.
Before building a French trench in a specific area, you must inspect the ground. It is crucial to check the presence of underground wiring, pipes, or other installation that can be a risk when you are doing this work.
Determine the Place of Building IF THE SUBSOIL DOES NOT CONTAIN PLUMBING OR ELECTRICITY INSTALLATIONS, IT IS NECESSARY TO DETERMINE THE PLACE WHERE THE DRAINAGE WILL BE MOST USEFUL. IN THIS SENSE, YOU SHOULD ENSURE THAT THE FRENCH TRENCH MUST BE LOCATED ON A SLOPE THAT REDIRECTS WATER AWAY FROM THE PROBLEMATIC AREA. ON THE OTHER HAND, THE ZONE MUST BE EASY TO EXCAVATE. IF THE SURFACE DOES NOT HAVE A SLOPE, IT IS NECESSARY TO DO IT IN THE DRAINAGE DITCH.
Digging The Ditch Below the drain system, dig the ditch where the pipe will be fixed. This trench must have a minimum width of 7.8 inches, a depth of 17.5 inches, and a length of 59 inches. You must do this work with a shovel and pick. If your ground has grass, try to cut it and take out the complete piece since afterward, you can replant it.
Garden Netting
Put the garden netting in the ditch to cover the excavated area. This material will protect the pipe from clogging but will maintain the transfer of humidity. Once the tube and the whole system is in the correct position, it must be covered with more gravel to keep it fixed; then put the garden netting over the pipe.
The gravel should only cover the pipe since you must leave some space to the dirt and grass that were removed.
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