Do you need a permit to dig a French drain?

Do you need a permit to dig a French drain?

Modern, effective French drains are composed of an underground, perforated drain pipe buried in an 8- to 12-inch-wide trench filled with gravel. … A permit to construct a French drain may or may not be required, depending on the regulations in your municipality.

Does a French drain need to be sloped?

A French drain needs a slope of no less than 1%. That means from the highest point of the drain field all the way to the drain exit, the system should slope at least 1 inch for every 8 feet of length.

Do holes go up or down in a French drain?

When you lay your PVC pipe, the rows of holes should always be facing the downward position. You want to keep the water level in your French drain as low as possible at all times, and you can't achieve this if the holes are facing upwards or sideways.

How long will a French drain last?

Generally speaking, a French drain will last approximately 30 to 40 years.

What size gravel is best for French drain?

Gravel used for this layer is typically 1/2 inch to 1 inch across — the larger it is, the better the water flow and less chance of clogs and blockages. For a French drain without a perforated pipe, opt for even larger gravel, such as 1 1/2 inches across.

Can I cover a French drain with dirt?

The simplest drain is a classic French drain, which is nothing more than a trench filled with coarse stone or gravel. … The drain can be left open or, if aesthetics are a concern, can be covered with a couple of inches of topsoil and sod.

Can you drive over a French drain?

A true French drain is made with gravel, but with gravel driveways, PVC piping is recommended. The PVC piping only needs to be 4 to 6 inches in diameter for draining purposes. It must also be rugged enough to withstand the weight of vehicles driving over it.

When should a French drain be installed?

French drains are an effective solution on properties that have chronic water drainage problems. Your property may benefit from a French drain if: the soil is often soggy and standing water is common. the basement floods regularly.

How far should a foundation be from a French drain?

A French drain consists of buried perforated pipes slightly sloped to easily channel water flow, in this case, away from the house foundation. Start by digging a 2-foot-deep-by-18-inch-wide trench 2 feet or so away from the foundation at the highest point where the rear yard meets the foundation.

Where do French drains drain to?

It is used to direct surface water or groundwater away from a specific area, such as a home's foundation. French drains direct surface level water toward the lowest point and allow it to seep through the surface level gravel into the drain.

Are French drains effective?

French drains are effective at removing moisture from over-saturated soil. … Additionally, French drains are susceptible to frequent clogging, as they are underground, and roots from trees and shrubs often displace and damage the perforated piping.