How deep should a French drain be?

How deep should a French drain be?

A French drain starts with digging a trench. The depth and width of the trench can vary, but 5 to 6 inches wide and 8 to 12 inches deep are common sizes and usually satisfy most needs.

Can I install a French drain myself?

The best practice for installing French drains is to use perforated drainage pipes, which allow water to enter or exit through small openings along the pipe. … Cover the pipe with at least 12 inches of washed gravel. Lay filter fabric over the gravel to prevent any soil from clogging the pipe.

Does a French drain need an outlet?

A properly designed French drain system does not require an outlet. The water will simply soak into the soil as it flows along the perforated pipe. In fact, a French drain doesn't require an inlet on just one end either. You can construct the drain to accept water along its length, and disperse it underground.

How much does it cost to put in a French drain?

French drains, for example, average $20 to $30 per linear foot or between $1,000 and $1,500 in exterior applications and $45 to $60 per linear foot or $5,000 to $6,000 for internal ones. These systems can benefit your home in a variety of ways.