French Drain, What you need to know!

What you need to know about French Drains

French drains (FDs) are a solution employed to get rid of standing water in your yard or basement. Basically they consist of a trench that is covered with rock or gravel. The trench serves to capture the groundwater and direct it away from the home. They may also utilize pipes which are perforated to vent the water that comes through the gravel into the drain. The most common use for FDs is to redistribute water that sits up against a home’s foundation which would otherwise cause structural damage.

Where Did the Idea for French Drains Come from?

One of the benefits of choosing to go with FDs is the fact that they have been used for a really long time. That means you can rely on this technique to solve your drainage problems when it is properly planned and installed. Originally they were basically just simple ditches. But in the 1800s, FDs were made popular by a lawyer named Henry French, hence the title “French drains.” His version of the FD comprised roofing tiles in the trenches to allow for drainage. These roofing tiles later gave way to special perforated tiles.

Different Types of French Drains

Plenty of variations of the French drain exist. Here are just a few of them:

Dispersal drain-Used for septic tanks to properly distribute the waste water. Filter drain-This type drains ground water. Drain buried around foundation-As discussed above, this sort of FD is probably the most popular and is used to take water away from the structure to keep it safe from harm. Basement floor drains-Sometimes the drains are actually installed inside the basement to make sure any water that comes in finds its way back outside quickly.

Of course there are other sorts of drains out there, but the above tend to be the most common.

Finding a Company to Install French Drains for You

If you have drainage issues in your home or place of business, then you are likely in need of the French drain solution. First and foremost, it is highly recommended that you do not try to install your own FD. Not only is it a lot of work, but imagine doing all the work only to find out that your drainage system does not function properly. With that in mind, it is best to hire a company that specializes in drainage solutions for homes and businesses.

Building basement French drains

French drains are very popular in basements and are used for a long time to arrange lots of water tables. The French drains collect water and then diverted to a sump pump that pumps the water out of the basement.

How a French Drain Works

French drains provide an easy channel for water to flow through. Water runs into a gravel-filled trench, then into perforated pipe at the bottom of the trench.

Water travels freely through the pipe, which empties a safe distance from the house.

The trench bottom should be sloped about 1 inch for every 8 feet in the direction you want water to flow. Depending on your situation, the water can be diverted to.

Here are a few tips on how to install a French drain in your basement:

  • You will need to dig a trench with a width of 14 centimeters and a depth of 8.
  • You need to do this around the entire perimeter of the basement.
  • You need to use a jackhammer and pay close attention to this operation as you can damage the walls of the basement.
  • Next remove the debris that you created from the graves.
  • Place a layer of fine gravel in the trench. It should be two inches in height.
  • When the perforated pipe was on the top of the gravel. Start sites of the pipes from the sump pump.
  • Use pipe couplings to attach the tubes to each other.
  • Now completely cover the pipe with gravel, until you reach the level of the basement floor.

French drains are perfect solutions for diverting water from your home and into sewers or other drainage systems. French drains can be internal or external also there may be times that after abundant rain, you are experiencing drainage problems. French drains drain pipes installed in the ground, will definitely help you to better drain your garden.

A man and a child are sitting in a vehicle that says ' ec ' on it

Author: Jay Nagy


Owner & Founded of J Bird's Landscaping. 18+ Years of experience in Pittsburgh lawn cutting, patio installation, trucking/hauling, French drain installation, and other landscape/design services.



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Managing stormwater effectively is crucial for maintaining a property that is safe, stable, and compliant with local environmental regulations. Whether you're a homeowner experiencing pooling water in your backyard or a developer planning large-scale drainage infrastructure, water retention systems offer the perfect solution. But before the system can do its job, there's one crucial phase that determines its success: excavation. This blog explores how professional excavation services in South Hills play a vital role in designing and installing effective water retention systems. We'll explain these systems, why they matter, and how excavation ensures they function efficiently from day one. What Is a Water Retention System, and Why Is It Needed? Water retention systems are designed to collect, hold, and slowly release stormwater. They serve two primary purposes: Flood Prevention — Retention systems protect buildings, landscapes, and roadways from flooding by controlling where and how water flows. Erosion Control and Soil Protection – Proper drainage prevents water from washing away topsoil, weakening foundations, or damaging plants. Water retention is critical in the South Hills region due to hilly terrain, older infrastructure, and heavy seasonal rainfall. Without proper drainage, properties can face water damage, basement flooding, and runoff that contributes to pollution downstream. Common Types of Water Retention Systems There are several types of retention systems, each requiring different levels of excavation and drainage planning: Retention ponds: Open basins designed to hold large volumes of water. Detention basins: Temporarily hold water before releasing it at a controlled rate. Dry wells: Underground chambers that collect and slowly disperse water. French drains: Gravel-filled trenches that help redirect water away from structures. Subsurface tank systems: Modular units buried underground to capture and manage runoff. Each of these systems begins with excavation, shaping the landscape to support the size, volume, and location of the drainage structure. Excavation: The Backbone of Every Drainage Project Excavation is a precise process that lays a strong foundation for an effective and reliable water retention system. Whether you're installing a dry well in your backyard or planning a large-scale basin for your commercial site, proper excavation helps you make sure that the system performs safely and efficiently. Here's why excavation is the first step in any water retention system installation: 1. Soil Testing and Assessment To begin the excavation process, contractors will conduct a detailed soil evaluation. Different soil types absorb and drain water differently. For example, sandy soils will allow water to percolate quickly, while clay soils, common in many South Hills neighborhoods, tend to retain water, increasing the risk of surface flooding. Soil testing helps determine the following: How deep to excavate What type of backfill or gravel may be needed Whether soil amendments or drainage fabrics are required Local experience plays a significant role here. A qualified excavation service in South Hills will understand the unique geotechnical conditions in areas like Mt. Lebanon, Bethel Park, and Baldwin. 2. Customized Grading and Land Shaping Grading refers to the process of sloping and contouring the land so that water flows in the desired direction. On sloped properties, precise grading is essential to avoid water collecting near foundations or running into neighboring lots. Excavation crews use GPS-enabled equipment and laser levels to: Establish positive drainage away from buildings. Create uniform slopes for channels or swales. Ensure retention basins have the correct depth and volume. Grading isn't just about utility; it's also about appearance. A well-graded retention area can blend into your landscape, doubling as a garden bed or natural-looking water feature. 3. Digging for Tanks, Basins, and Pipes Once grading is completed, excavation will begin for the drainage components. Depending on the system, this may involve: Digging deep pits for dry wells or water tanks Creating trenches for underground piping Shaping shallow depressions for surface retention basins Building reinforced walls for concrete or block containment systems This is where expertise and equipment matter most. The depth and width must meet strict guidelines for capacity, safety, and durability. Excavation crews also need to account for potential underground utilities, bedrock, or other unexpected obstacles. 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Excavation contractors must ensure that systems are correctly sized and permitted. Benefits of Working with a Local Excavation Team Stormwater management is not a one-size-fits-all task. Working with a local excavation service in South Hills brings many benefits, including: Familiarity with local permitting offices and building codes Knowledge of soil patterns and drainage behavior across neighborhoods Faster response times for inspections and project coordination Established relationships with local engineers and landscape architects At J Bird's Landscaping, we combine local insight with professional-grade excavation capabilities to deliver reliable water retention solutions. Integrating Excavation and Landscaping for Seamless Results Excavation isn't just about digging; it's part of a bigger picture. After your retention system is installed, our landscaping team can restore the area with plants, mulch, pavers, or even decorative stone to match your property's aesthetics. 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