Don’t Let Your Drain Go Down the Tube
If you’re tired of dealing with soggy yards or water damage, installing a good drainage system can help. One popular solution is a French drain installation. This might seem simple at first glance, but there are plenty of snags that can turn up during the process. Here’s your guide to avoiding some common mistakes that could mess things up.
Skipping Proper Planning
The first mistake is diving in without planning. Know where you’re placing the trench and where the water will go, whether toward a garden bed or away from your house. Also, check local codes or homeowner association rules to avoid violations.
Poor Slope
A French drain relies on gravity to work well. One rookie mistake is not creating enough slope for the water to flow away effectively. Aim for about a 1% slope for best results—that means you want the trench depth to drop about one inch for every 10 feet of length. If there’s not enough slope, water will pool in the pipe instead of flowing through it.
Choosing the Wrong Materials
Another big misstep is using the wrong materials or skimping on essential ones like gravel and proper piping. Don’t cut corners here! Use quality perforated piping and plenty of gravel around it so that water flows freely into the pipe and doesn’t get clogged by dirt and plant roots.
Neglecting Soil Conditions
Believe it or not, soil type matters a lot when installing these drains. If you have clay soil, for instance, water may not filter through it, and neither may sandy soil types. Adjust your plans and materials according to what kind of ground you’re working with.
Lack of Proper Maintenance
Once your French drain is installed, you can’t just forget about it. A lack of maintenance can lead to clogs and breakdowns over time. Occasionally inspect your drain and clean out any debris so everything keeps running smoothly.
If you’re considering installing one but feel unsure about tackling it yourself, give us at S&V Renovations, LLC in North Little Rock, AR a call at (501) 330-8860. We’re here to help you avoid those common mistakes and ensure your French drain installation goes off without a hitch!