Dig a channel or trench to a depth of about 18 to 24 inches and depending on the size of the drainage pipe 6 to 12 inches wide.
French drain around patio.
Without the gravel and the fabric however the drain can clog up with sand and soil over time.
Filling and piping a french drain after.
The most reliable way to eliminate undesirable free standing water is to install french drains with slotted pipes filter fabric and gravel.
Use stakes to indicate the drain s path.
Make sure the corrugated pipe has slots so it can drain properly.
Corrugated pipe is usually easier to work with than pvc pipe as it is more flexible and bendable.
If you re installing a french drain around your foundation to prevent basement moisture take care to position the pipe below slab or finished floor level.
The old way of installing french drains is to do it without the gravel and the fabric.
If you need a french drain that can snake around trees or landscaping use corrugated pipe.
To build a french drain choose a spot with a slight downhill slope then dig a trench that is about 6 inches wide and 18 to 24 inches deep.
Line the trench with water permeable landscape fabric leaving at least 10 inches of excess fabric on either side of the trench.
Fill the trench with topsoil and compact to completely cover the entire french drain system.
Place drain pipe atop fabric lining then add gravel covering pipe completely.
Leave approximately 5 between top of gravel and ground surface.
Fold over excess fabric lining fold excess fabric over gravel creating an overlap.