If you’re dealing with standing water in your yard or a soggy lawn that never dries out, you’ve probably heard of a French drain. It’s one of the most effective and time-tested solutions for redirecting water away from problem areas — and the good news is, you can install one yourself if you’re up for the labor.

But before you break out the shovel, let’s walk through the process step-by-step — and talk about when it might make more sense to call in a drainage expert like Diversified Drainage.

What Is a French Drain, Exactly?

A French drain is a gravel-filled trench with a perforated pipe at the bottom. It’s designed to collect and redirect water away from areas where it’s causing problems — like your foundation, lawn, or driveway.

How to Install a French Drain (Step-by-Step)

1. Identify the Problem Area
Look for where water tends to pool or drain slowly after it rains. Your goal is to move that water to a lower, more absorbent area or storm drain.

2. Plan the Drain Path
French drains work best with a gentle slope (about 1% grade). That’s roughly a 1-inch drop for every 10 feet of length.

3. Dig the Trench
Dig a trench 6-12 inches wide and about 18-24 inches deep, depending on your specific drainage needs.

4. Add Landscape Fabric
Line the trench with landscape fabric. This helps prevent clogs from dirt and sediment.

5. Add Gravel and Pipe
Pour 2-3 inches of drainage gravel into the bottom, then lay your perforated drain pipe (holes facing down). Cover the pipe with more gravel until it’s a few inches from the surface.

6. Wrap It and Cover It
Fold the fabric over the top of the gravel. Then cover with soil or sod to match your yard.

Common DIY Mistakes to Avoid

• No slope: Without the right slope, water won’t flow properly in the drain tile (perforated drain pipe).
• Wrong pipe orientation: The perforations should face down, not up.
• Using the wrong type of gravel: You want clean, angular gravel — not round or packed dirt.
• Skipping fabric: That shortcut leads to clogged systems fast.

When It’s Time to Call the Experts

DIY is doable — but it’s not always simple. If you’re not sure where the water is coming from, how to slope the trench, or you’ve tried DIY solutions with no luck, it’s time to bring in the pros.

At Diversified Drainage, we specialize in solving complex water problems for homes and businesses throughout Wright and Hennepin Counties. From French drain installation to full yard regrading, we’ll design a system that actually works — and holds up season after season.

Let’s Solve Your Water Problem for Good

Ready for a permanent fix to soggy yards and basement water issues? Contact Diversified Drainage today for a consultation. We’ll assess your property, explain your options, and get your drainage system working like it should.

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