We all need water for everyday living, and while the recent wet weather in
our area is great for our water table, all this moisture cans cause issues in
and around our homes. With Spring just around the corner, we can expect even
more rain, so now is the time to address potential water issues.

One of the most common problems we see are areas of our yard that don’t
drain well. Maybe it’s a valley in your property, and water collects there. Or
maybe the soil is a type that doesn’t absorb water as readily. Whatever the
cause, the solution is a time-tested one – the French drain.

French drains involve digging a trench in the area where water stands and
filling the trench with material that will improve the drainage capacity of the
area. Historically, French drains have included gravel to help with drainage
but no actual drain pipe. Most modern French drains actually include a pipe
because it aids in the draining process and makes them last longer.

Before digging for a French drain, call 811 in Tennessee or Virginia to
have service providers mark the location for water lines and any other
underground utilities. Once you know you aren’t harming any existing utilities,
you can begin digging.

Digging a French drain is the hardest part of the process. Fortunately,
modern tools make a big difference. You can dig it by hand, but the process
goes much more quickly with a trencher. Action Rental stocks trenchers that
will help you cut the digging time dramatically.

After digging your trench and getting the slope set properly, you can place
your gravel and drainage tube in the trench. For long-last results, it is
recommended that you place permeable landscape fabric around the edge of the
trench. This lets water pass through but helps keep sediment from seeping into
your French drain. Then you want a layer of gravel along the bottom of the
trench. For best results, use clean or washed gravel. Crushed limestone is not
recommended because it hardens like cement.

Your drain pipe should be a perforated rigid plastic style. You can add
proper drain pipe fittings if desired. This will assist you in cleanout if the
pipe should ever become clogged.

 A properly installed French drain will improve the drainage on your
property and reduce or eliminate standing water issues. This can be a
do-it-yourself job. To make the process as quick and easy as possible, see the
pros at Action Rental for the right tools.