{"id":82779,"date":"2023-03-10T18:05:53","date_gmt":"2023-03-10T21:05:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/?p=82779"},"modified":"2025-09-23T18:26:48","modified_gmt":"2025-09-23T21:26:48","slug":"how-to-install-a-french-drain","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/how-to-install-a-french-drain\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Install a French Drain in Your Yard"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>A French drain is an underground drainage system that collects and diverts <em>subsurface <\/em>water away from problem areas. To install a French drain in your yard, start with gravel, non-woven geotextile fabric, and perforated pipe.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p>As a landscape designer, I\u2019ve installed French drains for homeowners, and together with our expert, we\u2019ll share our pro tips \u2014 from trenching and sloping to lining, graveling, and installing the perforated pipe.<\/p>   <div class=\"wp-block-ub-table-of-contents-block ub_table-of-contents\" id=\"ub_table-of-contents-e7ae6e14-fab2-4694-a3bd-e7291636c37b\" data-linktodivider=\"false\" data-showtext=\"show\" data-hidetext=\"hide\" data-scrolltype=\"auto\" data-enablesmoothscroll=\"false\" data-initiallyhideonmobile=\"false\" data-initiallyshow=\"true\"><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header-container\" style=\"\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header\" style=\"text-align: left; \"> \t\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-title\" style=\"\"><\/div> \t\t\t\t \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-extra-container\" style=\"\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-container ub_table-of-contents-1-column\"> \t\t\t\t<ul style=\"\"><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/how-to-install-a-french-drain\/#0-gather-tools-and-materials\" style=\"\">Gather Tools and Materials<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/how-to-install-a-french-drain\/#2-plan-your-project\" style=\"\">Plan Your Project<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/how-to-install-a-french-drain\/#5-how-to-install-a-french-drain\" style=\"\">How to Install a French Drain<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/how-to-install-a-french-drain\/#18-faq\" style=\"\">FAQ<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>   <figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes has-medium-font-size\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Project difficulty: <\/strong>Intermediate<br><strong>Estimated time to complete:<\/strong> 2 days, or over the weekend<br><strong>Project cost:<\/strong> Depending on the project&#8217;s scope and your yard\u2019s size, professional <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/cost\/french-drain-price\/\">French drain installation costs<\/a> an average of <strong>$5,000<\/strong>, with most homeowners paying between <strong>$1,650 <\/strong>and<strong> $12,250<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <p>If you\u2019d rather not tackle installing a French drain yourself, hire a local <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/landscaping\">LawnStarter landscaping pro<\/a>. They have the skills, knowledge, and equipment to dive into the trenches and get the job done right.<\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"0-gather-tools-and-materials\">Gather Tools and Materials<\/h2>    <p>To prevent unforeseen trips to the home improvement store, here\u2019s a basic list of tools and materials to have on hand before you begin:<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"1-excavation-\"><strong>Excavation<\/strong><\/h3>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Wheelbarrow<\/li>    <li>Trenching shovel: for digging<\/li>    <li>Pickaxe\/pick mattock: to break up rocky or compacted soil and cut through roots<\/li>    <li>Grub hoe: smooths soil at the trench bottom<\/li>    <li>Trencher machine (optional)<\/li> <\/ul>    <p><strong>Drainage<\/strong><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>4-inch HDPE double-wall corrugated pre-slit pipe<\/li>    <li>Gravel: 3\/4 to 1 1\/2 inches<\/li>    <li>9-inch x 9-inch catch basin and grate<\/li>    <li>Catch basin adapters<\/li>    <li>Non-woven geotextile fabric<\/li>    <li>Clear waterproof silicone<\/li> <\/ul>    <p><strong>Pipe connection<\/strong><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Tile tape<\/li>    <li>HDPE 4-inch external couplers<strong><br><\/strong><\/li> <\/ul>    <p><strong>Other tools and materials<\/strong><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Utility knife (to cut fabric)<\/li>    <li>Hacksaw (to cut pipe)<\/li>    <li>Power drill with 1\/4-inch bit<\/li>    <li>Topsoil and grass seed (optional)<\/li> <\/ul>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"2-plan-your-project\">Plan Your Project<\/h2>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/French-drain-1.jpg\" alt=\"A French drain made of upright stone slabs at the back and a bed of small rocks on the ground, surrounded by dry grass and plants.\" class=\"wp-image-140533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/French-drain-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/French-drain-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/French-drain-1-656x492.jpg 656w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/French-drain-1-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/French-drain-1-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">This French drain was installed in our Pennsylvania backyard about 30 years ago. The decorative stones conceal a catch basin beneath, while the vertical rocks were discovered during the excavation of a 4-foot trench; they were added for decoration. <br>Photo Credit: Harley Grandone<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Permits and permissions: <\/strong>Ensure safety and compliance by checking for necessary permits from your municipality and\/or HOA.&nbsp;<\/li>    <li><strong>Utilities: <\/strong>Call 811 to mark underground utility lines. This is a national call center to contact before you dig.<\/li>    <li><strong>Check your area\u2019s frost line and building requirements:<\/strong> \u201cConsult with local building codes to ensure adherence to regulations and to understand what works well for your region,\u201d says Damon Abdi, assistant professor of landscape horticulture at Louisiana State University. Installing below the frost line prevents the pipe from moving as the soil freezes and thaws.<\/li> <\/ul>    <p><strong>Safety Tip:<\/strong> If you live in the northern half of the country, it\u2019s better to hire a drainage professional to install your French drain. Deep trenches require commercial equipment and can collapse in rare cases, causing injury or death.<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"3-determine-the-french-drain-location\">Determine the French Drain Location<\/h3>    <p>Choose a location that:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Has noticeable standing water<\/li>    <li>Has a natural slope to guide water away from your home<\/li>    <li>Is free of large tree roots, boulders, and buried utilities<\/li> <\/ul>    <p><strong>Note:<\/strong> Avoid directing water onto neighboring properties to prevent liability or drainage disputes.<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"4-mark-the-area\">Mark the Area<\/h3>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Use a 100-foot tape measure to mark a straight line along your intended trench. (Spray paint or stakes and string work well to outline the trench location.)&nbsp;<\/li>    <li>Ensure your trench starts at a high point and slopes down to a lower drainage point.<\/li> <\/ul>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"5-how-to-install-a-french-drain\">How to Install a French Drain<\/h2>    <p>With the proper tools, materials, and planning, you\u2019re now ready to begin installing your French drain.&nbsp;<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"6-protect-your-grass-\">Protect Your Grass&nbsp;<\/h3>    <p>Place plywood planks or wooden boards on your lawn in areas where you will be transporting materials with a wheelbarrow and\/or using a trenching machine. This will help prevent muddy tire tracks and protect your grass from damage.<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"7-dig-the-trench\">Dig the Trench<\/h3>    <p>Generally, the trench should be between 1 and 1 1\/2 feet wide and 1 1\/2 to 2 feet deep. However, the frost line in your area \u2014 \u201canywhere from about a foot to several feet deep,\u201d says Abdi<em> <\/em>\u2014 will help you determine whether you want to dig by hand or use a trenching machine.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p>\u201cIt is also important to consider where that French drain will drain from (i.e., around a foundation or in the middle of the yard), as drains installed near a foundation may have their own set of codes,\u201d he says.<\/p>    <p><strong>Pro Tip:<\/strong> If you\u2019re able, dig out the sod with a flat-edge shovel or sod cutter before you start trenching. When you\u2019re finished installing the drain, you can replace the sod to maintain a seamless look in the lawn.<\/p>    <p><strong><em>My Experience:<\/em><\/strong><em> About 30 years ago, we installed a 100-foot French drain in our Pennsylvania backyard. The 4-foot-deep, 2-foot-wide trench (to clear the 44-inch frost line) used corrugated and PVC pipe with a catch basin.<\/em><\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"8-know-the-slope\">Know the Slope<\/h3>    <p>Because a French drain relies on gravity to move water, the trench must be dug with the correct slope. Getting this grade correct is essential \u2014 be sure to check your building codes.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p><strong>Recommended Slope: <\/strong>Abdi says, \u201cA slight slope (1%, or roughly 1-inch drop per 8 feet) is the minimum recommended by many installers; however, the preferred slope may vary by the type of pipe being used.\u201d<\/p>    <p><strong>Too Little Slope:<\/strong> Water drains slowly, causing standing water in the pipe and potential flooding.<\/p>    <p><strong>Too Much Slope:<\/strong> Water flows too fast, leaving debris behind, risking clogs, and potentially causing erosion at the outlet.<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"9-measure-the-pipe-length\">Measure the Pipe Length<\/h3>    <p>Start by measuring the trench while factoring in any curves, bends, and slopes. This will give you an accurate estimate of the amount of pipe required for installation.<\/p>    <p>For most residential projects, 4-inch HDPE double-wall corrugated pre-slit pipe is sufficient. Abdi says, \u201cPipe sizing varies by the site conditions (i.e., soil texture, impervious surfaces, on-site drainage patterns), but generally a 4-inch diameter pipe (is) suitable for most home applications.\u201d<\/p>    <p>Most pipes are available in 10- or 25-foot sections, so it\u2019s a good idea to purchase a little extra (10%) to accommodate any adjustments.&nbsp;<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"10-install-non-woven-geotextile-fabric-\">Install Non-Woven Geotextile Fabric&nbsp;<\/h3>    <p>Line the trench with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/landscape-fabric-guide-types-uses\/#6-non-woven\">non-woven geotextile fabric<\/a>, leaving 10 inches of extra fabric on either side of the trench. This fabric helps prevent soil from clogging the system over time.<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"11-add-gravel\">Add Gravel<\/h3>    <p>Pour about 3 inches of gravel evenly along the bottom of the trench. This helps with filtration and pipe stability.<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"12-lay-the-pipe-\">Lay the Pipe&nbsp;<\/h3>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Set the perforated pipe on the gravel with the <em>holes pointing downward<\/em>. This allows water to enter from the trench bottom and flow up into the pipe. It may seem counterintuitive, but this way the pipe captures underground water rather than surface runoff.<\/li>    <li>Start from the catch basin, adding couplers as needed.&nbsp;<\/li>    <li>Use tile tape to secure the couplers and ensure a tight, water-resistant seal.<\/li> <\/ul>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"13-connect-the-catch-basin\">Connect the Catch Basin<\/h3>   <div style=\"position: relative; width:100%;max-width: 800px; margin: 0 auto; overflow: hidden;\">   <iframe     src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/AggVOQiYv_o?si=Vw0enrJmb1mWPbeD&amp;start=15\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\"     allowfullscreen style=\"display: block; width: 100%; height: auto; aspect-ratio: 16\/9; border: none;\"><br \/>   <\/iframe> <\/div>    <p>Drill four small holes in the basin&#8217;s bottom corners to allow residual water to drain. Use silicone and adapters to secure the pipe to the basin according to the manufacturer&#8217;s instructions.<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"14-test-the-flow-\">Test the Flow&nbsp;<\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Outlet-location-of-French-drain-corrugated-pipe-1.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"The outlet of a French drain, showing the end of a white corrugated pipe partially buried in the ground. The pipe opening is surrounded by grass, dry patches of soil, and scattered brown leaves.\" class=\"wp-image-140535\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Outlet-location-of-French-drain-corrugated-pipe-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Outlet-location-of-French-drain-corrugated-pipe-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Outlet-location-of-French-drain-corrugated-pipe-1-656x492.jpg 656w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Outlet-location-of-French-drain-corrugated-pipe-1-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Outlet-location-of-French-drain-corrugated-pipe-1-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">This is where our French drain pipe exits and surfaces in the grass. The drain was installed around 30 years ago. Despite the overgrown grass and the pipe being cracked and worn, it effectively manages the water in the backyard. <br>Photo Credit: Harley Grandone<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p>A 100-foot run of 4-inch pipe and a 1% slope can typically handle about 5 gallons per minute (GPM), meaning <strong>1 gallon of water<\/strong> should drain in roughly <strong>12 seconds<\/strong> under ideal conditions.&nbsp;<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"15-add-more-gravel\">Add More Gravel<\/h3>    <p>Backfill around the pipe with gravel up to a few inches below the surface. Don\u2019t overfill \u2014 leave room to backfill with soil or place the sod pieces back on top.<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"16-fold-over-the-fabric\">Fold Over the Fabric<\/h3>    <p>Fold the fabric over the gravel, like wrapping a burrito, and secure with landscape staples. This keeps debris from getting in and clogging the system.<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"17-backfill-with-soil\">Backfill with Soil<\/h3>    <p>Add topsoil or sod pieces over the trench, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/how-to-plant-grass-seed\/\">plant grass seed<\/a> if needed.<\/p>   <div style=\"position: relative; width:100%;max-width: 800px; margin: 0 auto; overflow: hidden;\">   <iframe     src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/ITpaeNyiHHY?si=k2lDbj3CJAC3Cc1N&amp;start=31\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\"     allowfullscreen style=\"display: block; width: 100%; height: auto; aspect-ratio: 16\/9; border: none;\"><br \/>   <\/iframe> <\/div>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"18-faq\">FAQ<\/h2>    <div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1758476310110\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">What are Some Signs You Need a French Drain?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Signs you may need a French drain include:<br\/><br\/>\u2022 Water accumulating on your lawn after a heavy rain<br\/>\u2022 Water in your basement<br\/>\u2022 Mold or mildew on the lower walls of your home<br\/><br\/><strong>See Related:<\/strong><br\/><br\/>\u2022 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/ways-to-get-rid-standing-water\/\">12 Ways to Get Rid of Standing Water in Your Yard<\/a><br\/>\u2022 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/improve-drainage-in-your-yard\/\">7 Ways to Improve Drainage in Your Yard<\/a><\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1758476331741\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Where are Common Locations to Install French Drains?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Common locations for French drains include:\u00a0<br\/><br\/>\u2022 Along the home\u2019s foundation<br\/>\u2022 Along low spots around the yard<br\/>\u2022 Beneath downspouts<br\/>\u2022 Along retaining walls<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1758476343292\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">How Do You Maintain a French Drain?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">To maintain a French drain, do the following:<br\/><br\/>\u2022 Clean out the catch basin at least once per year.\u00a0<br\/>\u2022 Inspect the outlet area after heavy rain and remove debris.\u00a0<br\/>\u2022 Use a garden hose to flush the pipe if you suspect clogs.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1758476356291\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">How Long Does a French Drain Last?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">With proper materials and installation, a French drain can last for decades. Using non-woven geotextile fabric and high-quality, strong pipe extends its lifespan.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1758476360408\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">What are Some Common Problems with French Drains?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Watch out for these common French drain problems and their causes:<br\/><br\/>\u2022 Clogged pipes due to a lack of fabric or debris buildup<br\/>\u2022 Collapsed trenches from poor backfill<br\/>\u2022 Standing water caused by an improper slope<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"19-protect-your-home-from-water\">Protect Your Home from Water<\/h2>    <p>Installing a French drain is one of the most effective ways to protect your yard and home from excess water. With the right tools and some planning, it\u2019s a DIY-friendly project for many homeowners. But if you\u2019d rather leave it to the pros, hire a local <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/landscaping\">LawnStarter landscaping pro<\/a> to handle it for you.<\/p>    <p><strong>See Related: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/what-is-a-french-drain\/\">What is a French Drain?<\/a><\/p>   <div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle wp-block-ub-content-toggle-block\" id=\"ub-content-toggle-block-2597c80c-5d54-4b37-a855-9b1c52e946e9\" data-mobilecollapse=\"false\" data-desktopcollapse=\"true\" data-preventcollapse=\"false\" data-showonlyone=\"true\"> <div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion\" style=\"border-color: #f1f1f1; \" id=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-block-\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-title-wrap\" style=\"background-color: #f1f1f1;\" aria-controls=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-0-2597c80c-5d54-4b37-a855-9b1c52e946e9\" tabindex=\"0\"> \t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-title ub-content-toggle-title-2597c80c-5d54-4b37-a855-9b1c52e946e9\" style=\"color: #000000; \"><strong>Sources:<\/strong><\/p> \t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-toggle-wrap right\" style=\"color: #000000;\"><span class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-state-indicator wp-block-ub-chevron-down\"><\/span><\/div> \t\t<\/div> \t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-content-wrap ub-hide\" id=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-0-2597c80c-5d54-4b37-a855-9b1c52e946e9\">  <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lsuagcenter.com\/profiles\/dabdi\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Damon Abdi<\/a>, assistant professor of landscape horticulture at Louisiana State University, Hammond, LA. Personal interview.<\/li>    <li>\u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=9LhypCxXkZk\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Easiest DIY French Drain Yard Drain<\/a>.\u201d By French Drain Man. YouTube.<\/li>    <li>\u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ndspro.com\/us\/en\/resources\/articles\/french-drain-installation-guide\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">French Drain Installation Guide<\/a>.\u201d NDS.<\/li>    <li>\u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/basementwaterproofingrhodeisland.com\/blog\/how-much-water-can-a-french-drain-handle\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">How Much Water Can a French Drain Handle?<\/a>\u201d Basement Waterproofing of Rhode Island.<\/li>    <li>\u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/wp-extension\/uploads\/sites\/2079\/2014\/02\/water-diversion.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Keeping Clean Water Clean and Reducing Mud: Improving Drainage<\/a>.\u201d Adapted by Erin Harwood, WSU Clark County Extension. Small Acreage Program.<\/li> <\/ul>  <\/div> \t\t<\/div> <\/div>   <p>Main Image Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shutterstock.com\/image-photo\/french-drain-pop-valve-ground-trench-1428895601\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Shutterstock<\/a><\/p>    <p><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A French drain is an effective way to move water away from problem areas in your yard. We\u2019ll explain how to install a French drain step by step.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":161,"featured_media":82812,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[21],"tags":[25],"class_list":["post-82779","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-landscaping","tag-landscaping-2"],"acf":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/french-drain-shutterstock-2.jpg?wsr","author_info":{"display_name":"Harley Grandone","author_link":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/author\/harley-grandone\/"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>How to Install a French Drain in Your Yard<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"A French drain is an effective way to move water away from problem areas in your yard. We\u2019ll explain how to install a French drain step by step.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/how-to-install-a-french-drain\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How to Install a French Drain in Your Yard\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"A French drain is an effective way to move water away from problem areas in your yard. We\u2019ll explain how to install a French drain step by step.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/how-to-install-a-french-drain\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Lawnstarter\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2023-03-10T21:05:53+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-09-23T21:26:48+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/french-drain-shutterstock-2.jpg?wsr\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1200\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"800\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Harley Grandone\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Harley Grandone\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"8 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/landscaping\\\/how-to-install-a-french-drain\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/landscaping\\\/how-to-install-a-french-drain\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Harley Grandone\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/ebcc07006094dda10faa0ccb886bcc58\"},\"headline\":\"How to Install a French Drain in Your Yard\",\"datePublished\":\"2023-03-10T21:05:53+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-09-23T21:26:48+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/landscaping\\\/how-to-install-a-french-drain\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":1641,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/landscaping\\\/how-to-install-a-french-drain\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/02\\\/french-drain-shutterstock-2.jpg?wsr\",\"keywords\":[\"landscaping\"],\"articleSection\":[\"Landscaping\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":[\"WebPage\",\"FAQPage\"],\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/landscaping\\\/how-to-install-a-french-drain\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/landscaping\\\/how-to-install-a-french-drain\\\/\",\"name\":\"How to Install a French Drain in Your Yard\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/landscaping\\\/how-to-install-a-french-drain\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/landscaping\\\/how-to-install-a-french-drain\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/02\\\/french-drain-shutterstock-2.jpg?wsr\",\"datePublished\":\"2023-03-10T21:05:53+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-09-23T21:26:48+00:00\",\"description\":\"A French drain is an effective way to move water away from problem areas in your yard. We\u2019ll explain how to install a French drain step by step.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/landscaping\\\/how-to-install-a-french-drain\\\/#breadcrumb\"},\"mainEntity\":[{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/landscaping\\\/how-to-install-a-french-drain\\\/#faq-question-1758476310110\"},{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/landscaping\\\/how-to-install-a-french-drain\\\/#faq-question-1758476331741\"},{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/landscaping\\\/how-to-install-a-french-drain\\\/#faq-question-1758476343292\"},{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/landscaping\\\/how-to-install-a-french-drain\\\/#faq-question-1758476356291\"},{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/landscaping\\\/how-to-install-a-french-drain\\\/#faq-question-1758476360408\"}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/landscaping\\\/how-to-install-a-french-drain\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/landscaping\\\/how-to-install-a-french-drain\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/02\\\/french-drain-shutterstock-2.jpg?wsr\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/02\\\/french-drain-shutterstock-2.jpg?wsr\",\"width\":1200,\"height\":800,\"caption\":\"French drain with pop up valve in ground with trench dug for an extension to be added\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/landscaping\\\/how-to-install-a-french-drain\\\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"How to Install a French Drain in Your Yard\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/\",\"name\":\"Lawnstarter\",\"description\":\"The LawnStarter Blog\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/#organization\",\"name\":\"Lawnstarter\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2021\\\/10\\\/lawnstarter-logo.svg?wsr\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2021\\\/10\\\/lawnstarter-logo.svg?wsr\",\"width\":198,\"height\":26,\"caption\":\"Lawnstarter\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\"}},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/ebcc07006094dda10faa0ccb886bcc58\",\"name\":\"Harley Grandone\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/01\\\/harley-grandone-150x150.jpg?wsr\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/01\\\/harley-grandone-150x150.jpg?wsr\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/01\\\/harley-grandone-150x150.jpg?wsr\",\"caption\":\"Harley Grandone\"},\"description\":\"Harley Grandone, a writer and landscape designer, enjoys writing for LawnStarter. After 20+ years of being a landscape designer, she\u2019s delighted to be able to combine her love of writing with her industry experience.\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/author\\\/harley-grandone\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/landscaping\\\/how-to-install-a-french-drain\\\/#faq-question-1758476310110\",\"position\":1,\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/landscaping\\\/how-to-install-a-french-drain\\\/#faq-question-1758476310110\",\"name\":\"What are Some Signs You Need a French Drain?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Signs you may need a French drain include:<br\\\/><br\\\/>\u2022 Water accumulating on your lawn after a heavy rain<br\\\/>\u2022 Water in your basement<br\\\/>\u2022 Mold or mildew on the lower walls of your home<br\\\/><br\\\/><strong>See Related:<\\\/strong><br\\\/><br\\\/>\u2022 <a href=\\\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/landscaping\\\/ways-to-get-rid-standing-water\\\/\\\">12 Ways to Get Rid of Standing Water in Your Yard<\\\/a><br\\\/>\u2022 <a href=\\\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/landscaping\\\/improve-drainage-in-your-yard\\\/\\\">7 Ways to Improve Drainage in Your Yard<\\\/a>\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/landscaping\\\/how-to-install-a-french-drain\\\/#faq-question-1758476331741\",\"position\":2,\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/landscaping\\\/how-to-install-a-french-drain\\\/#faq-question-1758476331741\",\"name\":\"Where are Common Locations to Install French Drains?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Common locations for French drains include:\u00a0<br\\\/><br\\\/>\u2022 Along the home\u2019s foundation<br\\\/>\u2022 Along low spots around the yard<br\\\/>\u2022 Beneath downspouts<br\\\/>\u2022 Along retaining walls\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/landscaping\\\/how-to-install-a-french-drain\\\/#faq-question-1758476343292\",\"position\":3,\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/landscaping\\\/how-to-install-a-french-drain\\\/#faq-question-1758476343292\",\"name\":\"How Do You Maintain a French Drain?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"To maintain a French drain, do the following:<br\\\/><br\\\/>\u2022 Clean out the catch basin at least once per year.\u00a0<br\\\/>\u2022 Inspect the outlet area after heavy rain and remove debris.\u00a0<br\\\/>\u2022 Use a garden hose to flush the pipe if you suspect clogs.\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/landscaping\\\/how-to-install-a-french-drain\\\/#faq-question-1758476356291\",\"position\":4,\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/landscaping\\\/how-to-install-a-french-drain\\\/#faq-question-1758476356291\",\"name\":\"How Long Does a French Drain Last?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"With proper materials and installation, a French drain can last for decades. Using non-woven geotextile fabric and high-quality, strong pipe extends its lifespan.\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/landscaping\\\/how-to-install-a-french-drain\\\/#faq-question-1758476360408\",\"position\":5,\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/landscaping\\\/how-to-install-a-french-drain\\\/#faq-question-1758476360408\",\"name\":\"What are Some Common Problems with French Drains?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Watch out for these common French drain problems and their causes:<br\\\/><br\\\/>\u2022 Clogged pipes due to a lack of fabric or debris buildup<br\\\/>\u2022 Collapsed trenches from poor backfill<br\\\/>\u2022 Standing water caused by an improper slope\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"How to Install a French Drain in Your Yard","description":"A French drain is an effective way to move water away from problem areas in your yard. We\u2019ll explain how to install a French drain step by step.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/how-to-install-a-french-drain\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"How to Install a French Drain in Your Yard","og_description":"A French drain is an effective way to move water away from problem areas in your yard. We\u2019ll explain how to install a French drain step by step.","og_url":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/how-to-install-a-french-drain\/","og_site_name":"Lawnstarter","article_published_time":"2023-03-10T21:05:53+00:00","article_modified_time":"2025-09-23T21:26:48+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1200,"height":800,"url":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/french-drain-shutterstock-2.jpg?wsr","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"Harley Grandone","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Harley Grandone","Est. reading time":"8 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/how-to-install-a-french-drain\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/how-to-install-a-french-drain\/"},"author":{"name":"Harley Grandone","@id":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/ebcc07006094dda10faa0ccb886bcc58"},"headline":"How to Install a French Drain in Your Yard","datePublished":"2023-03-10T21:05:53+00:00","dateModified":"2025-09-23T21:26:48+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/how-to-install-a-french-drain\/"},"wordCount":1641,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/how-to-install-a-french-drain\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/french-drain-shutterstock-2.jpg?wsr","keywords":["landscaping"],"articleSection":["Landscaping"],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":["WebPage","FAQPage"],"@id":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/how-to-install-a-french-drain\/","url":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/how-to-install-a-french-drain\/","name":"How to Install a French Drain in Your Yard","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/how-to-install-a-french-drain\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/how-to-install-a-french-drain\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/french-drain-shutterstock-2.jpg?wsr","datePublished":"2023-03-10T21:05:53+00:00","dateModified":"2025-09-23T21:26:48+00:00","description":"A French drain is an effective way to move water away from problem areas in your yard. We\u2019ll explain how to install a French drain step by step.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/how-to-install-a-french-drain\/#breadcrumb"},"mainEntity":[{"@id":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/how-to-install-a-french-drain\/#faq-question-1758476310110"},{"@id":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/how-to-install-a-french-drain\/#faq-question-1758476331741"},{"@id":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/how-to-install-a-french-drain\/#faq-question-1758476343292"},{"@id":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/how-to-install-a-french-drain\/#faq-question-1758476356291"},{"@id":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/how-to-install-a-french-drain\/#faq-question-1758476360408"}],"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/how-to-install-a-french-drain\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/how-to-install-a-french-drain\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/french-drain-shutterstock-2.jpg?wsr","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/french-drain-shutterstock-2.jpg?wsr","width":1200,"height":800,"caption":"French drain with pop up valve in ground with trench dug for an extension to be added"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/how-to-install-a-french-drain\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"How to Install a French Drain in Your Yard"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/","name":"Lawnstarter","description":"The LawnStarter Blog","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/#organization","name":"Lawnstarter","url":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/lawnstarter-logo.svg?wsr","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/lawnstarter-logo.svg?wsr","width":198,"height":26,"caption":"Lawnstarter"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"}},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/ebcc07006094dda10faa0ccb886bcc58","name":"Harley Grandone","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/harley-grandone-150x150.jpg?wsr","url":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/harley-grandone-150x150.jpg?wsr","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/harley-grandone-150x150.jpg?wsr","caption":"Harley Grandone"},"description":"Harley Grandone, a writer and landscape designer, enjoys writing for LawnStarter. After 20+ years of being a landscape designer, she\u2019s delighted to be able to combine her love of writing with her industry experience.","url":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/author\/harley-grandone\/"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/how-to-install-a-french-drain\/#faq-question-1758476310110","position":1,"url":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/how-to-install-a-french-drain\/#faq-question-1758476310110","name":"What are Some Signs You Need a French Drain?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Signs you may need a French drain include:<br\/><br\/>\u2022 Water accumulating on your lawn after a heavy rain<br\/>\u2022 Water in your basement<br\/>\u2022 Mold or mildew on the lower walls of your home<br\/><br\/><strong>See Related:<\/strong><br\/><br\/>\u2022 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/ways-to-get-rid-standing-water\/\">12 Ways to Get Rid of Standing Water in Your Yard<\/a><br\/>\u2022 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/improve-drainage-in-your-yard\/\">7 Ways to Improve Drainage in Your Yard<\/a>","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/how-to-install-a-french-drain\/#faq-question-1758476331741","position":2,"url":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/how-to-install-a-french-drain\/#faq-question-1758476331741","name":"Where are Common Locations to Install French Drains?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Common locations for French drains include:\u00a0<br\/><br\/>\u2022 Along the home\u2019s foundation<br\/>\u2022 Along low spots around the yard<br\/>\u2022 Beneath downspouts<br\/>\u2022 Along retaining walls","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/how-to-install-a-french-drain\/#faq-question-1758476343292","position":3,"url":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/how-to-install-a-french-drain\/#faq-question-1758476343292","name":"How Do You Maintain a French Drain?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"To maintain a French drain, do the following:<br\/><br\/>\u2022 Clean out the catch basin at least once per year.\u00a0<br\/>\u2022 Inspect the outlet area after heavy rain and remove debris.\u00a0<br\/>\u2022 Use a garden hose to flush the pipe if you suspect clogs.","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/how-to-install-a-french-drain\/#faq-question-1758476356291","position":4,"url":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/how-to-install-a-french-drain\/#faq-question-1758476356291","name":"How Long Does a French Drain Last?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"With proper materials and installation, a French drain can last for decades. Using non-woven geotextile fabric and high-quality, strong pipe extends its lifespan.","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/how-to-install-a-french-drain\/#faq-question-1758476360408","position":5,"url":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/how-to-install-a-french-drain\/#faq-question-1758476360408","name":"What are Some Common Problems with French Drains?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Watch out for these common French drain problems and their causes:<br\/><br\/>\u2022 Clogged pipes due to a lack of fabric or debris buildup<br\/>\u2022 Collapsed trenches from poor backfill<br\/>\u2022 Standing water caused by an improper slope","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/82779","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/161"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=82779"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/82779\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/82812"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=82779"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=82779"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=82779"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}