French Drain

[alpx5]

Is the gravel of the french drain supposed to be left uncovered?

[Jimmer]

Welcome to the forum. The couple of french drains I have done have been topped with topsoil so as to blend in with the lawns. If you don't mind and want the look of crushed rock there is no problem with leaving it uncovered.

You may already know this... the biggest problem I see with french drains is people forget to use filtering fabric both around the drain pipe and lining the trench and the pipe becomes filled with soil. If you do cover the crushed rock with soil it is really important to first put the fabric down.

Good luck, Jim



'Just a handyman trying to help'

[Troy]

Thanks for the advice, Jimmer. I did not know this, and was about to start a french drain project. You saved me from wasting my time!

[Jimmer]

Troy,

Glad the info helps,

Jim

'Just a handyman trying to help'

[tcheng99]

I just moved into a house the french drain is stcuck with mud I have roto-rooter to get it thhrough, after 50 feet of snake, it still stuck. anyway I can fix it?
Thanks in advance

[kactuskid]

Here's a link that may help with the details of installing a drainage system.

http://www.rd.com/common/nav/index.jhtml?articleId=9519999&channelId=4&subChannelId=17