French Drainage Systems and Retaining Walls

When your land is at the bottom of a hill or below your neighbor's property, your homes basement or foundation could experience ground moisture problems. A French drainage system may be just the solution to soggy ground and damp basements. Whether you hire someone else to do the work for you or you do it yourself, use this guide to retaining wall costs and French drainage systems to get the ultimate water protection for your home.

French Drains- So what is a French drain? Technically it's an underground drainage system commonly used in conjunction with a French drain tile and a retaining wall. Simply put, it's an underground ditch with gravel. It is installed along areas were ground moisture doesn't percolate into the soil fast enough to prevent running or standing water conditions.

Retaining Walls- Typically used in unison with a drainage system, a retaining wall is used to hold back soil from a heavy slope. Heavily sloped soils can easily create water runoff that leads to a home's foundation, basement or other undesirable areas. A retaining wall is built to allow water to drain behind the retaining wall and away from the site safely.

Drainage Basics- If the soil doesn't percolate, it needs to be removed and replaced with a suitable material. Gravel and sand mix works well to wick away water. A screen that prevents roots and other weeds from penetrating the gravel can allow the water to better soak into the surrounding area. Sluice pipe or other perforated piping is used in heavy water conditions. The pipe is buried in a gravel covered trench and then backfilled with layers of weed screen and gravel. The surface is topped with sand, and then a layer of topsoil is added.

Drainage Placement- As long as your drainage system and retaining walls do not impact other peoples land, you're ok to dig. Always call ahead to the local utility companies to check for underground wires or pipes. Once you're sure you're clear and free from underground utilities, septic tanks, trees, plants and at least 50 feet away from any wells, you're ready to begin digging.

Drainage Runoff- The biggest problem is deciding where to put all of the water. You certainly can't let it run into the neighbor's yard. Your best bet is to install an underground cistern. This will allow you to store the water that comes from your retaining walls and drainage systems to use in your garden or yard. Not only is it a green system, it's also a cost effective way to irrigate.