Without the gravel and the fabric however the drain can clog up with sand and soil over time.
French drain around patio.
Line the trench with water permeable landscape fabric leaving at least 10 inches of excess fabric on either side of the trench.
If you need a french drain that can snake around trees or landscaping use corrugated pipe.
Make sure the corrugated pipe has slots so it can drain properly.
Dig a channel or trench to a depth of about 18 to 24 inches and depending on the size of the drainage pipe 6 to 12 inches wide.
The most reliable way to eliminate undesirable free standing water is to install french drains with slotted pipes filter fabric and gravel.
Corrugated pipe is usually easier to work with than pvc pipe as it is more flexible and bendable.
But this can also make it prone to leaks and tears.
To build a french drain choose a spot with a slight downhill slope then dig a trench that is about 6 inches wide and 18 to 24 inches deep.
Fill the trench with topsoil and compact to completely cover the entire french drain system.
If you re installing a french drain around your foundation to prevent basement moisture take care to position the pipe below slab or finished floor level.
Filling and piping a french drain after.
When filling the area around the inlet grate temporarily cover the grate to prevent any stones or soil from falling in.
Leave approximately 5 between top of gravel and ground surface.
Use stakes to indicate the drain s path.
Place drain pipe atop fabric lining then add gravel covering pipe completely.