How to Install French Drain in Basement Floor

A French drain is a quintessential fixture for any basement that is prone to flooding or water pooling. A French drain can remove water from the basement floor through a trench and perforated pipe to the sump pump or the basin outside the property. The name of this drain is not inspired by the country but Henry French who made the solution popular. Before you can install a French drain in basement floor, you should have the basin, the sump pump and exterior drainage ready. It is also recommended to get some professional help as digging into the foundation of a property can be a tricky task for anyone who is not experienced enough.

Begin With a Detailed Plan.

You should have the path of the drain mapped out and plotted. You should use the blueprint of your home for this purpose. The drain will have to be at least a foot away from the exterior wall of the basement. The drain should also be in the most vulnerable area where water stagnation is the most serious. There should be a basin where the water will get accumulated. You can choose to install this basin in the basement itself or it can be outside. If natural sloping allows you to extract water from the basement floor to somewhere outside then the basin can be there and the sump pump can get into action.

You Need to Dig a Trench Along the Path Where You Want the Drain to be Installed.

The train needs to be as wide and deep as is desired for optimum effect. If your basement is too vulnerable and the water pooling is very serious then the trench should be wider than eight inches and deeper than eighteen inches. Do not get started with the trench if you are unsure of your skills. You will need a jackhammer and a pickaxe to get the job done. You must grade the trench so it has a natural slope towards the basin. You must have this slope as otherwise water accumulation will not be affected at all. The sump pump gets into action at the basin. There is nothing but gravity to draw the water from the basement to the basin.

Take the Pipe and Place it Into the Trench.

The perforations must face down. Connect the pipe to the basin. Cover the trend with gravel and any other special material you may have been recommended. The trench should be sealed with cement.