Need tips on putting in a french drain

[jerp]

My backyard (about 1/3 acre) slopes toward the house. Over the last few years I've developed quite a drainage problem. The water doesn’t collect up against the house but the yard gets to be a swampy mess after a big rain. I’m planning on putting in a french drain to carry the runoff to a nearby storm drain culvert. I’ve been reading up on how to do it – it doesn’t sound difficult, just lots of digging. The ground naturally slopes the in the direction I'm going to lay the pipe so flow should not be a problem. A few questions for those of you who have done this:
1) Perforated pipe – flexible or rigid?
2) How deep/wide should I dig the trench?
3) What size gravel?
4) It’s going to be almost 100 feet long – worth it to rent a ditcher?
5) Any idea how much per foot a landscaper might charge to do it? (if I decide to just drink beer and watch?) Thanks!

[Johnny Dangerr]

I have a french drain and it has none of the things listed above. The real trick of making a drain is the sediment issue. If it is not designed to hold sediment it will get stopped up constantly.
Going to PM you my phone #.......

[Dale Moser]

5










:d

[predatoraddct]

My advice is rent a ditcher. I did over 100 feet once by hand, and trust me, I wont do it again! As for size of gravel and ditch, our soil is different, so somebody down there will be better off answering that.

[BrianL]

I would rent a small tractor and correct the grade. It will be much easier over time. And it's fun.

I have done this in several places around my yard.

[Ouch]

I would rent a small tractor and correct the grade. It will be much easier over time. And it's fun.

I have done this in several places around my yard.

This, though "fun" is being thrown around a little loosely.

If a french drain is your only option, I would suggest a French ditch digger. 100' of ditch won't be fun. Can't address anything else. My underground drainage is non-perf, no gravel, runs into a natural drainage far behind the house.

[Clint]

You will want to wrap your gravel envelope with filter fabric to keep sediment from getting to your drain pipe.

[Charles]

Option #6:Hire French Maids (Uniform is mandatory) to install while you drink beer and watch! If you choose this route let me know, I'll come drink beer with ya.

If'n it was me I'd hire it out.

[Tubby]

Before you think about putting a pick, shovel, ditch-witch or anything into the ground be sure to call 811 (one call... dig-tess) to have any and all underground utilities located!

[cooksomerice]

thorthunder is right. french drains are nothing but a giant pain. if you can figure out how to keep them from stopping up you will have the market cornered.

[mjhaverkamp]

I would correct the grade to drain naturally if the elevation allows, french drains are used when there is not a way to drain because of elevation.