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How to Install French Drains 
Home Technology Foundations Basements

Good drainage is important to ensure that a home stays dry and free of mold. If groundwater collects in the basement, it is not only an inconvenient eyesore for the homeowner, it can also lead to wood rot and mold.

The most reliable way to eliminate undesirable, free-standing water is to install French drains with slotted pipes, filter fabric and gravel. The old way of installing French drains is to do it without the gravel and the fabric. Without the gravel and the fabric, however, the drain can clog up with sand and soil over time.

Installing French Drains 01:50

Install French drains properly and you can eliminate freestanding water.

The best practice for installing French drains is to use perforated drainage pipes, which allow water to enter or exit through small openings along the pipe. The perforations can be circles or slots. But slotted pipes are better than pipes with small round holes because they tend to reduce the amount of fine soil particles that get into the pipe.

 How to Build a French Drain Basement Drainage Systems French Drains for Basements

An interior or exterior French drain might be the extra step your basement requires in order to prevent water damage. The solution may be a simple, do-it-yourself project or entail the opinion of an experienced contractor. How to Install a Programmable Thermostat How to Install a Security Camera

Play it safe with these step-by-step instructions. How to Install an Exterior Electrical Outlet How to Install a Whole-House Fan Kitchen Catch-Up: How to Install Cabinets