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Incorporate Surface Drains (Optional) and Complete Backfill

4:35
7:25
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At 4:35 in

French Drain Installation

What happens here

For areas that collect a significant amount of surface water, install surface drains (also known as catch basins). These are connected to the perforated drain pipe using a T-fitting, allowing direct capture of surface runoff. After the drain stone is in place, fold the excess filter fabric back over the top of the stone, creating a sealed unit that prevents soil from entering. Finally, backfill with topsoil and re-establish the lawn with grass seed or sod. The water will freely enter the stone, go straight down, and immediately enter the drain, then flow to its desired destination.

Goal: Enhance surface water capture and return the area to its original state.

Tools and materials

  • Grass Seed — Restoring the lawn
  • Surface Drains — Direct collection of surface water
  • T-fitting — Connecting surface drains to the main drain pipe
  • Topsoil — Covering the drain system before reseeding/sodding