What you will know after this guide
- Three different problems
- The outlet determines the system
- Before excavation
Three different problems
A landscape French drain captures water in a stone trench; a channel drain intercepts paved runoff; a foundation drain works at footing level.
The outlet determines the system
Without a legal lower outlet, a stone-filled trench may only relocate or temporarily store water.
Before excavation
Locate services, verify permits and safe depth, protect foundations and document pipe, slope, geotextile and cleanouts before backfill.
Verified references
- Government of Canada — French drains, trench drains and weeping tilesProperty drainage and flood resilience
