French drain
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French_drain.jpg
French_drain.jpg
A recently completed french drain after a rainfall.
The earliest forms of French drains were simple ditches, pitched from an high area to a low one that were full of gravel. Modern French drain systems can be made with perforated pipe surrounded by sand or gravel and landscaping materials. Landscaping materials are used to prevent dirt and roots from entering the drainage pipe. The perforated pipe allows for more underground storage area and allows for water to percolate through the bottom via gravity.
Most cities require permits for building drainage systems as federal law requires water sent to storm drains to be free of certain contaminants and sediment.
French drains can be led to dry wells when city water systems, or other waste water areas can not be used.