How to Install a Drainage Pipe in Your Yard

Overview

A French drain improves the drainage in a yard. Water moves through the perforated, corrugated pipe, down a slope and typically empties into a sewer drain or a ditch. Although it requires only a series of simple steps to install a drainage pipe in your yard, the process can be quite labor intensive.

Step 1

Dig a trench 6 inches wide by 24 inches deep, and slope it downhill. The drain should end at a drainage ditch or sewer opening.

Step 2

Fill the bottom 3 inches of the trench with 1-inch gravel.

Step 3

Slip the corrugated pipe into a drain pipe sleeve. This sleeve keeps dirt out of the pipe and prevent clogs in your French drain.

Step 4

Lay the pipe onto the gravel in the bottom of the trench.

Step 5

Cover the pipe with 8 inches of gravel.

Step 6

Cover the gravel with 4 inches of coarse sand.

Step 7

Spread topsoil over the sand to fill the trench completely.

Step 8

Place sod over the topsoil to disguise the presence of the trench.