The width and depth of the drain you dig will depend on the severity of the drainage problem and the digging tool you're using. If there are any plants in the location that are taking up too much space, you may have to move them to make room for the drain. Then, dig the trench for the drain and put the drain in properly so it can direct water away from your home. - Request Fast Quotes They’re often used along driveways, in damp areas of a lawn, and around house foundations to help keep the basement or crawlspace dry. [1] Where to Install a French Drain . You may want to spray the installed drain area with water to get it to settle or compact a bit. Another option is to rent a transit level (if you know how to use one). Older homes will often have broken french drain pipes, either from age (with terra cotta or iron), or mechanical breakage (roots, digging, etc.). This article received 19 testimonials and 97% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/fa\/Install-a-French-Drain-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Install-a-French-Drain-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/fa\/Install-a-French-Drain-Step-1.jpg\/aid9504033-v4-728px-Install-a-French-Drain-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"