French drain
Gravel-filled drainage trench
A French drain is a drainage system consisting of a gravel-filled trench with a perforated pipe that redirects groundwater away from structures.
Named for Henry French, who popularized the design in the 1800s, it remains a standard solution for waterlogged yards and wet basements: The contractor recommended a French drain to fix the soggy lawn. (Also written french drain.)
Long narrow excavation
- gravelLoose small rock fragments
- excavationAct of unearthing
- slopeAngled terrain or steepness
- backfillReplacing excavated material
aggregate · geotextile · footing · foundation · waterproofing · ditch · outlet · compaction
Controlling aquatic resource distribution
- infiltrationCovert entry into organization
- groundwaterWater in underground rock
- seepageSlow fluid escape
- percolationLiquid passing through pores
surface water · runoff · water table · saturation · water flow · diversion · discharge · stormwater
Cultivated plant area
- rain gardenPlanted basin absorbing runoff
- swaleSoggy terrain depression
- retaining wallStructure preventing soil collapse
- standing waterAccumulated unmoving liquid
plant roots · flower bed · downspout · gutter · pooling · crawl space · sump pump
trench
Long narrow excavation
- gravelLoose small rock fragments
- excavationAct of unearthing
- slopeAngled terrain or steepness
backfill · aggregate · geotextile · footing · foundation · waterproofing · ditch · outlet · compaction · grade
water management
Controlling aquatic resource distribution
- infiltrationCovert entry into organization
- groundwaterWater in underground rock
- seepageSlow fluid escape
percolation · surface water · runoff · water table · saturation · water flow · diversion · discharge · stormwater · sump
garden
Cultivated plant area
- rain gardenPlanted basin absorbing runoff
- swaleSoggy terrain depression
- retaining wallStructure preventing soil collapse
standing water · plant roots · flower bed · downspout · gutter · pooling · crawl space · sump pump
- drainagedrain, drains, drain pipe, floor drains, floor drain
- basement waterproofingsump pump, sump pit, waterproofing, basement drain, moisture barrier
- groundskeepinglawn care, mowing, groundskeeping, lawn mowing, trimming
- groundwateraquifer, aquifers, water table, recharge, confined aquifer
- seweragesewers, sewage, sewer pipes, sewer, sewer networks
- waterproofingwater resistant, DWR, sealants, membranes, Scotchgard
French drainsump pump
Subterranean water removal device
open channel · storm drain · catch basin · swale · downspout
French draincistern
Water storage chamber
rain barrel · retention pond · water tank · reservoir · holding tank
drained, draining, France, drainage, French, Francophone, drainpipe, drainer, brain drain