If your yard lacks natural drainage, a Waterloo drainage expert might recommend a french drain to serve as a new drainage point. Gravel is used for the primary drainage layer of a french drain system. The gravel will facilitate the flow of water while also blocking debris that can clog the drain. Using the correct gravel type is essential; some varieties are simply more effective than others. Let’s dive into the details.
As a lawn care and drainage service in Waterloo region, we’ve helped install countless french drains. Today, we’ll be showing the type of gravel we use for french drain installation and why.
What Happens if You Choose the Wrong Gravel for a French Drain
Choosing the right type of gravel is important because the wrong type can cause prolonged drainage issues. The goal is to use gravel that can let water flow while simultaneously blocking materials that could cause clogging.
Here’s why you should avoid certain types of gravel for french drains:
- Choosing a gravel that is too fine leads to build-up and more debris going through the system, leading to a clogged french drain and pooling from lack of water flow.
- Round gravel types are prone to shifting, which can change how the pipe is settled until it becomes misaligned, cracks, or collapses in on itself.
In conclusion, the gravel plays a key role in the drainage process, so the type you choose will have an effect on the quality and efficiency of the drainage.
What Kind of Gravel is Used for a French Drain
Gravel Types for French Drains
- River Rock: These stones are naturally rounded and durable, making them effective for allowing water to pass through without blocking the drain.
- Granite Chips: Angular and rough, granite chips provide stability and drainage efficiency. They are less prone to movement than rounded stones.
- Non-Porous Lava Rock: This material is lightweight, yet it allows for great drainage. Its porous nature keeps moisture moving away, making it a strong choice.
Generally, the best gravel types for french drains are washed, angular, and decently large (around 1” wide).
Gravel Types to Avoid
Here are some types of gravel that we don’t use and recommend avoiding for French drains:
- Pea Gravel: Often too small, pea gravel can lead to clogging as fine particles infiltrate the drain.
- Soft Stone Gravel: The softness may cause it to break down over time, leading to sediment accumulation that blocks drainage.
- Gravel with Fine Sand/Dirt: Any gravel that contains a significant amount of fine material is prone to blockages.
- Crushed Gravel: The jagged edges can compact too much, which reduces drainage efficiency.
Is Installing a French Drain Easy?
While the concept is straightforward, french drain installations are very susceptible to user error. Every element of the drain, from the gravel, to the pipe, to the placement of it, must be perfect for ideal drainage performance. Simple mistakes, such as using the wrong gravel, or placing the drain in the wrong area of your yard, can make the french drain completely ineffective.
French drain installations can be labour-intensive when done alone, which is why we always work in teams while on-the-job. Creating the ideal slope is crucial to the french drain doing its job, and our years of experience in drainage planning allows us to get the job done right every time.
Book Our Waterloo Drainage Services
At C&T Landscaping, we are committed to enhancing your property’s health and sustainability through proper drainage solutions. We specialize in installing French drains, dry wells, and weeper tiles that make a significant difference in managing water effectively in the Waterloo region, including Cambridge, Kitchener, North Dumfries, and Paris.
Our team will evaluate your landscape to identify the best strategies for preventing water accumulation and directing runoff away from your home. With our expertise in gravel drainage systems, your property will remain dry and safe, even during heavy rain.
If a french drain isn’t the best choice for your yard, we’ll be able to find a suitable solution that keeps your yard in its best shape.