French drain calculator

Standing water is the problem homeowners rave about fixing. This plans the materials for a French drain run — trench size, gravel volume, pipe, and the total drop you need — from extension-service and manufacturer install guidance. Sources on the methodology page.

Materials estimate for a standard gravel-and-perforated-pipe drain. Where the water goes matters as much as the trench — discharge rules are local, utilities are buried where you least expect, and clay soils change the fabric decision. Call 811 before digging, and check local drainage rules.