French Drain Under Retaining Wall

Pipe drains are usually installed at the base of the wall but taller walls and those with additional drainage needs may require multiple pipe drains at varying heights.
French drain under retaining wall. If you re building a retaining wall add a french drain behind the first course of stones or blocks. If you re building a retaining wall on a hillside. One of the most popular fix to these yard drainage problems is a french drain as part of a drainage system. Install a french drain one of the top yard drainage solutions to divert water away from problem areas.
The proper drainage behind a natural stone wall is extremely important. Otherwise water moving down the hill will build up behind the wall and undermine it. If possible dig under the railway ties acting as stair risers and feed the pipe downwards. You may have to submit plans for your wall and schedule a property inspection to ensure that building a retaining wall won t create drainage problems.
It should be located on the uphill side of the wall so it can catch water running down the hill and prevent it from undermining the wall. Retaining wall in small backyard 8 months ago. A french drain described in my other answers would be a logical termination for both drain pipes if you can dig down two or three feet. We re going to keep the good stones and use them for the rebuild.
Why you need a french drain behind your retaining wall. Depending on the size of your yard and the scale of your drainage issue you can purchase the pipes and equipment to create a french drain yourself. A french drain is a virtual necessity when building a retaining wall on a hill. We re pulling all this out.
Be sure to get the drain pipe with a sleeve and use crushed gravel with no fines underneath the pipe. The pipe should rest on the same compacted gravel base or concrete footing that supports the wall. A drainage system can have many different components including a french drain drywell closed tubing catch basins and pop up emitters. Some of these drains are vented through the front of the retaining wall while others may run the length of the wall and drain out to the sides.
While you re at it do also place a call. Water pooling in a yard can kill grass attract mosquitoes and create mud patches.