If you re building a retaining wall add a french drain behind the first course of stones or blocks.
French drain through retaining wall.
Because of the danger of allowing water to accumulate most retaining walls have built in drainage mechanisms.
Pipe drains also known as toe drains are perforated pipes that collect water along the length of the wall and drain it to the outside.
You want to use a perforated 4 plastic pipe below the footing not on top of the footing on the up hill side.
Sometimes this means a pipe running through the wall from the soil to the other side.
If you re building a retaining wall on a hillside.
The loose gravel and perforated tubing help facilitate that water movement.
The pipe should rest on the same compacted gravel base or concrete footing that supports the wall.
A french drain is a virtual necessity when building a retaining wall on a hill.
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.
Drain pipes go behind the wall on the side with the surcharge the soil that that wall or foundation is holding back.
This video shows you how to properly install a drainpipe behind your wall for prop.
Learning how to build a retaining wall can be fun with these helpful tips.
Check out this video for some simple instructions on installing a french drain behind an 18 to 24 tall retaining wall before it is backfilled with dirt.
The purpose is to take water from wet areas and disperse it into dry areas.
They are also always lower than the footing of a foundation or wall or stair system.