Alternatively, a lightweight, prefabricated French drain pipe can be used, which incorporates the drain pipe and polystyrene aggregate enclosed in filter fabric.

To install the drain, dig a 9-inch wide channel at least 18 inches deep, however long you need. After creating the channel, lay down some gravel along the length, then lay down filter fabric.

After the trench is excavated to the proper depth with enough slope, the installation of filter fabric, drain rock, and perforated pipe is carried out.

Decades before geo-textile fabrics were invented, builders placed one foot of dry straw on top of the coarse gravel that sat on top of the drain tile at the base of the foundation.