The most reliable way to eliminate undesirable free standing water is to install french drains with slotted pipes filter fabric and gravel.
French drain around patio.
But this can also make it prone to leaks and tears.
The old way of installing french drains is to do it without the gravel and the fabric.
Corrugated pipe is usually easier to work with than pvc pipe as it is more flexible and bendable.
Line the trench with water permeable landscape fabric leaving at least 10 inches of excess fabric on either side of the trench.
Fold over excess fabric lining fold excess fabric over gravel creating an overlap.
Without the gravel and the fabric however the drain can clog up with sand and soil over time.
Make sure the corrugated pipe has slots so it can drain properly.
Filling and piping a french drain after.
The french drain should run from the patio area where the water pools to a lower spot on your property.
If you need a french drain that can snake around trees or landscaping use corrugated pipe.
Dig a channel or trench to a depth of about 18 to 24 inches and depending on the size of the drainage pipe 6 to 12 inches wide.
Use stakes to indicate the drain s path.
Leave approximately 5 between top of gravel and ground surface.
If you re installing a french drain around your foundation to prevent basement moisture take care to position the pipe below slab or finished floor level.
To build a french drain choose a spot with a slight downhill slope then dig a trench that is about 6 inches wide and 18 to 24 inches deep.