To effectively divert water from a spring, a common and practical method involves digging what is known as a French drain. This technique is specifically designed to collect and redirect subsurface water away from a particular area, such as a spring or a wet spot caused by a spring.
Understanding the French Drain Method
A French drain is essentially a trench that is dug and then filled with gravel or rock, typically enclosing a perforated pipe. The purpose of this structure is to create a path of least resistance for the water, allowing it to flow into the pipe and be carried away to a designated discharge point.
Key Steps for Installing a French Drain to Divert Spring Water
Based on common practices and the provided reference, here are the general steps involved in using a French drain for spring water diversion:
- Call Utility Companies First: Before beginning any digging, it is crucial to contact local utility companies. They will visit your property to mark the location of any underground utility lines (gas, water, electricity, etc.) in the area where you plan to dig. This essential step prevents accidental damage to utilities and ensures safety.
- Plan the Trench Path: Determine the path the trench will take from the spring location to the desired discharge point. The discharge point should be downhill and away from areas you want to keep dry, such as your home or garden. Ensure the trench has a slight slope (gradient) along its entire length to allow water to flow freely.
- Dig the Trench: Dig a trench along the planned path. The depth and width can vary depending on the volume of water and soil conditions, but it needs to be deep enough to intercept the spring flow effectively.
- Lay Geotextile Fabric (Optional but Recommended): Line the trench with permeable geotextile fabric. This fabric helps prevent soil and sediment from clogging the gravel and pipe over time while still allowing water to pass through.
- Add a Base Layer of Gravel: Place a layer of coarse gravel or rock at the bottom of the trench. This provides a stable base for the pipe and helps facilitate initial water collection.
- Position the Perforated Pipe: Place a perforated pipe (typically made of PVC or corrugated plastic) on top of the base layer of gravel. The holes or slots in the pipe should generally face downwards to collect water that seeps up or laterally into the trench.
- Cover the Pipe with Gravel or Rock: Fill the trench with gravel or rock around the pipe. This creates the bulk of the French drain, providing the porous medium through which water travels to reach the pipe.
- Wrap with Geotextile Fabric (If used): If you used geotextile fabric to line the trench, wrap the excess fabric over the top of the gravel layer to completely enclose the rock and pipe system. This further helps prevent soil infiltration.
- Backfill the Trench: Cover the gravel layer with a layer of topsoil or other desired material, such as sod or decorative gravel, to blend the drain into the landscape.
- Manage the Discharge Point: Ensure the water exiting the end of the pipe at the discharge point is directed safely away and doesn't cause erosion or nuisance on your or a neighboring property. This might involve directing it to a ditch, a drainage swale, or a suitable drain.
This method effectively captures the water flowing from the spring underground and redirects the water to a different part of the property or a designated drainage area.
