Moderate to High, provided the homeowner possesses adequate physical ability, equipment, and a thorough understanding of drainage principles, local codes, and utility safety protocols. Professional consultation is recommended for complex scenarios or if integrating with existing systems.
Requires significant excavation, adherence to specific material layering, careful grading, and proper discharge planning, often involving coordination with utility locates and local stormwater regulations. Incorrect installation can lead to structural damage or localized flooding.
Project Guidelines & Rules
General Requirements & Permits
3 Rules
Obtain necessary permits from your local municipality prior to commencement of work.
2024 IRC R105.1 (Permits required), R106 (Permit application)
Contact JULIE (Joint Utility Locating Information for Excavators) at 811 at least 3 business days prior to any excavation to locate underground utilities.
220 ILCS 50/2.3 (Underground Utility Facilities Damage Prevention Act - JULIE One-Call System), 2023 NEC 300.5(B) (Protection against physical damage)
Ensure project adheres to all local stormwater management ordinances and property line setbacks, as defined by DuPage County Stormwater Management regulations and your local municipality.
2024 IRC R401.3 (Drainage), DuPage County Stormwater Management Ordinance
Site Preparation & Safety
3 Rules
Secure the excavation site to prevent accidental entry and collapse.
2024 IRC R403.1 (General excavation safety principles)
Protect adjacent structures and property from excavation impacts and runoff, especially considering DuPage County's common clay soils which can exacerbate runoff issues.
2024 IRC R401.3 (Drainage), R403.1 (Excavation)
Maintain safe distances from existing foundations to prevent compromise of structural integrity.
2024 IRC R403.1.1 (Protection of adjacent property)
Drainage System Design & Materials
4 Rules
Perforated pipe for subsurface drainage shall be a minimum 4-inch diameter, rigid or flexible, and designed for drainage applications (e.g., SDR 35 or ASTM F405).
2024 IRC R405.1 (Subsurface drainage systems)
Filter fabric (geotextile) shall be non-woven, heavy-duty, and designed to prevent soil migration into the aggregate and pipe, while permitting water flow. Overlap seams by at least 12 inches.
2024 IRC R405.1 (Subsurface drainage systems), ASTM D4759 (Geotextile testing - industry guideline)
Aggregate shall be clean, washed gravel, typically 3/4" to 1.5" diameter, free of fines, meeting local construction material standards.
2024 IRC R405.1 (Subsurface drainage systems), ASTM D448 (Aggregate classification - industry guideline)
Install observation/cleanout ports at strategic locations (e.g., bends, long runs) for future maintenance access.
Illinois Plumbing Code 708.1 (Cleanouts)
Excavation & Installation
6 Rules
Excavate trenches with a minimum width to allow proper material placement and compaction, typically 12-18 inches wide.
2024 IRC R403.1 (Excavation for footings - general principles apply)
Establish a continuous downward slope of at least 1/8 inch per foot (1%) for gravity flow. Variations from this minimum may be permitted by the local building department based on engineering design.
Illinois Plumbing Code 706.1 (Drainage pipe slope), 2024 IRC R401.3 (Site grading)
Line the trench with filter fabric, extending it up the sides with sufficient overlap (minimum 12 inches) to fully encapsulate the aggregate and pipe.
2024 IRC R405.1 (Foundation drain installation)
Place a minimum 2-4 inch layer of aggregate on the bottom of the trench, then lay the perforated pipe with perforations facing downward, centered in the trench.
2024 IRC R405.1 (Foundation drainage systems)
Cover the pipe with at least 6-12 inches of aggregate, then fold the filter fabric over the aggregate, creating a complete envelope.
2024 IRC R405.1 (Foundation drainage systems)
Backfill the trench with native soil, ensuring proper compaction in layers to prevent future settlement, and grade the surface away from structures with a minimum 5% slope for at least 10 feet.
2024 IRC R401.3 (Drainage), R403.1.2 (Backfill for foundations)
Discharge & Outfall
4 Rules
Design the French drain to discharge to a non-problematic area, such as a designated stormwater retention area, an approved dry well, or a public storm sewer connection (with proper permits from your local municipality).
2024 IRC R401.3 (Drainage), Illinois Plumbing Code 1007.1 (Stormwater Drainage)
Ensure the outfall point is at least 10 feet from property lines and 20 feet from septic fields or potable water sources, unless otherwise approved by the local building department.
Illinois Plumbing Code 701.2 (Sewer connection location), Environmental Health Guidelines
Protect the outfall from erosion and blockages, typically with a pop-up emitter, grated end cap, or riprap apron.
2024 IRC R401.3 (Drainage), Industry Best Practice
All subsurface drainage pipes discharging above ground must terminate at a depth that accounts for DuPage County's 42-inch frost depth to prevent damage from freeze-thaw cycles. Ensure positive slope for complete drainage to prevent freezing within the pipe.
2024 IRC R403.3 (Frost protection for footings - principle applied to drainage), Illinois Plumbing Code 305.4 (Piping in trenches)
Electrical Considerations
3 Rules
Always contact JULIE (811) before any excavation to identify the location of underground electrical lines.
220 ILCS 50/2.3, 2023 NEC 300.5(B) (Protection against physical damage)
Maintain clear separation from identified electrical conduits and cables during all phases of excavation and backfill, adhering to minimum clearance requirements.
2023 NEC 300.5(A) (Underground installations), NEC 300.50 (Underground Installations)
Do not install drainage systems in a manner that would compromise the stability, support, or integrity of existing electrical infrastructure or any utility facilities.
2023 NEC 110.12 (Mechanical Execution of Work)
Plumbing Considerations
3 Rules
Do not connect French drain systems to sanitary sewer lines. Connections are permitted only to approved stormwater systems, and only where allowed by your local municipality and DuPage County stormwater regulations.
Illinois Plumbing Code 701.2 (Separate drainage systems), Illinois Plumbing Code 1003.1 (Prohibited connections to storm drainage system)
Ensure any connection to a public storm sewer system is made by a licensed plumber and inspected by the local building department.
Illinois Plumbing Code 102.3 (Authority to require permits and inspections), Illinois Plumbing Code 102.4 (Licensed plumbers)
Maintain proper separation between drainage components and potable water lines, including well systems, to prevent potential contamination, adhering to all applicable setbacks.
Illinois Plumbing Code 312.9 (Protection of potable water supply), Illinois Plumbing Code 603.2 (Cross-connection control)
Final Grading & Landscaping
2 Rules
Grade the finished surface to direct surface water away from the foundation and the French drain trench, establishing a minimum 5% slope for at least 10 feet.
2024 IRC R401.3 (Drainage)
Implement landscaping practices that do not impede drainage or cause erosion, particularly in DuPage County's freeze-thaw prone climate.
2024 IRC R401.3 (Drainage), Local Stormwater Best Management Practices
Top Rated Landscaping Pros in Lake County
Poul's Landscaping & Nursery
