Do I need a drain pipe behind retaining wall?

Do I need a drain pipe behind retaining wall?

These walls need a drainage system regardless of the wall height. If there are poor draining soils such as clay behind the wall, there needs to be drainage incorporated the wall system. Clay when wet is very weak, so it is essential to provide a way for water to escape from behind the wall.

What do you use for drainage behind a retaining wall?

gravel
In order to provide proper drainage, at least 12 inches of granular backfill (gravel or a similar aggregate) should be installed directly behind the wall. Compacted native soil can be used to backfill the rest of the space behind the wall.

How deep should a French drain be?

French drain depth: About 8 inches to 2 feet deep should be sufficient for many water-diverting projects, though related systems, such as those built around foundations and sub-ground living spaces, as well as the bases of retaining walls, may be deeper.

Should you use fabric behind retaining wall?

You should use landscape fabric behind a retaining wall because the fabric supports the bricks, wood, or other materials that make the wall. Wet soil can push against a retaining wall, weakening it. By placing a strip of landscape fabric under the soil, the wall won’t have as much pressure on it.

How deep should a French drain be behind a retaining wall?

How do you install drainage in an existing wall?

Tips for Adding Drainage To Your Retaining Wall

  1. Consider Your Conditions.
  2. Don’t Skip the Footing Drain.
  3. Pick the Right Pipe.
  4. Don’t Skimp on Gravel Amount.
  5. Compact the Soil.
  6. Use Plenty of Filter Fabric.
  7. Install (or Add) Weep Holes.
  8. Ensure There’s Enough Slope.

Do you need landscape fabric behind retaining wall?

Can you put sand behind a retaining wall?

The space directly behind a newly constructed retaining wall should be filled with gravel or sand—not dirt. Dirt absorbs water and swells when saturated, which will put unwanted pressure on the back of the wall. Meanwhile, gravel and sand don’t swell or retain water, so the wall will be subjected to less pressure.