Installing French drains, or drainage tile, is a highly effective way to deal with poor yard drainage . A French drain is dug into a trench that you then cover with rocks. This drainage tile system connects to your pipes to help guide water away from your house. The first part of a French drain is the elevated end, also referred to as the drain field. This drain field is where the excess surface water enters into the drain pipes. Second, the French drain exit point. This is the lowest point where the water leaves the drain. The French drain creates a slop in which the waste water can easily exit. A French drainage tile system is a perforated tube that allows water to enter while keeping soil out and over time, the drains can be overgrown by tree roots , stray soil, gravel and other debris. You should be cleaning out these French drains every year, usually after Winter and before Spring. The easiest way to tell if your French drain is operating properly is to look for wetness ...