The design of a properly built retaining wall resists the force of the soil behind it and prevents caving buckling or leaning.
Install french drain behind retaining wall.
Mar 19 2014 when building a retaining wall lay perforated drainage tubing at the base of the wall slightly above ground level so runoff can drain out without undermining your wall.
Compact the bottom of the hole behind the retaining wall to get it flat.
A retaining wall is built to hold back a certain amount of soil.
A french drain is a trench filled with a perforated pipe and gravel that allows water to drain naturally from your yard.
However retaining walls are built with a certain capacity in mind.
The pipe should rest on the same compacted gravel base or concrete footing that supports the wall.
Why proper drainage is important for retaining wall performance.
Luckily you can avoid these problems by installing a french drain.
Otherwise water moving down the hill will build up behind the wall and undermine it.
Drainage problems in your yard can lead to pooling mold or water damage in or around your home.
Pour 1 to 2 inch washed drainage rock into the hole along the base of the wall about 4 to 6 inches deep.
This video shows you how to properly install a drainpipe behind your wall for prop.