Drain-tile pipe sizes & slope conventions

Drain tile (perforated pipe in gravel) carries water to a sump or daylight. Common pipe is 3–4 in, laid at about a 1% slope (~1 in per 8 ft) so it drains. These are stable conventions, not code — confirm local requirements. Apply them in the French drain and interior drain tile tools.

ElementConventionNotes
Pipe size3–4 in perforatedCorrugated or rigid PVC
Slope (fall)~1% (≈ 1 in per 8 ft)Enough to drain, not so steep it silts
Gravel surroundwashed stoneWrap in filter fabric to resist clogging
Outletsump or daylightInterior tile → sump; exterior → daylight if grade allows

Timeless conventions, not a code reference — confirm pipe, slope and outlet requirements with your local building department.

The ~1% fall, drawn over 8 ft of pipeAn 8 ft length of drain tile drawn against the fall the convention asks for, with the slope expressed as a percentage and as an angle.0.96 in8 ft (96 in) of pipe1%0.57°Vertical exaggerated ×26.4 (angle and % are real)
The whole drop across 8 ft of pipe is under an inch, which is why a correctly laid run still looks flat to the eye — check it with a level and a tape, not by looking. Confirm pipe, slope and outlet requirements with your local building department.