How to Drill Holes in a Pipe for a French Drain

Drilling holes in a plastic PVC pipe to create a French drain is quite simple. Remember that the pipe for the French drain is only one part of the drainage system. To construct a proper French drain trench, you will also need filter fabric, washed stone, gravel and other components.

1. Clamp the PVC pipe to a workbench or table.

2. Snap chalklines the length of the pipe at 10 o'clock, 11 o'clock, 12 o'clock, 1 o'clock and 2 o'clock.

3. Drill 3/8-inch holes approximately 3 inches apart down each chalk line.