Washed Drain Rock (#57) for Drainage Projects: What Contractors Should Order
By Seth Cvancara, Founder, Mouse Mining LLC. Published . Updated .
Use washed #57 when plans call for clean 3/4 inch stone around drainage systems. Use leach rock, AASHTO #4 or angular drain rock when that specific name or gradation appears on the plans. Mouse Mining confirms the spec and delivers full truckloads with a 25 ton minimum.
Our complete guide to ordering bulk rock and aggregate explains the full buying process. This article focuses on choosing and ordering washed drainage stone without substituting one pit name for a plan requirement.
What is washed #57 rock?
Washed #57 rock is clean, crushed stone commonly called 3/4 inch washed rock. Washing removes fines so water can move through the open spaces between stones. It is used for drainage, concrete aggregate, pipe bedding and French drains when the project plans call for that material.
Review the product details for #57 washed rock before sending your plan callout.
When should you use #57 vs drain or leach rock?
Choose the material named in the plan callout rather than treating every washed stone as interchangeable. #57 is a 3/4 inch product, while leach rock, AASHTO #4 and angular drain rock are separate callouts. Seth confirms the matching source before a customer order is released.
| Material | Typical size callout | Typical drainage use |
|---|---|---|
| #57 | 3/4in | French drains and pipe bedding when specified |
| #67 | #67 | Drainage work when specified |
| Leach rock | 1-1/2in Leach Rock | Septic leach fields |
| AASHTO #4 | AASHTO #4 | Drainage and filter stone when specified |
| Angular drain rock | Angular Drain Rock | Underdrains and drainage systems |
Compare the broader family on the drain and leach rock page.
Which drainage jobs use washed rock?
Washed rock is commonly used in French drains, around perforated pipe, in underdrains and in septic leach fields. It can also provide drainage behind retaining walls when the plans call for it. The open gradation matters, so confirm the required material instead of ordering by appearance alone.
- French drains
- Perforated pipe bedding
- Underdrains
- Septic leach fields
- Behind retaining walls when plans call for it
How many tons of drain rock do you need?
Calculate the trench or drainage volume in cubic yards, then apply the confirmed material factor. The site uses a general 1.4 to 1.5 tons per cubic yard range for crushed rock and gravel, but the exact value varies. Confirm the final factor and tonnage on the quote.
Use the step by step rock tonnage guide, then send the result with your quote request.
How do you order drain rock by spec?
Send the plan callout, delivery address, estimated tonnage and requested timing. Seth checks the material name and gradation against an available source, then confirms the match on the delivered quote. This avoids substituting a similar local trade name for the actual material the project requires.
Why should contractors schedule drainage rock in fall?
Fall drainage work often needs the stone placed before frozen ground interrupts trenching and backfill. Confirm the plan material early, calculate the volume and reserve full truckloads around the crew's sequence. Mouse Mining coordinates the delivered material without promising a weather date that the job cannot control.
Need a delivered price?
Send the material, tonnage and delivery location. 25 ton minimum. Delivering across Colorado, Wyoming, New Mexico, Utah, Arizona and Texas.
Frequently asked questions
Is #57 rock the same as drain rock?
#57 is one washed drainage product. Drain rock is a broader category that also includes other plan callouts and sizes.
What size is #57 washed rock?
The Mouse Mining materials catalog lists #57 as 3/4 inch washed rock.
Can #57 rock go around perforated pipe?
Yes, when the project plans call for #57 around the pipe. Send the callout so the material can be confirmed.
Does Mouse Mining deliver leach rock?
Yes. Drain and leach rock is available by delivered full truckloads where an appropriate source serves the job.
What is the minimum order?
Full truckloads with a 25 ton minimum.
Where does Mouse Mining deliver drainage rock?
Mouse Mining delivers across Colorado, Wyoming, New Mexico, Utah, Arizona and Texas, subject to source availability for the required spec.