I live in the U.k. so plenty plenty water I just love watching folk that firstly know what they are doing but mostly I love watching folk that care and want to do it right sadly these days not many folk like that around !! All they seem to want these days is the pay cheq the money for the least amount of work ..So well done Sir I can tell you are passionate about what you do and thats why you will never be out of work Wish you were over the pond I really really do!! Its simple things like boards so the track machine does not make a mess its cutting the sod so it fits Its using the right materials etc etc etc ITS MAKING SURE THE CUSTOMER IS HAPPY !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I purchased the high octane 4” blue. Followed his directions on the burrito wrap with rounded stone. I had over 200’ to run. Took me two days and I am very pleased and water disappears very quickly. Also got the shipment very fast. I’m just saying thanks problem solved.
Could you describe how you pinned or secured the burrito wrap so it would not unravel ie) How far apart did you pin it (every 12", 16", etc.), how much do you need to OVERLAP the burrito wrap (6" overlap or 12" overlap, etc.) and what device or component did you actually use to PIN the wrap? Thanks!
@17:00 - Man that is GENIUS! Seriously, I've been able to understand why the pipe has holes, but describing it the way you did was really remarkable. The trench is filled with gravel, so there are voids. That's why it can flow (and flow downward because of its constant tilt ... but your description of the pipe was magnificent: The pipe is the BIGGEST VOID. The idea being you need a lot of void to get the water from the surrounding soil and from the surface into the trench, but you need even MORE void LATERALLY, the length of your drain, to keep the drainage moving. So you force a 6" diameter continuous void to "reside" inside the trench. Magnificent! Seriously, I was able to "feel" why it worked, but I could not really explain how it worked until now.
I've watched most of your videos. Trying to learn as much as I can and when I happen upon someone else's videos I say to myself that's not how the french drain man would do it. lol.
@@FRENCHDRAINMAN OHH I need this video too!!! We get flooding under the house and the builder just paints the brick foundation with tar... French line is right up against the foundation, no gap at all and I wonder if the french drain should be deeper than the foundation? Thanks from Australia! :)
I wish you were in TEXAS! I had a guy come in and dig down 12 inches in our clay soil and fill with topsoil. Now I have a swimming pool with no outlet. He now wants a fortune to put in a french drain. I'm 70 and my husband is 80 and we are looking to do this ourselves. I'm exhausted just watching the video! I am convinced yours works.
The problem w/ clay soil is it will completely clog up filter fabric over time. A system like this will clog up and hold water. PVC would work better at moving water without holding it or clogging up but PVC is more difficult to install. You get what you pay for.
Is there a minimum amount of stone you would recommend putting on top of a French? I ask because I’m getting ready to trench a long run, and I would like to start the trench shallow as possible in order to maintain the necessary 1% pitch. Last thing I wanna do is start deep and then get so deep at the other end of the trench that I have trouble bringing it to daylight
So glad i found this channel. Im getting ready to DIY a system in my backyard and was close to using the low quality materials offered from lowes or homedepot. After watching these vids and going to there site for only a few hundred dollars more i can have higher quality materials shipped straight to the house. I will be placing an order soon.
What will happen to the downspout via a pop-up window in late fall or winter? I live in Quebec, it rains several times in winter. The next day it can be -15, the pop-up will freeze, break or become blocked by ice.
I have watched several drain company TH-cam presentations where they have absolutely no idea what they are doing. I have extensive knowledge as a builder and developer. You know your subject all these others are a joke. Good job
You add no value to the comment section, all you did is come on here bragging of your knowledge yet you did not share anything but jealousy, I am not an expert at any of this, but I find it very upsetting when so called expert like you find fault of other people with no real solution. If you don't have anything positive to say, stay the fuck off the net, if you were all that good you would not be watching this. I am watching because I am trying to fix my water problem and I am not an expert.
@@MrNanah38 His comment was directed at other professional drainage companies who share videos of their work that is poorly done. When somebody is an expert in their trade, it pains them to see other so called experts give out false information and advice that wont solve people's problems and waste their time and money. His comment was definitely not directed at DIYers like yourself trying to learn how to fix their own water issues and is reassuring to some people that they have come to the right place to learn about the topic.
21:27 this must've been prior to "always use catch basin with downspouts". How does the solid downspout pipe with new catch basin properly integrate with the french drain pipe if it needs to go along same route?
Is this blue pipe really stronger than PVC schedule 40 ? Can vehicles or farm tractors drive over without crushing it? Thats hard to believe but if so, im gonna buy a few pipes this weekend. Plz confirm. Thanks
There is a video on this channel where FDM rolls the front wheels of his truck over the pipe, gets out of the truck and points the camera at the pipe with the truck on it and talks for a few minutes. The pipe was fine.
Hey I subscribed today after viewing your videos. Another reason is that you have excellent detailed description on your professional install. Your a professional with a plan.
So great to have this info. I've installed something similar in tight spaces, worked like a charm. Downloaded Farm Drainage by Henry French (1858) where he suggests the earlier version of this. I have two questions, though: 1) I was told they don't work in MN because they'll freeze, is this true, and therefore an issue?, and 2) I don't have anywhere to connect the outlet, just wanted to move any rain water away from the foundation (yard slopes toward house) - will this work as a sort of seep well to gather water and let it soak in further from the house? Soil is sandy loam, so that's maybe better for drainage in general. Thanks!!
If they're built correctly, they should not hold any water, so they will not freeze. If they're built incorrectly, they're going to hold water and they will freeze. th-cam.com/play/PLjFCqaZ4v1BXXbPw3Vf7e86DbKj7qOnLn.html&si=4nLILQhFIu4M9ER0
Do I need to do both. French drain and downspouts. Or can I just do downspouts out to the road. My yard can’t drain out the water fast enough due to the amount of rain coming from the downspouts. So I’m thinking that if I run pipe from the house to the street that would fix the problem. I just don’t want to have to go back and put a French drain in if it doesn’t fix the issue I have with the water pudding up in the back and sides of the house. What do you think would be the best approach. I live in Houston Tx. I wish I had someone like you out here doing French drains.
The hardest part of this job is digging the trench. Better off to just do separate pipes in the same trench while you have everything opened up. I would use solid pipe for the downspouts.
I have a big puddle on the edge of my driveway. Can I put a French drain next to it? What do I use for a cover or screen to stop crap from getting in? Do I need to put a catch basin there? How far must the pipe run be at a minimum? Do I need to cap the other end off? The discharge end will be underground because I won't have slope otherwise. Thanks for the information.
I was literally just getting ready to drop 4" of 3/4" pea stone under my 4" perforated corrugated pipe. Now I will set the pipe at the bottom of the trench.
You mentioned not using the high octane on a farm. I need to drain from the horse shelter and in a pasture. Only equipment in the area is a lawn mower. does that change anything? no planting . Which pipe should I use?
Richmond, VA here. Being a commercial driver does not help; being away from home as I am but, I need to get this done on my front and back yards. Will hire a crew to get this done.
Hi, been watching your vids for a bit now and really great. I just want to ask though what determines between one drain pipe or two please. I am building a house in Poland and we have sourced a spring about a meter back from the house - not ideal but fresh water on the land a plus for sure. What this spring be the determining factor in two pipes? Look forward to hearing from you. Jason
@simplecountrylife1980 Springs are tricky and move all around. They hop around, and you will end up having to add to the system, guaranteed. You might want to consider a 6-inch trunk line, and you just keep adding 4-inch feeder pipes to it. And if you don't feel you have that much water, then do all 4-inch. A 4-inch pipe will move 180 gallons per minute; a 6-inch pipe is about double that.
So a couple other questions. Could the trench be smaller like the size a trencher would cut? And could smaller stone be used like gravel if you have the sock over the high octane
My home is on a slab and I'm putting an OPEN french drain on the back side of the home. Should the French drain be right up against the back of the house OR should there be some space between the back of the home's foundation and my drain?
In the center of a gravel driveway, will this high octane pipe not be crushed in the bottom of an 18" deep by 1' trench with fabric and filled solid with gravel and then wrapped (last 6" would be unwrapped gravel to match the new driveway)?
I just purchased a house (not in flood plain) during dry season in FL. Now in the middle of a really wet rainy season and I have a huge standing puddle in my yard. The city culvert isn’t very deep and holds water. Would it be pointless to run my drain over to the culvert? I’m assuming it would back up the syatem
FDM's Online Yard Drain Supplies: www.frenchdrainman.com/store ======= French Drain Man - Michigan’s Yard Water Drainage Experts. Masters in the art of constructing contained French drain systems & curtain drain systems that and fix your yard drainage problems for years to come. Over 30 years’ experience in solving yard water drainage problems in Oakland, Macomb, Lapeer, and St. Clair Counties. French Drain Man / Sherwood Landscape Construction, LLC P.O. Box 777 Almont, MI 48003 248-505-3065 www.frenchdrainman.com www.macombcountylandscaping.com Follow us on: Facebook: facebook.com/FRENCHDRAINMANUSA/ Instagram: instagram.com/frenchdrainman
What should I do if I don't have sod to cut back? In the process of redoing lawn so all I'll have is dirt for the top layer to then seed and straw. Is that okay?
@@FRENCHDRAINMAN Thanks for your reply. Do you sell a pipe that would be good for the perimeter of a concrete (Alaskan) slab? I was gonna use 4" sewer pipe with holes drilled on bottom but maybe you sell something good for that purpose?
I'd like to learn more about the slope setting process. What is the closest to the surface your pipe can be. Is there a minimum depth? I'm trying to figure out how to manage the 1% slope over a 130ft distance that is pretty flat.
@Austin Just put 2 High Octane Flat moves the same amount of water as 1 pipe with 1% slope. The reason why so many guys preach slope is because they don't use Non woven Geotextile Double Punched Fabric and need slope to push the dirt and debris out of the pipe.
@@FRENCHDRAINMAN so does no slope just mean the pressure of the water entering the pipe will move water? What should I do if I have to come up from under ground to pop it up into this concrete culvert? Made this video last year: th-cam.com/video/FKxvRsDYaBo/w-d-xo.html
Quick question..if there ever was such a thing. My back yard does not have enough slope from where I want the drain to begin to where I want the outflow of water to be. I need to increase the slope by having the beginning of the drain higher than then the outflow. And, I only need the drainage area to be about 40 feet of perforated pipe; the burrito. This area will need to be ground level with the 40 feet of fabric exposed to make the drain area a slightly higher elevation. The remaining 100 feet or so of the drain will only be solid pipe that is a little deeper every 10 feet or so to create a slope to force the water to flow to the outflow. I can't dig the outflow area deep enough to actually bury that 40 feet of drain area because the water would simply pool up and not flow. So, does this idea of 40 feet feet of drain area to 100 feet of solid drain with a gradual slope (outflow lower than the drain area of course) sound like it will or should work? Awesome videos!
I was hoping that this video made some mention of the level of the pipes or the level of the hand dig. I didnt see a level used once, is it not necessary?
Great video and informative and never got bored. My neighbor has a leak they won’t fix and the city won’t help. My question is I have a 3” pipe that runs under the area I need fixed and it goes to the street though the curb and is used for pool deck and backyard drainage and other than drains in the backyard the pipe is closed . How would I tie into it to take the water away from the side of my house? Do you have a video on that? Again great job!!!
What is your typical grade? I read 1% but what do you do with the end of the pipe? I can pump it into my pond but that would require a decently deep sump basin. I'm in the pacific northwest so we have a ton of rain. Also why is it soooo expensive to ship the high octane. I literally cannot find it anywhere except what you sell! Last, generally what permits are required for a French drain project?
A couple of questions without wading through all the comments... First, does a french drain have to be sloped? Secondly, we have ditches for our drainage, not storm drains. It's maybe 100 feet from my down spout on the house to the ditch... Can I connect my down spout directly to the perforated pipe, or do I need to run that third solid walled pipe and lay it on the perforated pipe... Lastly, can I just run the single perforated pipe instead of two. Thanks.
What about if you want to leave the stone exposed for decorative purposes? Would you close the fabrics and put rocks on top again? Also what is the difference between the blue and yellow line?
you can totally leave a stone surface, we actually recommend it without closing the fabric for maximum drainage. They "absorb" water a whole lot better that way.
@FRENCH DRAIN MAN I have a house built from filled dirt certified by the city where I live. It was a pond before. The builder made sort of made like a drench for the water to keep away from the foundation. I want to put the French Drain, but I am not sure if this appropriate. Is this appropriate to keep water away from the foundation of my house?
How deep do you recommend burying 4 inch black corrugated pipe in an area that will be driven over with a zero turn and occasionally with a 4000 pound tractor?
I have an area that's about 15 ft wide and 50 ft long and would one row of pipe be sufficient? Can you tell me how big a swath would I need for this system to drain? Would one row of pipe handle that 15 ft? I would appreciate and be thankful for any help you can give me.
I've watched several of your videos and I am now grasping the concepts. Thank you. Question - can you build a French drain directly next to a house? Can you dig the trench next to the foundation? Because what's happening is the water is coming off a hill and hitting the side of the house and the side of the house has become the drain. So I wanted to know if I can dig right beside the house since that's where the water is going naturally
Do you have to go to a city drain for a French drain system sadly my drain is at the end of my street so across multiple neighbor's properties can I add catch basins or what would be the solution if your not going to the drain at the end of the street
Scott- those blind inlets will handle pot holes 2+inches in depth?...I have a bad spot, not sure I need badged or if a blind inlet will suffice..Thanks
I was hoping I might get your advice an something . Where I live must have a high water table, everyone has sumo pumps under there house . And just about everyone gets mold on the HVAC duct work under the house. We are trying to figure out the best way to prevent this from happening again , before we change out the duct work. My thinking is, 1 - regrade the yard to lesson the water from flowing towards the house. 2-Dig down to the bottom of the foundation wall and seal the out side( since there are several places under the house you can see water coming in ) 3. Install a French drain (like yours in this video)on the out side of home 4 -install drains on all the gutter extending them further away from home 5- Install a drain underneath the house to force the water down to sump pump . But , that takes time and money . But I’m guessing that would be the best thing ? ??? Am I correct ? I just dug a trench under the house to apply termite killer , and thought , humm while I have this already dug , should I go ahead and install a drain to force water to pump! And then hopefully in spring do some things on the out side. I guess my question is, if I do the drain under the house now, will I just create more of a flow twords the house ? . A gravity pull effect I guess ? Since I have to do the work my self .. I want to make sure I’m doing it right . And I’ve called a few pros and can’t get a straight answer.
Hi, FDM! I commented a few days ago, asking about the gaps that remain between the spikes when overlapping and pinning the material to create a burrito. Thank you for sending the link to the full video! While your process and materials seem top notch overall, the way you’re pinning the burrito closed with a single spike every 30” or so appears to create gaps big enough for dirt to work its way to the rocks and pipe. The only thing I see to prevent that from happening is that sod gets laid on top of the fabric to hold it in place. But that doesn’t seem like a very effective long term solution. Am I misunderstanding something? Thx!
Putting several pipes in the hole with plugs on the ends is more efficient than using one drain pipe with just stone? How do the orher.pipes provide more flow than just stone? Interesting idea.. which method is cheaper?
Watch "Two Great Systems in One Trench French Drain, Yard Drain, Perimeter Drain, Curtain Drain DIYers" on TH-cam th-cam.com/video/kvEIKcAPQik/w-d-xo.html If you live where you see tropical storms follow that video. Also Yes to 3" Topsoil mixed with sand to make sandyloam on top of the French Drain is fine to grow grass with sprinklers.
Unless I missed it, can you share the depth you typically aim for for the trench, and the slope of the run? I would imagine half an inch every 10 ft or something like that?
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Watch "Yard Drain Slope 101 Part 1" on TH-cam th-cam.com/video/2Sj1JzyFeeE/w-d-xo.html Watch "Yard Drain 101- Basins & Pop up Emitters - Part 2" on TH-cam th-cam.com/video/JsnbMp1g8y4/w-d-xo.html
![Dos & Don'ts - Downspout Drain in the North Where Winter is Winter [ Complete Guide ]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/_V1efJM-8yM/mqdefault.jpg)
![Dos & Don'ts - Downspout Drain in the North Where Winter is Winter [ Complete Guide ]](/img/tr.png)
Best Pop Up Emitter FDM's V2.0 for Downspout Drainage
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Best dang video on fresh drain installation out there! Thanks for putting this out there!
Here is my French Drain Playlist
th-cam.com/play/PLjFCqaZ4v1BXWZPUFUNw6SMI64dtHlhzl.html&si=VPkJ5b-DZF7dPaVF
I live in the U.k. so plenty plenty water I just love watching folk that firstly know what they are doing but mostly I love watching folk that care and want to do it right sadly these days
not many folk like that around !! All they seem to want these days is the pay cheq the money for the least amount of work ..So well done Sir I can tell you are passionate
about what you do and thats why you will never be out of work Wish you were over the pond I really really do!! Its simple things like boards so the track machine does not
make a mess its cutting the sod so it fits Its using the right materials etc etc etc ITS MAKING SURE THE CUSTOMER IS HAPPY !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
These videos make me want a French drain even if I didn’t need it! 😂
I purchased the high octane 4” blue. Followed his directions on the burrito wrap with rounded stone. I had over 200’ to run. Took me two days and I am very pleased and water disappears very quickly. Also got the shipment very fast. I’m just saying thanks problem solved.
Two days to to complete 200feet is impressive.. took me 14 days all by hand
Did you run a single 200 ft line or a dbl line
Could you describe how you pinned or secured the burrito wrap so it would not unravel ie) How far apart did you pin it (every 12", 16", etc.), how much do you need to OVERLAP the burrito wrap (6" overlap or 12" overlap, etc.) and what device or component did you actually use to PIN the wrap? Thanks!
Excellent, well made video thank you for sharing!!! sheers from California!!!
Watched most of your videos, and still learning new stuff!
@17:00 - Man that is GENIUS! Seriously, I've been able to understand why the pipe has holes, but describing it the way you did was really remarkable. The trench is filled with gravel, so there are voids. That's why it can flow (and flow downward because of its constant tilt ... but your description of the pipe was magnificent: The pipe is the BIGGEST VOID. The idea being you need a lot of void to get the water from the surrounding soil and from the surface into the trench, but you need even MORE void LATERALLY, the length of your drain, to keep the drainage moving. So you force a 6" diameter continuous void to "reside" inside the trench. Magnificent! Seriously, I was able to "feel" why it worked, but I could not really explain how it worked until now.
Thank you for this video! It takes a good person to give everybody this!!
I placed an order yesterday to do a drain around my garage, cant wait to get it,thank u👍
Nice explanation on the mesh. No overlap.
th-cam.com/play/PLjFCqaZ4v1BUmAXw5xwQ0zbQRPxnX0U7R.html
How does water travel though? Do you provide a slope?
I've watched most of your videos. Trying to learn as much as I can and when I happen upon someone else's videos I say to myself that's not how the french drain man would do it. lol.
Same here.
Lol
How close can the trench of the french drain be from the foundation of the house?
I will make you a video Stay Tuned!!
@@FRENCHDRAINMAN OHH I need this video too!!! We get flooding under the house and the builder just paints the brick foundation with tar... French line is right up against the foundation, no gap at all and I wonder if the french drain should be deeper than the foundation? Thanks from Australia! :)
th-cam.com/video/Hd2IeU_xFZw/w-d-xo.html
This is excellent video and the whole process is well explained. Thanks French Drain Man.
I used the half corregated half solid on the bottom pipe and it catches the water and then flows wonderful.
I wish you were in TEXAS! I had a guy come in and dig down 12 inches in our clay soil and fill with topsoil. Now I have a swimming pool with no outlet. He now wants a fortune to put in a french drain. I'm 70 and my husband is 80 and we are looking to do this ourselves. I'm exhausted just watching the video! I am convinced yours works.
The problem w/ clay soil is it will completely clog up filter fabric over time. A system like this will clog up and hold water. PVC would work better at moving water without holding it or clogging up but PVC is more difficult to install. You get what you pay for.
I take it you need to lay the pipe with a gradually fall so the water flows in the right direction?
Digging in the winter, always fun. Also I’m stealing the term “sweat equity”! Thanks for all the information!!
Why discharge downspout drain via pop-up behind patio steps? Why not run on out to end of line?
Have a great day!
Is there a minimum amount of stone you would recommend putting on top of a French?
I ask because I’m getting ready to trench a long run, and I would like to start the trench shallow as possible in order to maintain the necessary 1% pitch. Last thing I wanna do is start deep and then get so deep at the other end of the trench that I have trouble bringing it to daylight
We'll start 7 inches deep if we're going to do what you describe. Start 7 to 10 inches deep.
So much information, I love it! Thanks for making these videos.
So glad i found this channel. Im getting ready to DIY a system in my backyard and was close to using the low quality materials offered from lowes or homedepot. After watching these vids and going to there site for only a few hundred dollars more i can have higher quality materials shipped straight to the house. I will be placing an order soon.
What will happen to the downspout via a pop-up window in late fall or winter? I live in Quebec, it rains several times in winter. The next day it can be -15, the pop-up will freeze, break or become blocked by ice.
great job on this one plus way to finish off the video with detail on how that pop up will work, Thanks
Do have any people near this way? I've seen your work and it's great and just what I need here.
Call 248-505-3065 for a contractor near you.
Thanks for all the videos. Can i place 3 pipes in a French drain to save on the 40mm stones
th-cam.com/video/NTXJymUXA60/w-d-xo.htmlsi=W-AundJyrs1RunoP
Many thanks for the fast reply@@FRENCHDRAINMAN
Would you consider making a video that shows how you wrap your tees, wyes, and drainage basins?
I have watched several drain company TH-cam presentations where they have absolutely no idea what they are doing. I have extensive knowledge as a builder and developer.
You know your subject all these others are a joke.
Good job
You add no value to the comment section, all you did is come on here bragging of your knowledge yet you did not share anything but jealousy, I am not an expert at any of this, but I find it very upsetting when so called expert like you find fault of other people with no real solution.
If you don't have anything positive to say, stay the fuck off the net, if you were all that good you would not be watching this. I am watching because I am trying to fix my water problem and I am not an expert.
@@MrNanah38 His comment was directed at other professional drainage companies who share videos of their work that is poorly done. When somebody is an expert in their trade, it pains them to see other so called experts give out false information and advice that wont solve people's problems and waste their time and money. His comment was definitely not directed at DIYers like yourself trying to learn how to fix their own water issues and is reassuring to some people that they have come to the right place to learn about the topic.
21:27 this must've been prior to "always use catch basin with downspouts". How does the solid downspout pipe with new catch basin properly integrate with the french drain pipe if it needs to go along same route?
th-cam.com/play/PLjFCqaZ4v1BUqichor2QH1X_p9bBPor8D.html&si=804_PFvu5en4EchT
Hi, thanks, what is the approximate cost of a project like this?
How many yards of stone would you get for a project like this
1 yard every 30ft
Is this blue pipe really stronger than PVC schedule 40 ? Can vehicles or farm tractors drive over without crushing it? Thats hard to believe but if so, im gonna buy a few pipes this weekend. Plz confirm. Thanks
There is a video on this channel where FDM rolls the front wheels of his truck over the pipe, gets out of the truck and points the camera at the pipe with the truck on it and talks for a few minutes. The pipe was fine.
@@misha6162 +1 I can't find the video you're talking about, trying to find it. It's there somewhere.
How long geotextile degrade and need to be replaced?
One of the best videos out there for the diy'er.. The trench is 18" wide by 12" deep correct?
That will work great!
We do 14"x14" for 2 pipes on the bottom.
Best French Drain and Yard Drainage Contractor
frenchdrainman.com/
Hey I subscribed today after viewing your videos. Another reason is that you have excellent detailed description on your professional install. Your a professional with a plan.
How deep you dig the trench?
Can you go underneath the ceders? Or should I go where the fence door opens?
th-cam.com/play/PLjFCqaZ4v1BXWZPUFUNw6SMI64dtHlhzl.html&si=PXZ7go7wTLshht3z
I wish I could have you guys here in Adkins TX! Or somebody with your detail oriented work.
So great to have this info. I've installed something similar in tight spaces, worked like a charm. Downloaded Farm Drainage by Henry French (1858) where he suggests the earlier version of this. I have two questions, though: 1) I was told they don't work in MN because they'll freeze, is this true, and therefore an issue?, and 2) I don't have anywhere to connect the outlet, just wanted to move any rain water away from the foundation (yard slopes toward house) - will this work as a sort of seep well to gather water and let it soak in further from the house? Soil is sandy loam, so that's maybe better for drainage in general. Thanks!!
If they're built correctly, they should not hold any water, so they will not freeze. If they're built incorrectly, they're going to hold water and they will freeze.
th-cam.com/play/PLjFCqaZ4v1BXXbPw3Vf7e86DbKj7qOnLn.html&si=4nLILQhFIu4M9ER0
Do I need to do both. French drain and downspouts. Or can I just do downspouts out to the road. My yard can’t drain out the water fast enough due to the amount of rain coming from the downspouts. So I’m thinking that if I run pipe from the house to the street that would fix the problem. I just don’t want to have to go back and put a French drain in if it doesn’t fix the issue I have with the water pudding up in the back and sides of the house. What do you think would be the best approach. I live in Houston Tx. I wish I had someone like you out here doing French drains.
I have the same issue. I wish he responded to your comment. Ughhh
The hardest part of this job is digging the trench. Better off to just do separate pipes in the same trench while you have everything opened up. I would use solid pipe for the downspouts.
With these systems, how big of an emphasis is the slope of the trench?
We build flat all the time. They move water. If slope is there take it but if not I have videos on a flat yard no slope.
I have a big puddle on the edge of my driveway. Can I put a French drain next to it? What do I use for a cover or screen to stop crap from getting in? Do I need to put a catch basin there? How far must the pipe run be at a minimum? Do I need to cap the other end off? The discharge end will be underground because I won't have slope otherwise. Thanks for the information.
th-cam.com/video/wPkMB7qlUSo/w-d-xo.htmlsi=jINrj48cFQVvq54W
Great video.
I was literally just getting ready to drop 4" of 3/4" pea stone under my 4" perforated corrugated pipe. Now I will set the pipe at the bottom of the trench.
Which stores usually sell 1.5 inch round rock for French drains? I live in Dallas and by googling it I don’t see any stores that sell them
th-cam.com/video/NTXJymUXA60/w-d-xo.htmlsi=bNv5OaLM3qvbuMKG
I wonder do we need The fabric here in North Carolina near Charlotte Hoping I can put perforated pipe and rock without Fabric
th-cam.com/play/PLjFCqaZ4v1BXWZPUFUNw6SMI64dtHlhzl.html&si=S0xFCgIqnu38OjAZ
You mentioned not using the high octane on a farm. I need to drain from the horse shelter and in a pasture. Only equipment in the area is a lawn mower. does that change anything? no planting . Which pipe should I use?
What is purpose of blind inlet ? Thnx
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Richmond, VA here.
Being a commercial driver does not help; being away from home as I am but, I need to get this done on my front and back yards.
Will hire a crew to get this done.
Would you still use the non woven geotextile fabric with red clay soil type ? Doing an install on the west coast .
th-cam.com/play/PLjFCqaZ4v1BUmAXw5xwQ0zbQRPxnX0U7R.html&si=H12kC2sIMLnZZr3p
Hi, been watching your vids for a bit now and really great. I just want to ask though what determines between one drain pipe or two please. I am building a house in Poland and we have sourced a spring about a meter back from the house - not ideal but fresh water on the land a plus for sure. What this spring be the determining factor in two pipes? Look forward to hearing from you. Jason
@simplecountrylife1980
Springs are tricky and move all around. They hop around, and you will end up having to add to the system, guaranteed. You might want to consider a 6-inch trunk line, and you just keep adding 4-inch feeder pipes to it. And if you don't feel you have that much water, then do all 4-inch. A 4-inch pipe will move 180 gallons per minute; a 6-inch pipe is about double that.
Hi I’m a first timer doin a French drain👍 my back yards gtn flooded can I zig zag over the lawn to one run off? Thanks
We usually run a main and branch off to low areas. Zig zag might work for you. We do Consultations $500.00 a yard 248-505-3065 to design your system.
So a couple other questions. Could the trench be smaller like the size a trencher would cut? And could smaller stone be used like gravel if you have the sock over the high octane
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What is some advice for installing one while it is already raining?
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Can i put sod on top of the stones if they are not wrapped in fabric?
Yes
My home is on a slab and I'm putting an OPEN french drain on the back side of the home. Should the French drain be right up against the back of the house OR should there be some space between the back of the home's foundation and my drain?
If no basement you can go right up to the house.
Thanks so much. This video was exactly what I was looking for.
In the center of a gravel driveway, will this high octane pipe not be crushed in the bottom of an 18" deep by 1' trench with fabric and filled solid with gravel and then wrapped (last 6" would be unwrapped gravel to match the new driveway)?
We use the 6 inch in driveways it's even stronger yet
I just purchased a house (not in flood plain) during dry season in FL. Now in the middle of a really wet rainy season and I have a huge standing puddle in my yard. The city culvert isn’t very deep and holds water. Would it be pointless to run my drain over to the culvert? I’m assuming it would back up the syatem
where can I buy the High Octane blue pipe and the geotechnical style fabric. I live south of Byron Center MI. Thank you for your videos
FDM's Online Yard Drain Supplies: www.frenchdrainman.com/store
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French Drain Man - Michigan’s Yard Water Drainage Experts. Masters in the art of constructing contained French drain systems & curtain drain systems that and fix your yard drainage problems for years to come. Over 30 years’ experience in solving yard water drainage problems in Oakland, Macomb, Lapeer, and St. Clair Counties.
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What should I do if I don't have sod to cut back? In the process of redoing lawn so all I'll have is dirt for the top layer to then seed and straw. Is that okay?
i need to know the answer to this as well.
This may be a stupid question but when do you know you should use 2 high octane pipes in a drain vs. only one pipe?
@Lewis
When you have little to no slope.
@@FRENCHDRAINMAN Thanks for your reply. Do you sell a pipe that would be good for the perimeter of a concrete (Alaskan)
slab? I was gonna use 4" sewer pipe with holes drilled on bottom but maybe you sell something good for that purpose?
@@FRENCHDRAINMAN Do you need any slope at all with 2 high octanes?
How does this pipe do when you need to put a snake through it? I have tons of trees
I’m in GR, how easy is it to get supplies for a 50” system?
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I'd like to learn more about the slope setting process. What is the closest to the surface your pipe can be. Is there a minimum depth? I'm trying to figure out how to manage the 1% slope over a 130ft distance that is pretty flat.
@Austin
Just put 2 High Octane Flat moves the same amount of water as 1 pipe with 1% slope. The reason why so many guys preach slope is because they don't use Non woven Geotextile Double Punched Fabric and need slope to push the dirt and debris out of the pipe.
@@FRENCHDRAINMAN so does no slope just mean the pressure of the water entering the pipe will move water? What should I do if I have to come up from under ground to pop it up into this concrete culvert? Made this video last year: th-cam.com/video/FKxvRsDYaBo/w-d-xo.html
is there an estimate of how much round rock is needed for each ft of french drain?
35 linear feet per cubic yard
Can you install a French drain when the ground is wet? Even though you have clay mix with your ground
We do all the time
@@FRENCHDRAINMAN I know you only do French drains, but from your knowledge. Can you even instal a privacy fence while it’s the same type of ground?
Do you tamp down the dirt in the bottom of French drain trenches?
Yes
Quick question..if there ever was such a thing. My back yard does not have enough slope from where I want the drain to begin to where I want the outflow of water to be. I need to increase the slope by having the beginning of the drain higher than then the outflow. And, I only need the drainage area to be about 40 feet of perforated pipe; the burrito. This area will need to be ground level with the 40 feet of fabric exposed to make the drain area a slightly higher elevation. The remaining 100 feet or so of the drain will only be solid pipe that is a little deeper every 10 feet or so to create a slope to force the water to flow to the outflow. I can't dig the outflow area deep enough to actually bury that 40 feet of drain area because the water would simply pool up and not flow. So, does this idea of 40 feet feet of drain area to 100 feet of solid drain with a gradual slope (outflow lower than the drain area of course) sound like it will or should work? Awesome videos!
Wish you guys can come out to Virginia Beach and do ours for us!
th-cam.com/play/PLjFCqaZ4v1BXWZPUFUNw6SMI64dtHlhzl.html&si=4Y8ZMsWjrr8lll7h
What if there is no storm drain to tie into? No place to daylight. Do you use a pop up at the end of a french drain ?
Yeah, what Don Fletcher Sr. said.....
I was hoping that this video made some mention of the level of the pipes or the level of the hand dig. I didnt see a level used once, is it not necessary?
th-cam.com/video/F5d-47POqbo/w-d-xo.htmlsi=7OBH1qojbEVurQ1S
Great video and informative and never got bored. My neighbor has a leak they won’t fix and the city won’t help. My question is I have a 3” pipe that runs under the area I need fixed and it goes to the street though the curb and is used for pool deck and backyard drainage and other than drains in the backyard the pipe is closed . How would I tie into it to take the water away from the side of my house? Do you have a video on that? Again great job!!!
What is your typical grade? I read 1% but what do you do with the end of the pipe? I can pump it into my pond but that would require a decently deep sump basin.
I'm in the pacific northwest so we have a ton of rain.
Also why is it soooo expensive to ship the high octane. I literally cannot find it anywhere except what you sell!
Last, generally what permits are required for a French drain project?
A couple of questions without wading through all the comments...
First, does a french drain have to be sloped?
Secondly, we have ditches for our drainage, not storm drains. It's maybe 100 feet from my down spout on the house to the ditch...
Can I connect my down spout directly to the perforated pipe, or do I need to run that third solid walled pipe and lay it on the perforated pipe...
Lastly, can I just run the single perforated pipe instead of two. Thanks.
th-cam.com/video/e8PvBKyaplE/w-d-xo.html
All the answers are here
I live in nj bergen county can you install French drain for around my house or basement which is better for house
You want both.
when should hard drainage pipe with holes be used instead of corrugated?
How deep and wide would you go? I’m curious so I can figure out how wide of fabric roll I would need.
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18-24" deep and wide. We use 4ft wide, two strips down each side. Overlap the base but dont staple. Then it expands when you put gravel in
What about if you want to leave the stone exposed for decorative purposes? Would you close the fabrics and put rocks on top again? Also what is the difference between the blue and yellow line?
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you can totally leave a stone surface, we actually recommend it without closing the fabric for maximum drainage. They "absorb" water a whole lot better that way.
Did you try to show how to connect two of those blue pipes together or that wasn't needed?
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Been a drainage watching junkie the last few months.. How do you measure Pitch for your project? Do you use a transit? String line? 1/8” per foot?
@K R
You Tube HOW TO MEASURE SLOPE FOR $5
@FRENCH DRAIN MAN
I have a house built from filled dirt certified by the city where I live. It was a pond before. The builder made sort of made like a drench for the water to keep away from the foundation. I want to put the French Drain, but I am not sure if this appropriate. Is this appropriate to keep water away from the foundation of my house?
How do you know of you need a single pipe or a double pipe like shown in this video?
th-cam.com/video/wPkMB7qlUSo/w-d-xo.htmlsi=UygalOOZKb6u-zyq
How deep do you recommend burying 4 inch black corrugated pipe in an area that will be driven over with a zero turn and occasionally with a 4000 pound tractor?
I like to pack 1/2" crushed stone around the pipe for best results. 16"x18" wide
If I need to do some regrading and resod should I do it before or after installing the french drain
th-cam.com/play/PLjFCqaZ4v1BXWZPUFUNw6SMI64dtHlhzl.html&si=W1bIbGhP-IatK17e
I have an area that's about 15 ft wide and 50 ft long and would one row of pipe be sufficient? Can you tell me how big a swath would I need for this system to drain? Would one row of pipe handle that 15 ft? I would appreciate and be thankful for any help you can give me.
I've watched several of your videos and I am now grasping the concepts. Thank you. Question - can you build a French drain directly next to a house? Can you dig the trench next to the foundation? Because what's happening is the water is coming off a hill and hitting the side of the house and the side of the house has become the drain. So I wanted to know if I can dig right beside the house since that's where the water is going naturally
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Any recommendations for a company that does this in Houston, Texas?
I need this too!!! Please!
Do you have to go to a city drain for a French drain system sadly my drain is at the end of my street so across multiple neighbor's properties can I add catch basins or what would be the solution if your not going to the drain at the end of the street
th-cam.com/video/mDlWmcZ-pcw/w-d-xo.htmlsi=pPXOO2r8xUNu241G
Scott- those blind inlets will handle pot holes 2+inches in depth?...I have a bad spot, not sure I need badged or if a blind inlet will suffice..Thanks
Can I buy everything I need from you? I have a 130’ run. I don’t know how many blind inlets I need or what else I need.
Thank you
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I was hoping I might get your advice an something . Where I live must have a high water table, everyone has sumo pumps under there house . And just about everyone gets mold on the HVAC duct work under the house. We are trying to figure out the best way to prevent this from happening again , before we change out the duct work.
My thinking is,
1 - regrade the yard to lesson the water from flowing towards the house.
2-Dig down to the bottom of the foundation wall and seal the out side( since there are several places under the house you can see water coming in )
3. Install a French drain (like yours in this video)on the out side of home
4 -install drains on all the gutter extending them further away from home
5- Install a drain underneath the house to force the water down to sump pump .
But , that takes time and money . But I’m guessing that would be the best thing ? ???
Am I correct ?
I just dug a trench under the house to apply termite killer , and thought , humm while I have this already dug , should I go ahead and install a drain to force water to pump! And then hopefully in spring do some things on the out side.
I guess my question is, if I do the drain under the house now, will I just create more of a flow twords the house ? . A gravity pull effect I guess ? Since I have to do the work my self .. I want to make sure I’m doing it right . And I’ve called a few pros and can’t get a straight answer.
Hi, FDM!
I commented a few days ago, asking about the gaps that remain between the spikes when overlapping and pinning the material to create a burrito. Thank you for sending the link to the full video!
While your process and materials seem top notch overall, the way you’re pinning the burrito closed with a single spike every 30” or so appears to create gaps big enough for dirt to work its way to the rocks and pipe. The only thing I see to prevent that from happening is that sod gets laid on top of the fabric to hold it in place. But that doesn’t seem like a very effective long term solution.
Am I misunderstanding something? Thx!
th-cam.com/video/OeMdMhRA_Mg/w-d-xo.html
Putting several pipes in the hole with plugs on the ends is more efficient than using one drain pipe with just stone? How do the orher.pipes provide more flow than just stone? Interesting idea.. which method is cheaper?
Can I put 3" of topsoil with seed/straw on top of my burrito wrapped French drain instead of sod?
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If you live where you see tropical storms follow that video. Also Yes to 3" Topsoil mixed with sand to make sandyloam on top of the French Drain is fine to grow grass with sprinklers.
Unless I missed it, can you share the depth you typically aim for for the trench, and the slope of the run? I would imagine half an inch every 10 ft or something like that?
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18-24" is what we shoot for
Do you sell the end plugs that go in the drain pipe?
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Where would one find a blind Inlet? I can't find them anywhere.
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What about slope of the pipe ?
Gosh I need help with my new house drainage so bad
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