French Drain alternative - Correcting negative grade and concrete retaining water

Join us in identifying a water leak at the meter and correcting some negative sloping grade that was made worse by new concrete install.
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[@watermouse9296]

YOOOOO That hose trick to use as a siphon was awesome!

[@851995STARGATE]

Holy crap the neighbors lawn is bright green

[@GCFD]

They might have had a fertilizer treatment recently. It's started warming up here.

[@westbccoast]

I would imagine their water bill would be a clue to a water leak as well, with a leak that size must have been significant. Good job, that was entertaining.

[@GCFD]

I asked the same thing about the higher water bill. They said they didn't really notice any change, so were trying to find out what was going on here. They were so happy when I pulled the water down and exposed the leak.

[@aprev039]

Clear water, overfilling basin. Knew right away there was a leak and I’m not even a certified plumber!! Just some lazy people out there that don’t want to put the work in whether it’s lack of experience or not worth their time. You and your guys are the good ones.

[@GCFD]

Thank you EP

[@d.d.5633]

Those big, green tufts of grass, adjacent to the water meter, are going to miss that leak. 🙂

[@GCFD]

Haha!

[@eac6246]

Long time DIY'r, first time home owner. Just got a beautiful house with really bad grading and your videos have been a life saver. Thank you.

[@GCFD]

Best luck with correcting all of that. It's always a good thing to manage water sooner than later.

[@vindictivetiger]

You've got a winning team there!! I've watched so many of your videos that I now look for water drainage issues when I'm house hunting. Thank you so much for you excellence in your work ethic--it's good to know there are good people like you out there doing things the right way.

[@rjsmith2007]

It makes all the difference.

[@GCFD]

I see a lot of problems where homeowners bought a house literally weeks prior and now things are flooding. They never thought to consider drainage issues and are now feeling powerless to deal with a flooding or drainage problem so soon after such a large purchase. It's heartbreaking sometimes.

[@sarahhood9624]

Another beautiful video Shawn! You are so versatile at solving people’s problems! Thanks for creating!!

[@GCFD]

Thank you Sarah! Creating these videos can be extremely exhausting, but once I get one finished and uploaded, I'm always glad I shared it.

[@SheenaRea]

Genius water meter fix! Wow!! When I saw the slope of that land toward the house, I thought "Uh-oh, 😳gonna be a tough one." Looks like you helped the job immensely. Really like the swale you added on the side to coax the water away. Homeowner has good taste in mulch/pavers!👍👍Thanks Shawn for all the hard work you put into these videos, much appreciated! 🙂

[@GCFD]

Thank you Sheena! It's a lot of extra work and sometimes it's exhausting dealing with so many cameras and 100s of video clips. I'm glad you are enjoying the videos!

[@ipaddlemyowncanoe.7441]

That was pretty good job that water leak. That was quite simple but I guess like you said nobody wanted to fix it. They didn't want to get dirty. The worst of it was. The water leak was on the customer's side so they're water meter was just turning turning adding up their bill. They're going to notice the difference. Now that you fixed it, the consumption will go down and same with their water bill. Good job!.👍👍🙂🇨🇦

[@GCFD]

The homeowners were very happy we identified and fixed that leak. They were at a loss as to what to do.

[@Rick-tb4so]

I like the spigot pressing the siding in, Quality.

[@DiakosDelvin]

Always good to see people coming out to fix the problem, not just cross a box on a worksheet.

[@freecycling6687]

Damn, you'd think that even if that "plumber" the homeowner called didn't understand the sorcery behind a siphon, he would've at least understood a **pump**, and pump out the water from that meter enclosure just for the hell of it, to see what happens. Great video!

[@GCFD]

Haha so true!

[@ncironhorse8367]

Shawn, you are the drainage whisperer. Outstanding on finding the leak and repairing - really an above and beyond situation which is commendable. Great way to solidify your company as honest and reliable. I learn so much when I watch your videos

[@stevencorley2352]

A quick simple job that still deserved to be done well. Good job as always by Gate City. BTW, you're really improving on your drone usage. 👍

[@GCFD]

Thank you Steven! I usually do three tries with each drone shot, so I'm admittedly using the best shot for these videos. 👍

[@tmactheplumber4966]

I love the music and drone skills. Nevermind the work. hats off to you guys !!

[@GCFD]

Thank you Mac!

[@whip205inthebam3]

Shawn, and to all the guys and gals on the crew WTG great job 👍

[@muggins9389]

Another great job Shawn, and also your video editing, is great. The drone footage at the beginning, really shows the layout, to give us an idea of what you're working with, as well as all the camera angles also showing the topography. I know you put an awful lot of work into editing these videos, and it shows. All of us appreciate your hard work, and i learn something new Every video. I've started doing a lot more work myself on my rental properties, and have gained more confidence in doing so. Again thank you for all your hard work. Also i really enjoy your adventure videos too, diving, and bike riding, you just have a way with your editing that presents your videos in an entertaining way, and makes the viewers feel like they are there with you.

[@GCFD]

Thank you Muggins! I have been trying to up my video quality since people are actually watching my stuff. I was a college biology teacher for 15 years so this is a great way for me to continue with that part of my life/personality and I'm glad you are enjoying things. It's a huge pain to make these videos but I am still very excited to upload a new video and see all of your comments. I'm considering doing a 50k sub special video. I've one 1 and 20k sub special videos. What do you think?

[@muggins9389]

@@GCFD Absolutely, i would love to watch that.

[@nonsequitor807]

Ron's the man! He loves his craft.

[@scottlaramee9835]

Another job well done. Quality workmanship and very upstanding

[@GCFD]

Thank you Scott!

[@steverusie6986]

Wow great catch on the waterline! Great job on the grading and on fixing the leak!

[@GCFD]

Thank you Steve!

[@DocteGaby]

I loved the syphon trick!

[@billstathakos]

Was thinking what will i watch now and you answered that for me. Thanks Shawn.

[@GCFD]

Thanks Bill! I hope you enjoy this one.

[@barrygrant2907]

That grading is exactly what needs to be done at my daughter's house. Same problem with the high concrete sidewalk holding water.

[@GCFD]

Make sure to use soil with a high clay content Barry. Catch any downspouts in the area and pipe them away. Consider adding a downspout if needed if the gutters are overflowing during heavy rain (or if you have a steep roof).

[@mikeyfoofoo]

I think it looks better too with that slight rise. Good job.

[@MrBobby781]

Another good one Shawn. That one seemed to really out in the country. Liked how you fixed the water meter. The homeowners did a great job landscaping…… Good to see Ronald……… Bobby

[@GCFD]

Thank you Bobby!

[@jascharl]

That bend in the PEX scares me. It also amazes me that people buy houses in a low point.

[@josephj6521]

Great work! It’s amazing how many professionals don’t do great work.

[@GCFD]

I agree. I like doing a job well. You know the concrete contractors knew they were creating a huge problem...

[@taheelfan1]

You make it look so easy, I tried to go under sidewalk could not figure out the bubble and other things, gave up. It beat me. But thanks for all the inspiration of yard work!! It is a real talent that you have. If you ever make down to Buford/Lawrenceville Ga area let me know, would love to have ya out.

[@GCFD]

Thank you!

[@theburiedlife]

Nice work, Shawn.

[@GCFD]

Thank you EJ!

[@toxichank6960]

Great Job!! Send the Clownship a signed photo showing water leaking out of the fitting. They seemed very happy water was being wasted.

[@GCFD]

Haha good one Hank!

[@leslieclaire]

Finding that leak was cool. Shaun to the rescue again! Nice aerial shots as well. Have a good week Shaun!

[@GCFD]

Thanks and you too Leslie!

[@tomgriffith1952]

Looks 100% better nice work!

[@stevenortizdeorue]

Love the videos keep up the endless entertainment

[@mskmsk7174]

Thanks again. A true professional.

[@GCFD]

Thank you!

[@tucobenedicto109]

Real nice did not know Ron was a licensed master plumber. But since you enter city storm drains you need one. You could see the way the water wanted to go evidence by the green grass. It went right to that swail. Nice job.

[@GCFD]

Thank you! Yes, Ronald has been plumbing for decades and has seen it all.

[@tucobenedicto109]

​@@GCFD your welcome.

[@Tony2tall]

Excellent deciphering Shawn and Ronald 👍 Unbelievable previous plumber opinion NO LEAK! Lush vegetation could be seen by just driving by 😮 America is desperate for skilled tradesman with scruples.

[@GCFD]

Thank you Tony!

[@tomthelandscaper]

Up here when the town comes out for a possible leak the first thing they do is test for fluoride. If the water tests negative for fluoride then it’s not municipal water.

[@GCFD]

That's a great way to detect city water. Chlorine works too for chlorinated water.

[@nvrdwn3140]

Also (please don't hate me I only say this to teach people) that dirt is to close to the siding. It's generally understood that dirt should be a few inches below any siding for water purposes (splash back) and for bugs.

[@GCFD]

You're correct on that. Often we have to choose the least of two options. Continued flooding or dirt too close to the siding.

[@Rubbernecker]

Another good one Shaun! Two remarkable things about you: 1. Just figure it out 2. Just do it right. Another job well done sir.

[@GCFD]

Thank you!

[@4calihotboy]

Love your videos. Wish you were closer to North Florida, I need you guys

[@GCFD]

Thank you!

[@adem5762]

Superb Sean! Good to see science applied correctly to reveal the water leak. It just goes to show some people are in their job too long and beyond their sell by date. Fortunately, Gate City is there to do it correctly. I dont know how you aint picking up ALL the work in Gainsborough. Yup, good job! Next door - looks like a few ton of riprap going down the property line....lol.

[@GCFD]

Thank you Ade!

[@hollandduck79]

Hello from the Netherlands. thanks for the video Shawn . Sincerely Hollandduck

[@GCFD]

Thank you Hollandduck

[@hollandduck79]

@@GCFD 👍

[@oldnstillworkin5709]

Keep them coming Shawn.

[@GCFD]

I'm trying! I've got so many videos that are waiting for rain footage!

[@ZippyDooDa435]

Need to find someone like you around me! Our new house has some bad drainage!

[@calvingreene90]

Watch a few more videos and do it yourself.😏

[@GCFD]

Thank you Calvin!

[@chrishelms1967]

The next door neighbor definitely uses a good fertilizer....his grass is a beautiful green

[@GCFD]

For sure Chris! You can see in the initial drone footage the green caught my eye

[@martinworrall5888]

Good job Shaun 👍

[@GCFD]

Thank you Martin!

[@anthonyfindlay466]

Hey Shawn, can't go wrong with the main man on the job, master plumber Ronald. Keep up the good work. 💪🙏

[@GCFD]

Thank you Anthony! He says hi!

[@barryzgarage7439]

Cool project I have to do this to my home and property’s. Thank you for the info.

[@GCFD]

Good luck with your projects!

[@delt19]

Nice work again. Going forward it's probably worth blurring out home address and other identifiable information like that for the sake of your customers privacy.

[@GCFD]

Great point!

[@TarZan49]

Good job. I think we all learned something!

[@GCFD]

Thank you Roger! 👍

[@mathisthewaycorner]

Wow, good work. I know notice some errors when I see some other crews working when I walk pass.

[@ryanawilson8549]

You say yes, yes I am a sorcerer 🤣

[@GCFD]

Hahah Ryan. I like to work with facts so I demonstrated where the leak was with simple physics. 👍

[@tinkeringtaylor3053]

An excellent tidy job Shawn, and the homeowner has finished it off nicely with the bark chip 👍. bit disappointed with the bobcat driving on this one knocked down 2 corns

[@GCFD]

👍 haha

[@jusjos1970]

They don’t make ‘em like they used to! Ya’ll know your stuff!

[@Gman2930]

Hey Shawn, nice job on the buffalo box fix. Sometimes a little investigating the issue can show a smoking gun. Nice to see your doing concrete. Another way to expand your business & utilize it for drainage issues, also.

[@GCFD]

Thank you Greg!

[@jedisith25]

What a fantastic and Wonderful videos Shawn, you nd your team are the better and professional. I am not an expert but recognised a quality work. I agree with people comments amthag your solving problems skill is excellent and exceptional.love your work and video. Proud of you brother. From the uk.❤😂😊

[@GCFD]

Thank you Darsan! We enjoy the work and enjoy doing a job well.

[@jimanderson4495]

Thanks Shawn😊

[@GCFD]

👍 Jim

[@JNHEscapes]

I think what you missed was why it split: the sharp and tight angle of approach caused the pipe to crack. Therefore, it will probably do it again when the ground moves. I fought this exact same problem myself and eventually had to dig it up and re-orient the pipe. I also added a small, round access cover over the union joint in the flowerbed so I could monitor the repair location.

[@GCFD]

That's a great point James. I have talked to the homeowners about keeping an eye on the repair and I will update if needed in the future.

[@JNHEscapes]

And DOT will probably get you on the headlight 😂

[@GCFD]

@@JNHEscapes hopefully I’ll get it fixed this week. I’ve been building the area back up with fiberglasss layers, trying to fit the broken pieces back together. What a pain in what was a perfect hood

[@donaldlee6760]

I was also far more interested in the root cause then the actual fix

[@Eddavids2]

Their neighbor takes really good care of their grass

[@GCFD]

for sure!

[@magnabosco210]

A little communication about your experiment in advance would’ve made for a more compelling demonstration. But oh well. Gotta admire the enthusiasm.

[@AlexeiTetenov]

Thank you for sharing!

[@GCFD]

Thank you Alexei!

[@kubota33]

Job well done I bet if the water leak was to the right (closer to the street) as in a before the meter the city would have fixed it. Keep up the great work and videos. Nice to see people taking pride in their work. 🙂 Hope your F-650 is going to be ok. Looks like it had a little injury. Have a good evening

[@jacksonbennett6151]

To the city it’s only a leak if no one if paying for it!

[@kubota33]

Exactly lol Otherwise it's a sale

[@GCFD]

Hahah so true! We saved the Homeowners extra water expenses.

[@slackdaddy1912]

Nice Job.

[@Tony-InLosAngeles]

Nice job guys!! 😂 called out that other plumber 👨🏻‍🔧 right

[@Sophie_Emilia_von_Zerbst]

It's always helpful to be knowledgeable in various fields, just helps out a lot. Good work as usual👍 The other specialists clearly didn't want to work on it, as the water source in this instance, was clear as day. Where else would the water be coming from. Another indicator could be the meter spinning without anything actively using water, as seen on vid. (I assume, as nobody is claimed to be home)

[@GCFD]

The meter was spinning there because it was re-pressurizing the house. This leak was small enough to not really spin the meter until they checked it and then let it go for several hours perhaps.

[@Sophie_Emilia_von_Zerbst]

@@GCFD I actually didn't mean the re-pressurizing. I believed to have seen it spinning at 2:30, but after rewatching I was actually wrong. Excuse my carelessness. (Some) Newer meters may be able to measure even such small streams... our new one definitely does, I tried with the faucet as low as almost dripping. It's slow but still visible.

[@GCFD]

@@Sophie_Emilia_von_Zerbst that’s interesting that newer meters are so accurate. That’s got to be helpful.

[@geraldblackburn4883]

Good solutions.

[@GCFD]

Thank you Gerald!

[@1982akuma]

Great quality!

[@GCFD]

Thank you!

[@Not-a-Cockroach]

Looking nice.

[@lindajoyce1808]

Be interesting to see if there is a differences in next months water bill. Ron always does a great job. Thought about using mats to cover the ground and concrete from tracking and marring the concrete. Guys at tank masters environmental uses them on most of their jobs.

[@GCFD]

Yes we do occasionally use plywood but didn't on this one.

[@stevencorley2352]

Thanks!

[@GCFD]

Thank you Steven!

[@10lauset]

I wonder if that city inspector and licensed plumber watch this channel? Cheers to you.

[@GCFD]

Hahah Let's hope so Laurie!

[@neilbrew8985]

The little fan looking wheel on the meter is a leak detector. If its moving theres water being used, or leaking somewhere.

[@bobbygetsbanned6049]

All the french drain channels would have installed a french drain instead of doing it the right way with grading. This will be basically zero maintenance for as long as the house is there.

[@GCFD]

I think so too Bobby. I just hate the thought of sending surface water underground (as in a FD).

[@edpoints1127]

Great job GCF! In the video, that concrete broom finish looked good. Better than??? 🤔 Good catch on the water leak. You and I have talked about the niche(s) available created by shoddy/inexperienced etc.. contractors. Angie being one. You mentioned the most likely possible reason. In my opinion, the current and future reputation of my business is reflected in the work performed and why. Making it right is sometimes not the easiest, but in the long run always the best. If you don't have your name... You don't have schmitt. The longer you are around with a good name and solid work, the further the word spreads. That sidewalk should have been lower. The entire front yard could have had 1% grade pitch to that low side. I understand looking flat, similar to pitch in concrete... It's unnoticeable. The end results would have spoke volumes. Most people don't recognize little things like that, since you basically expect it. SEEMINGLY small errors were made that a reputable contractor would have not made... The problems and associated costs after the fact are more damaging and also cost more to repair correctly. Sorry about the run on rant, but seeing that type of thing irks me. (That was the best word of expression I could think of without being banned)

[@GCFD]

Thank you Ed! The homeowners didn't notice the concrete problems until much later. And why would they? If I had quoted that concrete work, I would have specifically used the subsoil we pulled out to grade against the house and solve all that in one swoop. Surely the concrete contractors knew they were creating a huge problem. I looked at a job last week. 10x10 patio on a townhouse that had sunken down. The HO wanted to expand it by adding concrete to both sides. I said we really need to replace the patio and have one mono slab. I pointed out the sinking and they realized that's why the step into the house (slab) was so high now. They asked if I could pour over the existing patio to save money. I COULD, but I won't. If they want to go as cheep as possible, I'm not the contractor for them. They also wanted me to concrete around a 250 gal propane tank, whereas I wanted to pull it and place it back on the new slab. I gave them a price and they said they had some other quotes coming in. I think that's that.

[@edpoints1127]

@@GCFD That's the same call I would've made... Sad thing is, that there is a "contractor" somewhere who will do exactly what (you're NOT supposed to do) the homeowner is asking and the end product and outcome will end up being schmitt. Same situation once again, you and I have discussed how and why Angie got started.

[@thenexthobby]

@9:45 I hear that a lot, and yet it was a PEX crimp that originally failed at the meter.

[@GCFD]

The pex pipe split is what I think happened.

[@denjhill]

Their earlier experience with the incompetents is exactly why I am reluctant to ever call for help from a contractor. Odds are I'm going to get screwed.

[@GCFD]

There are a lot of good ones out there Dennis. I work with a lot of great contractors.

[@vacationism]

cute little house

[@GCFD]

👍

[@Will-tm5bj]

13:05 they better get a heavy discount on their water bill considering the leak is after the meter. Ours had a similar leak that they fixed and gave us a month free water

[@felixyusupov7299]

I watch all your videos. The one thing I can't understand is why the inspectors in your area don't require a certain amount of grade away from the house when they are built. I lived in areas that was flat as a pancake. The house foundations were all built five feet or so above grade and then soil was piled up and taped away from the house. The idea was if there is a hard rain the street might have a foot of water for short period of time but the houses stayed dry.

[@GCFD]

I wonder that too Felix!

[@rodneyhammon1793]

Another great job!…………

[@GCFD]

Thank you Rodney!

[@kathleendavis2008]

Amazing!!

[@Melicoy]

Very smart deduction. I learned something this time. No shark byte ever anywhere. Return that fitting. Also double ring the connection and why not use brass fitting coupler not pex?

[@drliamdaasian5153]

As a plumber doing a lot of these kinds on repairs never put shark bites in the ground they always fail. We use a lot of ford fittings cts and ips for repairs

[@GCFD]

I've heard that before about shark bites. I wouldn't install one in the ground either.

[@hamscanner]

Nice job guys I find the downspout on the footpath annoying tho a tripping hazard

[@DK_tk3]

Alls you have to do is shut the water off to the house. ( most have A water main shutoff) and then see if the meter is still turning. If it is you have A leak before the house after the meter. Pretty simple.

[@_TheDinoMaster]

Very nice job. Silly that you had to fix the water leak, over the city and a plumber...

[@GCFD]

We got it fixed.

[@dock_yard1149]

On the garage side, front side of house has a downspout dumping on a narrow sidewalk right along the foundation. I see Ronald put a splash block under the elbow (I would too, so good on you guys). But it’s ugly and a trip hazard. I’m just shaking my head on WHY the concrete contractor didn’t spend 30 extra min to install a PVC under-pipe and elbow+riser up to that downspout before forming and pouring!! That type of negligence drives me NUTS.

[@GCFD]

Same! I quoted cutting the concrete and installing a pipe down to the woods as a phase two for this house. The concrete was so bad and a few things at the right time would have saved time and looked way better.

[@Stratos53100]

Nice, Recovery of the shrubs is a ++ double duty using the Bobcat as a packer is a gut saver, shotty work by the city & Esp the plumber clearly they offloaded it. Although had a similar issue at my old house where the neighbor installed in ground sprinklers, the ajoining meters (vicinity) w mine taking the brunt of the disturbance of material around it created a leak which ended up causing a migraine and a small fortune to repair it after the fact ( including a repair that needed to be done anyway by the house). City said house side of the meter was not their responsibility. BTW The Music at 26:50 what is that one ? i need to add it to my collection

[@GCFD]

That song is Speechless by Dream Cave Adobe Stock Asset ID: #357338403.

[@Bigbacon]

Thank you for not using the shark bite. This is not a good application of one. I hate the over use and reliance on them anyway

[@porkchopjp]

hope the city sees this!

[@GCFD]

Haha

[@wendymorrison5803]

Good solutions to simple but destructive issues. In Australia water leaks on the house side of the meter are the homeowners problem. The City wont play. The bad concreting job is also all on the homeowner. Lack of knowledge and relying on the cheap guy never works out.

[@GCFD]

Great points Wendy! The problem is knowing how to identify a good contractor.

[@benjaminreinhardt259]

We've missed Ronald. Good to see he's still around. It's sad that plumber didn't even bother to pump the water out to look for a leak. Wasn't the middle part of the meter spinning slightly? The meter spinning is always the easiest way to find the leak. Quick story - my neighbor (single mom, good people) says to me 'You have a leak, there is water running out of your backyard'. I popped my water meter cover, not spinning. I popped hers, spinning. I got to looking around and found her daughter had left the hose dribbling a few days prior.

[@GCFD]

Yes! Ronald is doing well and always happy to work. The meter spinning is a great way to see if water is running. Great story Benjamin!

[@tdimccullough]

Here in the UK every house has to have rain water gulley's and pipe work to take the rainwater away from the house and Mose houses of don't have a crawl space below the floors to flood

[@jonathanjudd3168]

The only thing that could have been done extra would have been to did another 6"-8" underneath the water meter to remove the clay and put in a few inches of gravel or stone to keep that area cleaner.

[@GCFD]

Great point Jonathan!

[@TheFatesLieutenant]

The leak was on the consumer side, so, for the county "no problem", for the Plumber, what was he thinking? Sad. The homeowner should see a good reduction in the water costs....

[@GCFD]

Great points!

[@oermama]

Looking good, great job 👍 but with the new border of blocks, aren’t they getting the same problem again?

[@jonathanguzman4893]

What kind of dirt do you use? I want to do the same thing in front of my house. I love your videos, ever since I started getting water in my basement you’ve helped reduce that a lot! Keep posting!

[@GCFD]

It's got to be dirt with a high clay content. No topsoil, no black dirt, no gravel, sand, or organic matter (mulch). The dirt should be compacted so that water has an easier path flowing down the surface instead of soaking into the dirt.

[@futurecaredesign]

At 29:01 you can see how nearly 80% of the front of the house is funneled into that one downspout. That really needed to be piped away from the house like you did.

[@GCFD]

It's such a simple thing to completely eliminate that gutter water from the area.

[@danne77sthlm]

As soon as you opened the watermeter box, and there where crystal clear water and the silt in the bottom where the pipe exits, I knew there was a leak and no water from the surroundings, it was so easy to understand that it made me laugh. I really hope they will give the plumber and watercompany some flac about it, embarrassing But, hey, on the bright side, we could get the "gotcha" feeling when you outsmarted them without any effort nor labor at all 😁

[@GCFD]

Haha I thought the same thing. The homeowners were not sold because they had been told twice there was no leak. I was like, do you have a garden hose?