French Drain Fiasco - The Common Mistake You Must Avoid!

Discover the crucial French drain mistake I made that turned my property into a waterlogged nightmare! In this video, I unveil the error of using weed control membrane instead of the recommended non-woven geotextile, hindering water flow and causing flooding issues. Learn from my DIY disaster as I unwrap the layers of the sock method, explaining how it restricted the drainage system's effectiveness during storms. Witness my on-the-spot temporary fix to reduce water levels and safeguard your property. Don't let this common French drain blunder sabotage your drainage plans-follow these insights for a dry, worry-free landscape. Ensure your DIY project stands up to the elements by avoiding the mistakes that left my property submerged.
#FrenchDrainMistake #DIYDisaster #LandscapingTips
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About me:
I'm Aiden and I'm documenting what was supposed to be my barn conversion, which has now ended up being a new build. I don't have a trade, I just have a go and I'll be doing lots of work myself. This is the boring bit in grand designs that you don't get to see. Subscribe and follow along to find out how our future home turns out.
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[@justavian]

I don't watch you for the house build. I watch you cause you're always cobbling something together to fix whatever it is you're working on. You're like a more productive version of myself - starting projects and finishing them slower than you're adding new ones! The difference is that i never finish my projects, and you generally finish a few here and there. Keep doing what you're doing.

[@THE-AIDEN-PROJECT]

Thanks mate, I just need to find another 100k more people like you 😅😆🙌

[@THE-AIDEN-PROJECT]

Thanks mate, I just need to find another 100k more people like you 😅😆🙌

[@ghita.herdean.1979]

Same here. Maybe we should do a club or something.

[@kentsmi87]

I respect the fact that you’ve admitted a mistake. Most people only post everything going right or make out the mistake wasn’t theirs.

[@THE-AIDEN-PROJECT]

Ah but nobody is perfect 😅 I don't think there's any point posting videos if it isn't real

[@normanboyes4983]

Don’t beat yourself up, people who unsubscribe probably lack the attention span to truly appreciate your content.😉👍

[@THE-AIDEN-PROJECT]

Yeah, I'd rather have the right crew on board 🙌

[@_tmmy_]

Only been watching your channel for a while and I am already obsessed with your videos. Glad to know that I’m not the only one who relentlessly cusses when I make a complete f*ck up of something, thats a reality you never tend to see on most most DIY KZbin channels but we live and learn! Absolutely class channel mate, all the best 🙌🏻

[@THE-AIDEN-PROJECT]

Thanks mate 😁

[@ronaldhamblin4615]

You are a very clever man and fun to watch keep videos coming kind regards to you 😊

[@THE-AIDEN-PROJECT]

Thank you kindly

[@Forkandles88]

Well you’ve gained a new subscriber if nothing else. That answered some of my French drainage questions better than I could find anywhere online. Drainage takes priority over insulation so your real audience appreciates what you’re doing. Great work.

[@THE-AIDEN-PROJECT]

Thanks buddy 👍 I did a better job round the house 😁 I did a summary video about that a few videos back

[@Jaymo_the_monkey]

We all live n learn matey. Self build, it’s never ending isn’t it!

[@THE-AIDEN-PROJECT]

Hopefully it'll end at some point 😅 although I've got loads of space for other outbuildings 😬

[@johnmheaton]

Great to see you again. "Keep on building, keep on building" (Think Dory)

[@hn2700]

Finally we get to see the French drain in action. Keep going mate. Great vid again.

[@alexmcquillan4206]

This is the video I’ve been looking for!! About to start a French drain project around my house. Some good info Thanks

[@THE-AIDEN-PROJECT]

Glad I could help

[@miller745]

Came for the house build and stayed for the drama. It's just nice knowing I'm not the only one to leave jobs unfinished while other jobs get done!!

[@THE-AIDEN-PROJECT]

Spinning plates, spinning plates 😅

[@miller745]

@@THE-AIDEN-PROJECT I put up a blind yesterday that has been sat on the floor under the window for a couple of months, quite impressed with myself!!

[@lorigonzalez1196]

OMG you are my spirit guide…my husband asks why I keep starting new projects without finishing ANYTHING…lol. He’s right but now I know I’m not alone - not just you but the comments are full of “just like me” folks. Nearly every room in the house has in-progress projects and when I get close, I see another video and get another idea, so really, it’s not my fault.😂

[@THE-AIDEN-PROJECT]

😆 just think of it like spinning plates 😅

[@grahamflentke9517]

Hang in there mate! People identify with trying to make it right after dorking it up. We've all looked back and wished we hadn't done it on the cheap! The real test is when you look back and still manage a smile. Graham-Orlando

[@THE-AIDEN-PROJECT]

That's true and everyone will know not to cut the same corner 😆

[@markwilliams9793]

When you said "in the summer" I wondered what year before you said it lol I've been wandering around my gaff and noting what needs completing and then thought, sod it, I'll build another chopper.

[@THE-AIDEN-PROJECT]

Get to da chopper! 😂 Can't blame you, that's more fun

[@Geeraffe]

one consolation is the ground is nice and soft for digging. Nice video thanks.

[@THE-AIDEN-PROJECT]

Good point, although it would have been easier without the water 😂

[@jarv75]

Keep going mate. Love the videos, look how much you’ve achieved so far 👊

[@THE-AIDEN-PROJECT]

I think I can, I think I can... 😆

[@bigal25938]

The woven is road fabric between the dirt and stone. Non woven is for french drain. You also don’t want to use pipe with perforations larger than the gravel.

[@Spencer_White]

Top work buddy, feel ya on "one set of hands" I'm currently planning drainage, french drains in atleast two areas, super helpful info here.

[@THE-AIDEN-PROJECT]

Best of luck! What I did round the house has worked well, so I'd always go for a twinwall land drain, geotextile non woven and a burrito 👍

[@AndyMcPandy]

respect for owning up to doing something wrong mate. many can't. good luck to you 👍

[@THE-AIDEN-PROJECT]

Makes for good content 😆 hopefully I won't have too many f ups in the future

[@janh6639]

Love it the channel is about building but also dealing with all the other shite that happens around that good on ya and never change

[@THE-AIDEN-PROJECT]

Yeah life isn't a highlight reel is it 😁

[@combok660]

Dude great honest video

[@Rolandpgbrooks]

I find your enthusiasum boositing. I've really struggled to get going after Christmas, especially as the job i have to do is to undo something ive already done. However seeing you say f*ck it i can't be bothered, helped me becuase i was ready to give for the day too. then came the "not really" and for some reason it game me a reall chuckle and enthused me to get back on.

[@THE-AIDEN-PROJECT]

It helped that the sun was out that day! Not so much fun when it's miserable outside 🙈

[@AJLintern]

It's great that you've got somewhere for the water to run away to, so there will always be a way to manage it. Where I am is pretty much flat and clay soil, so the water just pools and sits there until it stops raining... so you can image what it's like at the moment! 😬 Fortunately not in an area that properly floods, but just very soggy.

[@THE-AIDEN-PROJECT]

That's very true, as long as I direct it right there's not a problem 😁 my neighbour had quite abit more of an issue though 😬 he's having to do a load of drainage work in the near future 😅

[@DanielHawker-g5h]

I wondered if I should go and comment on the original video of this French Drain and say “ Your Future Self is going to regret using Weed Barrier Cloth!” Anyway another comment for the Algorithm! Happy New Year Aiden, I hope you have more highs than lows in two O two four!

[@THE-AIDEN-PROJECT]

Haha no one said a thing at the time 🤣

[@happyglampers9053]

Stay motivated mate. Love to see the sewage treatment vid 👍👍

[@THE-AIDEN-PROJECT]

I think that might have to be the next one cause it's too cold to do the fascia 🥶

[@benbutcher1595]

Subscribed back when you did that video of the water under your property. These types of videos are priceless so keep making them! Anyway after watching the pipe over the fabric not filtering the water quick enough are you concerned that the fabric will not filter around the french drain quickly also? I have literally just done exactly what you have done and put that non woven fabric around a pipe that my OPEN french drain will run too and was concerned that the clay soil in my garden was really slowing down the process. Dose your land have clay soil? Because if so and the ones you have built with non woven fabric filter lovely then i should be in the clear.. would love to hear what you think for some reassurance cheers Ben.

[@THE-AIDEN-PROJECT]

Hey Ben, well for the small test with the fabric for the temporary fix was very small for the amount of water it had to deal with. So I'd always go for a burrito with the non woven fabric. That's what I'll do when I redo it. The ones round the house are fine. I'm on clay too, that's also why I've piped up to the ditch rather than a soak away

[@ellroyadventures]

Love your honesty. Thanks 😂

[@dwalsh3469]

Two of my favourite films.

[@THE-AIDEN-PROJECT]

The Babe films? 🤔 Or did I make another reference without realising 😆

[@dwalsh3469]

I’m afraid so.

[@THE-AIDEN-PROJECT]

@@dwalsh3469 haha I don't think I've seen the 2nd one as it goes

[@dwalsh3469]

It is _substantially_ darker / weirder than the first.

[@GreeBoman]

Why dont you dig a small cut from the retaining wall trench to the drain?

[@Swwils]

Get yoruself some netlon grid for the insulation. It will make it massively easier and quicker.

[@THE-AIDEN-PROJECT]

I would have done if I was insulating from the top 😅 the 600 stuff just falls out without something underneath it so there's no way I could hold it up whilst I put the grid up, if I put the grid up first I won't be able to get the insulation in 😑 bloody nightmare

[@Swwils]

@@THE-AIDEN-PROJECT Staple the grid at the high end trapping the insulation and then "roll" it downward, you can then push it up about 1m at a time with the grid and staple in place. 👌 Gravity helping you.

[@s.wilson5675]

Although he doesn't appear to show it, I really do think Arthur cares. Great insight into how what logically should work, actually fails drastically. You'll get there in the end. Get matey over to help you from the other channel who you helped with his drainage.

[@Sean006]

I reckon Arthur (Pig/Babe) is the brains of the outfit 😉 I wonder if they have tried herding sheep with him. Next video, Arthur gets trampled by a flock of sheep.

[@THE-AIDEN-PROJECT]

😂

[@THE-AIDEN-PROJECT]

I've pencilled Keith in to help me with some first fix carpentry, that'll probably be a while yet 😆

[@iambueno]

Its all part of the learning process, fuck it up and fix it until you get it right 😅 I installed an alumium veranda last year which has a built in gutter, I also have a land drain positioned where the gutter outlet is. Do you ill be alright to run the gutter into the land drain?

[@THE-AIDEN-PROJECT]

I suppose it depends where the other end of the land drain goes 🤔 I've piped up one side of the house's gulley's (for guttering) into the land drain, I just did it about 3 or 4m from the house (the connection that is)

[@iambueno]

@@THE-AIDEN-PROJECT I've got the land drain connected to my main surface drains. I'll connect up the veranda, what's the worst that can happen? 😄

[@THE-AIDEN-PROJECT]

@@iambueno it'll flood and you'll have to have a change of plan 🤣

[@Sean006]

A few lessons learned. But you now know how to fix it and wouldn't make the same mistake again. The 'temporary' fix is something I would have done. Working in mud is zero fun....leave it until a dry autumn day (2030) 👍

[@THE-AIDEN-PROJECT]

Haha not 2025 then? 😂

[@JohnnyMotel99]

You're so funny Aiden, but I can relate to your travailles.

[@THE-AIDEN-PROJECT]

😁

[@raybahadur6555]

Im doing a basement internal with a sump pump, should i cover the trench with 10mm p gravel or should i use something else bud thanks

[@THE-AIDEN-PROJECT]

@@raybahadur6555 10 or 20mm gravel is best for these things

[@sharonmcanoe]

I think we are all looking to improve drainage after storms(Henk included!) 😂 I now have potential issues with runoff from a back field over our retaining wall onto our patio... Need to work a French drain in somewhere. We all have ideas that don't totally work to plan... That's how you learn from experience. ( note to self... Don't use a burrito of weed suppressant around a land drain 😏) ❤❤

[@THE-AIDEN-PROJECT]

I think everyone has realised they're not quite prepared for that kind of storm 🙈 the only person that was built a flood defence wall round his property 😆 did you see that?! My burritos round the house seem to do well, that's with the right fabric, just don't do both! 😅

[@richardb6305]

Good video, subscribed.

[@THE-AIDEN-PROJECT]

Thanks for the sub!

[@simonsi787]

For the inspection chamber use Sika 4A waterstop mixed with cement. Iv seen it used in concrete pipes with failed seals letting in ground water

[@timballam3675]

drill a ring of holes around the bottom of the lowest ring and use the sika fibres too.....

[@THE-AIDEN-PROJECT]

Sounds like a plan 🙌

[@chiefgilray]

For fuck sake mate, seriously with everything you've gone through and still you've peddled on like a boss... I respect the shit out of you for what you've done with little knowledge and experience while doing it on the fly

[@THE-AIDEN-PROJECT]

Appreciate that dude 😎

[@MK-yo4jn]

btw I'm also here for the omg I've taken this on and I'm kinda out of my depth videos. One idea, why don't you set up a come help Aidan complete the insulation etc group, people can come volunteer (work for free). You can capture it on film and that'll make a really good video. I'm sure they'll be people out there willing to help 😊

[@THE-AIDEN-PROJECT]

I'd rather get volunteers in for something fun 😆 like a barn raising!

[@utilitarian]

Aiden, I have watched "pro's" on YT do exactly the same as you have done, albeit with a lower volume of run off to deal with so don't be too hard on yourself mate; it could well have worked so consider it a lesson learnt. I've got a similar job to do in the summer so thank you for highlighting this!!! :)

[@THE-AIDEN-PROJECT]

Yeah when I initially did it I thought it would work fine, at least when it came to the house french drains I didn't take any chances. Plus I suppose it's not that much of a task to rectify

[@Back2Brick-Ben]

Im here for the drainage

[@letsdanceonhere]

You need to watch French Drain Man, or Apple Drains.

[@THE-AIDEN-PROJECT]

It's fine I know how to do it properly, I did it properly round my house 😉

[@rjbiker66]

You should probably put a french drain behind the retaining wall. Dont use french drains for surface water problems.

[@THE-AIDEN-PROJECT]

That's the plan, I think I will connect them. Once I've got aco drains on the drive and gutters on the lodge it won't be as bad as it is at the moment 👍

[@JRBendixen]

Also the pipe is to close to the surface.

[@OuryLN]

Where are the milk crates buried underground?

[@THE-AIDEN-PROJECT]

Can't have a crate soakaway round here, too much clay 🙈

[@wiktorpoliszczuk1372]

😀😀😀

[@gowithbazza]

What you're supposed to do is wrap the pipe then put your gravel over put some of that we've been brain over the top of the gravel then put your soil down

[@cedarstuff]

2025 New Years' resolution - no procrastinating.

[@THE-AIDEN-PROJECT]

🤫😆

[@ProfessionalPainterDecorator]

What did your wife say to all that water???

[@THE-AIDEN-PROJECT]

Can we have a swimming pool? 😂

[@OuryLN]

Did you name your pug, pig?

[@THE-AIDEN-PROJECT]

He's a french bulldog, he certainly sounds like a pig but his name is Arthur 🤣

[@daviddangerous1580]

I found the whole video so frustrating. DIY painful 😂 Boring.

[@THE-AIDEN-PROJECT]

Glad you enjoyed it 😂 remember to like, subscribe and check out all of my other riveting videos