How to Measure SLOPE for Under $5 DIY Must Watch!!!

www.frenchdrainman.com
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
122 S Rawles St
Romeo, MI 48065
248-505-3065
www.macombcountylandscaping.com #frenchdrain #drainagepipes #frenchdrainman

[@FRENCHDRAINMAN]

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[@iamu2247]

You are a gift to the French drain community, and KZbin. These videos are comprehensive and compliment the other tutorials when it comes to the process of French draining.

[@MrWilliamrjh]

For a late night DIYer home improver with a decent buzz, that intro almost had me researching carpet cleaning videos

[@guysteel]

funny, he needed a reason to write off the drone.

[@cristianvel619]

Your comment perfectly describes me right now. I’m still confused though, I’m just a DIYer homeowner doing my first French drain. So this video assumes the trench is exactly the same depth at all points and the string level is in at the 50 inch mark (in the middle)?? Maybe I’m too buzzed and not getting. I’m watching other videos and this one makes the most sense, I guess.

[@joshuawells5953]

Wtf? Lmao. As a person looking for drainage solutions with a slight buzz, I'm wondering what you're talking about. Lol

[@BBQandAaron]

@@joshuawells5953 he’s saying that he almost threw up because of the rotating drone intro

[@Jerrod190]

@@cristianvel619 Your comment is 2 years old, so I'm assuming you figured it out. For anyone else confused, the string is level and the objective is to determine the slope. So he set the shovels 100 inches apart and wants a 1 per cent drop in grade. So for each 100 inches, the trench needs to drop 1 inch from the start of the line to the end. This gives the 1 percent slope, because the string is level and the trench slopes down by 1 inch across the 100 inch span.

[@eugeniustheodidactus8890]

After my downspout drainage job was done with double-wall, now I must *trench again* for a french drain! Many contractors won't come out while it's raining, to determine if there are standing water issues to address. Instead, I find myself having to become the youtube "expert" and telling the contractor how to do their job! I will order "high octane" and spec at least a double-pack. You guys are a life-saver. Great channel. Wish you all the best.

[@Thathandytiger17]

I knew I had to measure a line but the math behind it I didn’t know. My hubby and are new to home ownership in our later years. This tutorial is very helpful. Thank you.

[@Mika30041975]

GREAT SLOPE MASTER. PRECISE AND EASY TO UNDERSTAND. THEORICAL TO PRATICAL. LOVE IT.

[@maxdaly8185]

This was excellent. I’m fixing a few simple puddling issues at my old man’s 30 year old house. I need to get the water off the front walkway and around the garden, it’s around 30 feet, and I was stuck-like the water. Thank you. I can actually see what the original builders had in mind, but after time it needed help.

[@boxerofshadows]

Love your videos. You just inspired me to try a second career. I'm 5 years now into commercial plumbing and love it but what you install has me exerialted. Keep up the good work.

[@eddyvideostar]

To Touly Vang: What was your career before plumbing?

[@lonewolf1461]

You are a life saver, thank you for the slope measurement.

[@mpolinski]

thank you for a wonderfully simple way to determine the slope...it helped me with my diy install.

[@shanlane5828]

Outstanding...but show the transition connection to the drain..you know going from the corrugated to the solid schedule 40 through the drain blocks....the hydraulic cement tidbit was extreemely helpful..answered many questions. Again..fantastic video.Many thanks.

[@BmoreVisuals]

Wow, brilliant explanation! I watched many videos and this was by far the best one

[@Out-to-Pastor]

Thank you for the lesson. I'm building one now and figuring out how to do it correctly.

[@Acid1789]

Fantastic method. I have been looking for a way to measure this for a while.

[@JohnBenson]

Thanks for the explanation on a DIY slope calculation. And an amazing drone shot of all the pipe!

[@drdremd]

I didn’t know that level existed. Thank you!

[@acbeaumo]

Thank you! This is extremely helpful.

[@choimdachoim9491]

Crystal! Sweet and simple.

[@dearred2923]

I almost backed out of your video early because it didn't make sense to me but I am glad I stayed to the end. Great idea to figure out what the slope is.

[@molliesdad4702]

Big thanks on the slope calculation. I consider myself to be a DIY’r but am always open minded and I appreciate the tip

[@FRENCHDRAINMAN]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/r17GnqN_jJukb5o

[@chrisunderwood4865]

Alot of help.Great video.Thanks.

[@hudsonriverlee]

Very informative. I will be a new homeowner soon. I already know of a drainage issue.

[@mrockefeller10mr]

That was easy. Thanks for explaining it in such simple terms. I just subscribed. Keep up the good work.

[@stevelandsaw3132]

That was a beautiful explanation

[@b.vonschnauser207]

Awesome tip. I love your videos. I just ordered from you for a small drainage project.

[@andrewforbes2577]

Thank you. Just the info I needed.

[@robertmccarty3897]

Once in a while you come across those who are blessed by God to do it right the first time. That was the most easiest way to determine slope in a ditch. Thanks

[@SlackerU]

Blue! Getting it done.

[@derrick_v]

Great video! Thanks

[@JamesZ1025]

Awesome! Just what I needed

[@cromaticdragon5079]

Great video Bro, the bubble level explanation was a big help

[@FRENCHDRAINMAN]

I'm glad it helped. Thank you for watching.

[@h.cesari5253]

Great vid on the double barrel pipe trench. Not to nit-pick but those line levels are notorious for being "kinda right". Mainly due to being short and dropped or stepped on way too much. They actually do read best at the center (mid-point) of the string and reflect proportionally the overall slope set by the endpoints. The slope in a level (or nearly level) line is greatest at it's endpoints and least at its midpoint. You can decrease this deflection to close to nil by using quality mason's line stretched as tight (read "flat") as your tie-off points will handle. Like a gee-tar.

[@paulkiddconsultingptyltd7356]

Thank you from Australia

[@alexmstudio]

Great idea. Very simple with the 1:100 idea. Thanks

[@FRENCHDRAINMAN]

kzbin.info/aero/PLjFCqaZ4v1BUqichor2QH1X_p9bBPor8D&si=lCwkAyqIy2W0zzeX

[@MysticNach]

Your the man! Over thinking it out here.

[@FRENCHDRAINMAN]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/i53VZp-fgaqjjKMsi=eVmFaKHXv09ct32K

[@mashepotatoes]

Very educational, thank you. The plywood is a huge help 🤦🏼‍♂️

[@jakefriesenjake]

How about using your method (100 inch string, 1 inch lower on one side = 1 percent slope) but, instead, mark where the string is level on both shovels. Let's say we are doing 100 inch run. On one of the shovels, lower or raise the string 1 inch from level. Now, no matter where you measure on your 100 inch line, (let's say 47 inches from the bottom of the trench to the line), you will have 1 percent slope. Basically, it takes the guess work out of assuming (quarter of the way, it should read 0.25 inch lower than "level"., and at half way it should read 0.5" lower than "level". Just make the string to the slope you want, then measure down to "47 inches", if that's what you want, ALL ALONG THE STRING. so easy.

[@michaelharris7445]

I need you guys out here in NW Indiana!

[@GroundPoundersPlace]

Helped a lot !!!!

[@pureau79]

Speaking of 3” to 4” upsize, it seems I recall from somewhere in the past that each pipe size increase doubles the volume it can carry... I think that is correct but in any case the up size is smart. Like you say (mirrors my thinking) how much will it be worth when you have to redo it?

[@12dollacigarette]

Incredible information. This is the most knowledgeable channel on linear drains

[@jayoneill]

thank you sir!

[@wg7644]

excellent

[@fiddlingglassblower]

For my drainage project, wherein I was draining water from the end of our driveway and around the septic system, I used 4" solid corrugated pipe, and a 12" square catch basin. The reccomended pitch for that I read was 2 1/2" per 10'. So, I built a simple 4' wide by about 2 1/2' tall frame out of 2x4s. The needed slope then was 1" for 4'. Once I got a bit past 4' section of trench dug, I could easily check the pitch by setting the jig I built into the trench, and my 4' level on top. I would then just eyeball how much the downslope end of the level needed to be raised to get it level, looking for it to be about an inch. Not enough, then dig down a bit more on the downslope end, and too much, then throw a bit back in and tamp it down. Worked like a charm.

[@FRENCHDRAINMAN]

Nice! Thank you for sharing

[@704821]

Just started watching your videos after I started to get some water coming up from my basement floor (concrete). New homeowner, so this is all new for me. Great stuff, I'm learning a lot! Starting at 5:35, that PVC piping is for the sump pump, correct? The previous homeowners have the line for the sump connected to an extender, just leading to the side of the house, causing that side to be almost swamp like. Would something like putting PVC in a trench for the sump be recommended, or can I connect the sump line to a trenched down spout?

[@mikelaaper9100]

Lol. Doh! That was so awesomely obvious. I had not thought of that approach. how easy it was have wondered

[@mcaballero98]

Thank you for showing an easy way to find your slope. This is an important aspect of these projects and none of the other videos out there address it.

[@TheRealMrGuvernment]

Great videos and info so far. I am looking to do a 4m run off a side spout of my house , do you need to do the gravel backfill on corrugated pipe? Seen some other videos they just back fill with the dirt they dug out and done?

[@TheYogimind]

That is so smart

[@pearlperlitavenegas2023]

Genius Gracias

[@JohnJewel]

Interesting stuff

[@frankmiller95]

String theory, this ain't. Use a level on the pipe and make sure each section is pitched downward in the proper direction.

[@barrb6134]

Thks for the great tip!

[@ginofoogle6944]

That intro has nothing to do with anything, i love it!

[@davidvickers8425]

great info but really hard to listen to.

[@cammo1397]

Thanks.

[@FRENCHDRAINMAN]

kzbin.info/aero/PLjFCqaZ4v1BVyusRT3qfGPooNnHpHaoJg&si=_Cs_JhbBei8jZrda

[@jasonkeller5732]

Was the dual wall for the downspouts and does that get wrapped in the egg stone on top ot the 2 bottom lines? Where does the downspouts discharge at? I wished you showed until the end.

[@tituschow]

I have 4 catch basins in series connected by pvc pipe around my detached garage. The two in the middle always stay full while the first stays empty. It takes the third catch basin to be full before the 4th fills up. I’m guessing the pvc from the 3rd to the 4th has too low of a slope. Do I redig and re-slope the pvc and 4th catch basin? #dumbcontractor how do I fix a bad slope?

[@daniellaw7295]

Novice question but how do you achieve grade with solid PVC pipe? For example, if I connect to a catch basin that is level where does the grade start?

[@frantic299]

How much slope is on that sump install? Getting ready to do something like this and I don’t have much slope to work with and my house happens to be sitting on a spring or underground creek. So during rain and freeze thaw my sump runs a lot. Seen up to 170 gallons hour which it’s doing as o type this. It was totally flooding the neighbors backyard but I moved it to discharge on the driveway which eventually just sweeps into my front yard.

[@ivancedillo8]

How deep should I dig my trench up here in Chicago? Love your content

[@justinjones7020]

Great video. Do you have a picture of the final product? Also, pros and cons of putting rock down underneath the pipes as well?

[@guitardds]

If you burrito wrap drain gravel on a good running slope and don’t put the dirt back over it, do you still need a pipe? Or will the gravel be enough?

[@williamupton3149]

I’m putting a French drain 100 ‘ long across the back side of my yard , I want to T into it and run towards my house but not sure how far apart to run between the Ts , hole yard is like a sponge

[@Subrbn1999]

You made it a point to show off the Bells of the PVC sticks, which I also prefer and use consistently. But, you installed the bell in the opposite direction of flow thus creating a substantial amount of friction and speed loss. Ever have issues with this in more demanding installs?

[@FRENCHDRAINMAN]

@S. 1999 Thank you I will bring this to my crews attention. Appreciate your insight brother another example how we are better in numbers. ✌👍

[@harryl7946]

Good catch. I just caught this slope video and needed to watch it.

[@TheOnlySgtRock]

Thanks for helping us all out. What kind of percent drop is ideal and what is minimal?

[@FRENCHDRAINMAN]

@Steve C 1% minimum 2% ideal

[@michaelt1349]

Is there any issue with running your perforated pipe downhill to be discharged at say about a 10% slope? (which is the measured natural slope of where my pipe needs to go to be discharged!)

[@erf601]

Mr French Drain Man , I have to extend the discharge drain hose over to the right of my home towards a sewer and I need to find out where I can get 8" x 20' Corrugated Solid Dual-Wall Belled End Culvert Drainage pipe 70ft long , where can I find something like that in Illinois ? Help please

[@SenorAhole]

Hell yeah

[@vaughnwesterby5162]

I like the fail safe sump outlet, you showed it in an earlier video. 👍🏻 Would it be okay to run to the sump line to the French drain and let the french drain take over from there? I have nowhere for the water to go but between me and my neighbors yard (his yard has the low spot). I’m thinking the 60’ run between us will dissipate some of the water I put-into the area. Thanks for the ideas.

[@Argyll9846]

Bell ends of PVC pipes should always be at the uphill end of the pipe as water flows more smoothly over the joint. If they point downhill turbulence is caused by the end of the pipe that's fed into the bell.

[@FRENCHDRAINMAN]

@Nicholas And toads give you warts. Its BS. Research it. Its something the old times thought and said. Controlled testing has proven either way is fine. Thank you for commenting!!

[@brad3378]

The micro turbulence at the joints of PVC is a drop in the ocean compared to the turbulence inside corrugated pipe and farmers use corregatef for literal miles to drain fields. You are worried about factors that don't matter

[@djjccc1589]

Do you sell in TX? Not a DIYer, so are landscapers best for doing French Drsins?

[@m.perez.mapa2perez475]

How deep should the beginning of the trench be

[@jeremybruce654]

You should franchise your business.👍

[@p.a.f.mitasol8071]

You've got your 4'in PVC pipe fitted at the bell joints facing the wrong way. Flow should be towards the bell not away from it which creates small eddys coming in contact with the lip of the male ( non bell ) end. Not overly an bigy with stormwater pipe but a good habit to adopt for pressure pipe as well.

[@TheRealMrGuvernment]

I presume also an issue in cold areas where sitting water could freeze and break the joint / seal?

[@kelliez9991]

Draw some arrows so the water knows to flow that way😊

[@lizdonovan6024]

So you use 4" rigid PVC for moving water collected from the gutter or from a sump pump, and flexible perforated pipe for ground water, correct?

[@paffandpoof]

Is there a reason for this? Why rigid PVC rather than corrugated/flexible (non-perforated) pipe from a gutter or sump pump?

[@spineguy1553]

I feel like a lucky man. I just bought a Kubota BX23S and ran 100’ I guessed on the slope. No level or sting nothing. It drains perfect. I like this idea though. I was guessing and wasn’t sure. Now I see how lucky I am.

[@jimbohnenkamp5082]

What keeps the line between the two shovels from sagging? Is it just a matter of being taut or is there a special line material?

[@jakefriesenjake]

It could sag, just put the level exactly in the middle of the line. The tighter the better tho. Sometimes the levels aren't accurate brand new. Varify them on a known accurate level, then check it the other way (turn it around). When I buy them, I put them all on a really expensive level at the store and pick and chose the best one. I do this method for buying temperature gauges too. I check them all, to see if they read the same number. (71f), if 1 says 73f, don't get that one. Lol. You get the drift.

[@fernandoaraque4334]

Do you ever do work in New Jersey?

[@ce9455]

I'm stuck and need help Your videos gave me confidence to DIY. This is a big ..project. I have a flooding around a 20x40 pool and between patio and pool so... I am running 200 feet of single burritoFrench drain around 3 sides of pool. Front aide of pool is two pipes one for drain surface and french. I'm stuck on slope issue. How deep is too deep? Is running water through a pipe a good test if slope is good?

[@FRENCHDRAINMAN]

Yes, that would be fine. You can also put a level on a pipe, and it just needs to be a little off bubble. 1% Slope

[@jeffm2787]

Can also use a water level. They are pretty cheap.

[@joeymonson1643]

How much do you charge per foot of tile?

[@timd1191]

High Five

[@CatherineScott1]

Did you answer why you couldn't ge below the frost line, or did I miss it. Love your videos, very informative.

[@woolybully4902]

C. Scott because the outlet at the end had to be at a high point because of the drain it ran into was shallow.

[@RoyCampanella44]

Slope limitation of the storm sewer cistern, right?

[@summawub]

Super helpful. Thank you

[@FRENCHDRAINMAN]

kzbin.info/aero/PLjFCqaZ4v1BUqichor2QH1X_p9bBPor8D&si=PxVLcbCKHChd4TDG

[@whiskeyblood7258]

Wouldn’t you need to do multiple smaller increments for the whole run to ensure the whole run is at a constant slope?

[@piotrek4302]

if any next section is sloped at least 1" whole run will be sloped as well, of course, its best not to "over sloping the first sections" cause you might end up digging too deep at the end ;)

[@braddubis5003]

I can't find any information on where exactly I should dig my trench for my French Drain. I have about a 6% slope in my backyard, but then it eventually starts to flatten out when it gets to the edge of my deck (about 10 ft from the foundation). My question is should I dig my trench at the edge of the deck where the yard starts to flatten out more or should I dig my trench 3-5 ft from the foundation (everything I've ready online about French Drains).

[@FRENCHDRAINMAN]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/rWnOfKKVa8h-m8k

[@mathusvaiaoga9787]

Question?? I don’t have much fall from my back yard to the street. About 5 inches for 100 feet. Will a French drain still work??

[@FRENCHDRAINMAN]

You need a pump. You will only drain 5 inches of your trench and the rest will hold water allowing roots to thrive and plug the French Drain. Trees and shrubs seek out water. Put a sump pump system in we have several models. Store | French Drain Systems | Curtain Drains | Macomb, Oakland, Lapeer, St. Clair County frenchdrainman.com/store/

[@Handlinmybusiness]

I Love how he keeps referring to "the north" like he's referencing Winterfell

[@beeewarned]

What is the spelling of the drain pipe you recommend? And is it available outside of MI?

[@andrewalexander9492]

Baughman. It's made in Ohio.

[@Pr3lude9]

Can I start a slope in the middle of the house, and drain to the left, and the right, picking up gutter downspouts on the way?

[@FRENCHDRAINMAN]

Yes

[@hiseminencetheholymacdiarmada]

Make everybody dizzy right at the start, great way to keep your viewers interested.

[@fliporhold]

What do you suggest as minimum and maximum slope?

[@robertbuckner8904]

Earlier comment is 1% minimum 2% ideal for every 100 inch run

[@technicalitems731]

When you see percent of grade posted on side of highway, is it on foot or inches or what? 13% is 13 inches in 100 inch intervals?

[@stevecarter8810]

Ratios of distance (and percents) don't need a unit as long as the going and the drop are both in the same unit. 2 inches per 10 inches is the same grade as 2 metres per 10 metres

[@RileyMy5090]

Where can I purchase this type scedual 40 PVC? I live in Michigan north of Flint.

[@FRENCHDRAINMAN]

At one of our locations

[@jasvan4359]

Why schedule 40 , could you use the gold color pipe?

[@FRENCHDRAINMAN]

The city inspector requested it. It's his world when we are in his city.

[@tonytestani3177]

Y solid pipe. Instead of duel wall for down spout

[@harryl7946]

Another good question here. 🤔

[@jasvan4359]

Could you of used the Gold color corrugated in place of PVC scheduled 40

[@FRENCHDRAINMAN]

Yes. Better yet our new Armor Pipe is Thicker than the yellow pipe. We are taking orders now. Last year we sold out in 2 months and we only can get it once a year. It's unfortunate they can only run it in March and it's me personally bank rolling such a run. Each year we run as much as my money will allow. It's never enough. A million dollars worth of pipe is no joke to a contractor like myself. Store | French Drain Systems | Curtain Drains | Macomb, Oakland, Lapeer, St. Clair County frenchdrainman.com/store/

[@sergiodls7348]

Your store is in Miami or do you have one in Illinois?? i need supplies for my house

[@FRENCHDRAINMAN]

@Sergio Go to Frenchdrainman.com

[@rose106]

HOW DO YOU CONNECT THE PVC TO THE HIGH OCTANE?

[@Enteric]

You don’t....

[@dolaward]

Too bad you’re not in my area. Good luck finding a specialist that is going to care this much

[@luisgaldamez8686]

steve71 what area are you in

[@dolaward]

South of Pittsburgh

[@erikdines55]

1/2” block taped to the bottom of a 2’ level…place anywhere on the grade, keep the bubble between the lines.

[@FRENCHDRAINMAN]

A quick easy reference!