Installing a french drain and dewatering pumps to solve stubborn back yard flooding

[@carlameaders4352]

I like when you go back during a storm to check how it’s working

[@GCFD]

It's my favorite part!

[@jordanlong5262]

That is the best.. other channels don't show the result. I can tell you are proud of your work

[@carmineredd1198]

during storms is the best time to check flooding zones and to drive the roads looking for problem area of roads and to watch for post 10 to be out doing his thing

[@Carlitosway211]

I literally came here to say this!

[@politic17]

Hahahaa, so it is not just me. I pretty much love going back to my work and see how things are going and kind of collecting results and conclusions. That was very awesome thing for you to do, I did not think that you'd actually go during the heavy rain to check on your work >> That's a mark of not only a great worker but most importantly an honest and pure hearted human being.

[@stephennetu]

I am so thankful you showed the system while there was severe rain, and then afterwards, 45 minutes or so. That really helped me understand how these systems are meant to operate and what to expect when I install my own. Thank you so much!

[@GCFD]

thank you! that was partly luck as we had a short, intense storm come through right when I was available to chase it.

[@shaincastillo6772]

Here I am just surfing You Tube and I find the most comprehensive beginning to end video I've ever seen. From concept , construction, and completion...then top it off with a major rain event...flooding to almost dry back yard. I applaud you.

[@GCFD]

Wow thank you Shain! I'm glad you enjoyed the video!

[@PLF...]

always nice to have a neighbor that just floods your yard from their concrete driveway

[@pikethree]

Hahahahahaha

[@MrAcslayer1993]

Not sure about here but it's illegal to channel water onto a neighbouring property where I am. Concrete driveway 100% breaks that code and should have had a soakaway installed.

[@aaron5222]

@@MrAcslayer1993 it is in my area as well. Living in the foot hills and the higher side its not as easy. I coordinated with my neighbor where I should plan the run off

[@GCFD]

It was a mess for sure. The homeowner did have a little luck dealing with the neighbor but not much.

[@Scubaguy80]

I would have built a higher concrete barrier out of spite.

[@Darklanmaster]

Thank you for the check during rain!

[@GCFD]

That was a massive rain event!

[@paullauria4509]

This guy is great. Humble and thorough

[@GCFD]

👍

[@209Control]

How has your channel not blown up!!!??? Your content and way you explain everything is second to NONE!

[@GCFD]

Thank you! I reached 1000 subs around the first week of jan so I've been very excited. 👍

[@209Control]

@@GCFD good point! I love your content and you have a talent in teaching.

[@SeanBaker]

I love that you show the system working in real life situations. Also, you can never beat mother nature no matter how hard you try. The best result is the quick water removal after the storm ends like you stated.

[@GCFD]

👍👍 Agreed! thanks

[@Connection-Lost]

"Also, you can never beat mother nature no matter how hard you try." You sound like a child. Advanced beings would absolutely be able to beat "mother nature" which is an infantile concept in itself.

[@emoAnarchist]

@@Connection-Lost oh wow, you're such a cool guy. you sure showed him. i bet you feel so much better after posting that comment.

[@madcatneon2604]

@@Connection-Lost I think the better word would be compromise since we can't yet able to fully tame her. Unless, these advance beings you talking about are not us humans but someone else

[@johnvalencia9927]

@@Connection-Lost How dumb could you possibly be? Nature is not an infantile concept, and it will always be able to whip man's ass.

[@patricktrainer9715]

Love the fact you showed the system working - looks like one heck of a rain storm and for it to look like that only 45 minutes after the event - good work!

[@GCFD]

Thank you!

[@RSterkenburg]

100% correct. All the dirt they set on top of the gravel is going to wash in. Probably within a few months. All the tree roots they cut are going to grow into the drain. Probably within a year and a half depending on growing season. All to save $100 on fabric and two hours labor.

[@luckyluke33]

The END RESULT.. stilll lots of water in the garden. good job guys

[@GCFD]

👍

[@desmondrodrigues3632]

You the man! great customer service. In depth knowledge of water, its movement, and how to divert it.

[@GCFD]

Thank you!

[@mabamed6791]

AWESOME JOB!

[@GCFD]

Thank you!

[@chadwhite8352]

I watch your videos and think to myself "I can do that", but then I realize it's not so easy. You guys make it look super easy. Always a good job. Very professional.

[@GCFD]

Thank you Chad! It's tough work for sure!

[@kennethharwood2083]

Nice Work !

[@GCFD]

Thank you!

[@fastjeff6]

I have zero idea about drainage and building such, but it's always cool to see professionals working.

[@GCFD]

Thank you Jeff!

[@Phat737]

This homeowner was far more bright then the last one and agreed to tie in all the down spouts.

[@GCFD]

👍

[@mangos2888]

2 years later, I want to know if that neighbor with the lake ended up hiring you 😂

[@puremad1]

Whats great is you care before, during and after your work and that must give your customers so much reassurance in you and your work...that you cannot buy! Great Job

[@GCFD]

Thank you! This channel does a lot for that too. Customers know exactly what to expect.

[@StevenCasper]

Nice work I learned over the years when a major rainfall happens nothing really keeps up. Nature always wins. Your system recovered very quickly that's good works well. Have a nice day.

[@GCFD]

Thank you Steven!

[@deewhyy7012]

Very nice of you to spread seed around the roots of the tree

[@GCFD]

👍

[@spencerwilton5831]

In the U.K. we would use a much larger catch basin, likely perforated around the bottom and sides so that under low rainfall conditions water simple percolated into the surrounding ground. Under storm conditions pumps send the excess elsewhere. The advantage of a larger catch basin is that the pumps cycle far less frequently which significantly improves life expectancy.

[@GCFD]

👍

[@jeevanjacob4102]

Yeah, but we have serious issues now in the UK because too many people are paving or decking over their gardens and some crazy amount like 70% of our sewage now has to be pumped straight into the ocean because of overflow. Few people have the sense to install drainage that percolates the water into the ground beside the drive or into their garden and just put it straight into the sewer.

[@davidstreling3690]

i have sump under my house they had used a 5 gal bucket with a pump in it....LOL i remove the gal bucket and bought a 50 gal plastic barrel and cut it down in half and then dug around the edges of the old hole which was fairly easy and cut the bottom out of the half barrel and inserted it into the hole put some rock around the edges and then put about 3 inches of concrete on the inside for a good base for my zoellor pump with no switch and used a float switch works perfect after it takes a good bit to fill up and then drains again, gave me a lot more time between pump kicking on

[@fredbloggs2587]

Continuous operation is what burns out sump pumps. That's why you'll notice the sump pump information sheet gives a very narrow range of pump basin diameter in which they want it installed. The rainfall in the video which overwhelmed the pumps and made them run continuously is definitely stressing the pumps. Hopefully weather like that won't occur too often.

[@rossprivate5456]

where i live in western australia the ground is generally plain sand which drains very well, my problem is that my rear of my land is the lowest in the immediate area and has a clay layer around 4ft below . when we get rain it rains heavy and once the top 4ft of sand is drenched my block starts to fill and due to being the lowest point i cant pump it anywhere. that being said the water tends to drain reasonably fast but before i knew about the potential for flooding (very mild) it caused a ton on damage to my shed contents. perhaps a french drain with pump to roadside is exactly what i need

[@Tunquenino]

great video folks!

[@GCFD]

Thank you!

[@paulcoulter7181]

Shawn I really like how you go back and check out your work. A lot of guys do not do that.

[@GCFD]

👍

[@simonyapp]

Also, this means you become even more informed and experienced when you review your work. And seeing drainage working well is so satisfying 👍👍

[@jpender0616]

I'm really happy to see the customer service that you provide. I enjoy satisfying the customer's curiosity/questions they have about any project/job I have. I prefer giving the information so they understand the purpose of why I am doing something.

[@GCFD]

I like that too! I always invite the customer to check in as often as they'd like to during the job.

[@AbhorsenAilin]

@@GCFD As a customer who always feels like I'm intruding when I'm trying to see how things are going on a contracted project, it's great to hear someone actually inviting the home owner to take a look. It makes a huge difference for a customer's peace of mind and shows real confidence in your team's work.

[@GCFD]

@@AbhorsenAilin I like the customer to see what’s going on for a couple reasons. First they see us working hard and making sure things are correct, and second they see exactly what they are paying for - quality work and quality materials. They also see a crew that is happy and enjoying the work. I’ve had tons of comments on how well our crew works and enjoys ourselves.

[@saltman1100]

I like how you go back and check the process

[@GCFD]

It's my favorite part!

[@AKiNGx]

Great job

[@GCFD]

👍

[@paulbombardier8722]

I have been fascinated to listen to you explain how you assess the situations and devise solutions. You guys are amazing in how you do all this. I can see why homeowners would be impressed and appreciate the time you take with them. Congrats on a great work ethic, and jobs well done.

[@GCFD]

Thank you Paul! Thanks for commenting!

[@markkeller9378]

Great followup video both visits 45 minutes apart! Nice job! All those problems solved.

[@GCFD]

That was lucky to catch it during that storm. Worth getting wet.

[@bryanevans111]

Wow.....what a difference from before and after. The French drain seemed undersized at first to me but 45 minutes later that water was gone. That was some extreme heavy down pour if rain you guys had. Awesome job Gate city!!!!! Keep the videos going. I truly enjoy watching them.

[@GCFD]

Thank you Bryan! The results speak for themselves and I was very impressed with how the system was working during that extreme rain event.

[@UncleMoishe]

Just watching your video .. you have all the right tools for the job and your attention to detail is incredible. I love how you drilled the holes through the curb and even set the pipe back a 1/16th or so , so cars won’t damage the pipe. You did a FANTASTIC JOB... You deserve every penny they paid you for taking care of their yard.

[@GCFD]

Thank you! thanks for watching! - Shawn

[@J-Colt]

Wife left for work, animals fed and potty breaks, sat down with coffee and enjoyed this vid on a finally sunny Monday morning. Very relaxing, thanks!

[@GCFD]

Thanks for sharing! I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@jimbass924]

Excellent plan and workmanship along with follow up evaluation with customer!

[@GCFD]

Thank you Jim!

[@psbjr]

Nice work! Just FYI, typically if you bury a tree above the root flare (where the roots begin to flare out at the bottom), you run the risk of girdling the tree and killing it, as all the nutrients and water are delivered by a thin layer of cells just beneath the bark, which will rot if wet. It does depend on the species and whether it is particularly wet, but it is definitely a consideration to make given how high up the dirt was mounded for this project.

[@GCFD]

For sure. There was soil around the tree that had washed away so we felt all right restoring it. This was an oak and the phloem is under the bark delivering nutrients from the leaves to the roots.

[@psbjr]

@@GCFD Nice, thanks for the response. I'm curious if you have ever done any large rain garden installs? I'm at a site where there is a sizable hill shedding towards our house, and I'd like to use your techniques to avoid flooding...with a twist of pushing the water into a big rain garden at the bottom before letting it out to the street. I'd love to see you try something like this in the future bc I know you'd do a great job....Thanks for your awesome content it's really helped my family figure some things out!

[@akesvensson3778]

If I lived where your company is, I would have applied for a job with you! Conscientious is the word!

[@GCFD]

👍👍

[@jeepindave5464]

Love seeing the system in action. That shuttle buggy was a back saver on this job. That sump pump must be thankful for some rest.

[@GCFD]

👍 Thanks for watching Dave!

[@TheCookster64]

This is by far the best drainage dudes ever. Need to do a drain at my son's house. No fabric for me after watching your videos. Outstanding!

[@GCFD]

👍 Thank you!

[@eddiemortontapman7252]

Your new trailer is a Nice addition to your fleet and now you can load it with your mud buggy as well . You keep making your self more versatile and efficient indeed .

[@GCFD]

For sure. We're not trying to do a lot of hard labor out here. Let the equipment do the work!

[@chrisbaer4567]

I always love the videos that you install pump in. It's so satisfying watching the water levels drop rapidly, and get spat out somewhere else.

[@Losttoanyreason]

Holy moley on the rainstorm you were driving in. That's one way to check your work. I do like how you go back when possible and show the results. I like your work ethic.

[@GCFD]

Thank you! 👍

[@Mr_Nice_Guy_100]

👌🤗 I also like doctors that take there time and try to get to the bottom of a problem.

[@GCFD]

Right? lol

[@theresaburg5881]

I love that you go and inspect the properties after you work on them to see how well the system works.

[@gmcjetpilot]

This is like my project I start late summer last year. Two French drains, picking up all down spouts, Two sump basins pumping out to the street, and a 60' concrete side walk. Also on the property on the hill behind me I generously put in an open 80 foot drainage ditch. I had to grind down several large tree roots to make the water flow downhill parallel to the property line instead of it directed into the my backyard.

[@GCFD]

Awesome! Sounds like a big job but you got good results!

[@Oscar_1123]

I have a problem with animals getting trapped in one downspout. I had to pull it off the under ground piping to let them out. Its better than letting them die in the downspout.

[@TheReb96]

An install with results in the same video?!?! Not everyday you see something as special as this!

[@GCFD]

Thank you! I try to get the after footage in all my videos.

[@bryanmeza9974]

Love how you added video of the drain in action!

[@GCFD]

That's m favorite part!

[@coenfilm]

Really enjoyed these videos and I’m sure the homeowners are thrilled! Great solution.

[@GCFD]

Thank you! 👍

[@cmssniper]

Probably one of the best videos. Super interesting to watch, so much to learn. The other quote for the job must have been bad, if they didnt think about how to get rid of the water. And as you said, it is a good thing to spend time with the customer to get rid of the problem. To talk about where the water is coming from, and where you can send it! I really *love* your videos, as you are showing your systems in action! Keep up the good work. PS: I hope you contacted the neighbor for another job ;-)

[@GCFD]

Thank you Robert! We got the sump pump discharge line from the basement caught a couple days before we finished and we shoveled all the water and muck off the driveway, which then dried out right away. The neighbors were very impressed!

[@SteveE293]

This is my favourite too 👍

[@logsie3918]

What a bloody fantastic job you did This time last year I plumbed my down pipes to the road and also put in a French drain system to a pit near the road in my boundary that naturally flows when at capacity to the street with the fall I gave it. We had 250mm 2 nights ago after a few days of constant rain and it worked a treat it hit capacity and did what it was supposed to resulting in me being able to mow the lawn a day later. I love the pump set up you used there is definitely a few places here in Townsville that could use that

[@GCFD]

Thank you! I'm glad your system is working so well! Nice work.

[@joedmac78]

How long till the stone clogs with dirt?

[@connorcaba2492]

It won’t

[@carmineredd1198]

you are 100% correct about how spending time pays off especially when you have knowledgeable presentation and feedback . conversating is a key factor in getting approval from potential consumers

[@GCFD]

👍👍

[@Sam465]

I like your new trailer, thanks for yet another great video, I enjoy seeing different layouts, the last one with the concrete drive was also good.

[@GCFD]

Thank you Pete!

[@tfatcher]

I love your post installation videos. You can be proud of the work you and your team do. Nice job!

[@abhizylo]

1 weekend 3 videos... You guys are on a roll...

[@GCFD]

Haha I need that rain for the after-footage! It's a pain and holds up the videos but I think it's worth it to wait for the rain. I often have several videos finished and waiting for rain.

[@soundguy098]

@@GCFD I like the rain shots it’s a perfect way to end the video. It proves your plan works effectively.

[@abhizylo]

Yes please... Don't post without the rain shots... Keep the other editing bits ready and post as soon as you have the working model... Either via a hose or the more beautiful rain shots... That is your signature end shot. Content quality matters not quantity...peace

[@GCFD]

@@abhizylo I agree and I try to keep the quality high.

[@ncvman]

Nice job. Only thing I don’t like is the gravel across the lawn.

[@CaptureYouVideo]

PERFECT VIDEO I've always been waiting to see the results of a real rain fall - you might have remembered me posting something about this before. Awesome !

[@39FORTYWATER]

Good watching your videos. I learn the understanding that water has to go somewhere when I buy my house. I now know what to listen for when hiring a contractor. Thank you

[@steverusie6986]

Between the Kabota and the buggy even one man can get a lot accomplished in a short time! Great job, I like how you cut the sidewalk as one slab to be able to replace it with minimal disturbance. 👍

[@GCFD]

Thanks Steve!

[@toddgolling5760]

I love that you are putting the dump buggy to work

[@GCFD]

That thing has been getting some work. My concrete guy keeps borrowing it as well!

[@williamlloyd3769]

Newly installed system came through the acid test. Wow, that was a serious amount of water!

[@GCFD]

I agree! That was a pretty rare rain event and I'm so glad I went out and braved it for the footage.

[@stupac10]

This video was excellent, the fact you went back and showed the result during rain made this video! Thanks so much!

[@GCFD]

Thank you PAC! 👍

[@stevef3858]

I found this informative, especially after a heavy rain event brought on by a tornado. I suppose if the contractor wanted to suggest going bigger in regards to pumps, larger I.D. pipe, the added cost could be prohibitive. Having the excess water gone within 45 minutes is what shows the contractor understands the customers needs.

[@GCFD]

I agree Steve! thanks for commenting!

[@stuartcotterill9475]

Your attention to detail is fantastic. Awesome work.

[@GCFD]

Thank you! 👍

[@SimmanGodz]

Holy crap I busted out laughing when you came back to see that discharge! Look at that thing, its freaking insane!!

[@GCFD]

👍 I agree! That whole neighborhood has drainage issues and so I was happy to get the discharge to the street!

[@jonnyg6001]

It's funny how you brought up how you took time to solve the problem instead of throwing pipe at the problem. It's like the difference between a mechanic and a parts changer. That corrugated pipe is junk. We had a huge problem with basement flooding due to the use of fabric and that shit pipe. I was only a teen when it was done, and I knew it was wrong. Fast forward 15 years and we had to re do the foundation (that was poured 15 years prior) and the drainage due to winter freezes and thaws with all the poor drainage. Now it's drier than a popcorn fart. You do great work. Glad I found your channel today and your instant reply and direction to the part 2 of the extension on that high cap drain you did. Keep up the good work!

[@GCFD]

Thank you Jonny! I'm glad you're enjoying my stuff - Shawn

[@jonnyg6001]

@@GCFD Who would have thought drainage could be so fun to watch, haha!

[@GCFD]

@@jonnyg6001 I try to make watchable videos by using the time lapse and interesting angles.

[@jonnyg6001]

@@GCFD Keep it up!!

[@MrSmid888]

Man makes Earth waterproof then spends thousands diverting standing water. Great work

[@GCFD]

👍

[@arlingtonguy54]

I just got my new dump trailer too. Loaded my mini ex last night for a stump removal job this morning. I’ve made two trips to the landfill. Dumping trash is much better than unloading by hand. Love it!

[@GCFD]

Awesome! What did you get? I got the bigtex 16.' Had to get it new and go to TN to find one.

[@arlingtonguy54]

@@GCFD Got it from Kaufmann in NC. Had to order it and took 6 weeks to build. Got the 10’ 10k lb cause I only have a half ton truck. So far so good. .

[@GCFD]

@@arlingtonguy54 that’s an awesome trailer! Congrats!

[@delt19]

Wow the neighbors foundation was flooded! I'd hate to be that guy. I hope he gave you a call asap after seeing the results from the work your team did.

[@GCFD]

I haven't heard anything yet!

[@hiddeninthewires2308]

Neighbors solution was to raise grade and slope to his house

[@hiddeninthewires2308]

If they fixed there drainage he wouldn't have such a hard ti.e

[@spacecoastkid5033]

I don't know why, but I love watching drainage videos!

[@kovbohdan]

Why don't you lay a geotextile under the gravel in a trench ? it is so cheap, actually a gravel will sink in a soil/clay after a few years and a drain will lose its efficiency

[@samt5663]

Ditto. Y?

[@Tas-Devil]

Based on what we can see in this video I would estimate 2 to 3 years this drain will be mostly filled with soil and debris washed down the hill. Should have lined the drain with a geo fabric, gravel in bottom, pipe, cover with gravel fold geo fabric over the top and finish with another layer of gravel. All drains need maintenance, installing one correctly will minimise the frequency of that maintenance.

[@bobshanery5152]

@@Tas-Devil That's just not true. Drains have been in installed like that for hundreds of years and no fabric was ever used. Many old drains still work to this day. Besides nothing can go without some type of maintenance at one time or another. Clay will clog geo fabric in a few years making that system move very little water. This install will last many years and only require minor upkeep.

[@GCFD]

I think the thin layer of fabric (maybe 1mm) clogs much faster than many inches of gravel. The gravel also preserves the flow so fine sediments flow through the system instead of clogging against a fabric.

[@omegalamda3145]

@@GCFD agreed

[@matt08015]

I like seeing your end results i also your dump trailer is coming in handy that yard had a lot water in but pumps took care of it another good job

[@GCFD]

Thank you! 👍

[@michaelshepherd733]

Nice to know that it did get rid of that standing water in 45 minutes.....should be able to keep up with a normal rain event no problem..... How long do you think those pumps will last?....Just curious

[@GCFD]

Yes! I had ran over to another job to catch things in the rain and then back to this one. The homeowner said he looked at the pump by the patio and saw it was under water and then it wasn't. These pumps can pump around 55-80 gallons a minute so work very well. They are Zoeller M98 pumps with 3 year warranty so should last a few years at least. This was a discussion point with the homeowner with pumps being a last resort.

[@michaelshepherd733]

Cool, thanks.....ya, those pumps are a workhorse....well worth the money.......great work.....and great work making the video's

[@davidstreling3690]

@@GCFD thoes switches will last 3 yrs and 1 week, they are bad to burn out real fast as not enough height before they cycle on and off ,go with a float valve so the catch basin would be full before kicking on would work better, other than that zoeller pump themselves are fantastic will last forever but their switches suck

[@abrahamvazquez4704]

Truly a hard worker, you earn more than a Like, you earn a new subscriber.

[@GCFD]

Thank you Abraham!

[@modelhometourswithkimandst7302]

Great video thanks for sharing. Since you were pumping uphill, did you need some form of back flow preventer to keep street water from flowing into your discharge lines?

[@GCFD]

Yes there are check valves (flapper style over spring loaded) near the pumps.

[@modelhometourswithkimandst7302]

@@GCFD thanks for taking the time to answer. Really enjoy your videos and especially the follow ups at the end to see all that hard work paying off for your customers. Please keep them coming!

[@erwinbrubacker7488]

You are worth what you charge. Since you do such good work.

[@GCFD]

Thank you! 👍

[@eddiemortontapman7252]

You do have some hard working people helping you that are working as hard as you work Too ! But you have invested in more efficient equipment and need less labor . Nice job , gone from swamp to nice useable outside area .

[@GCFD]

Thank you Eddie! I decided early on to invest in good people and equipment for us to make the job easier.

[@westhavenor9513]

Great job! That was an incredible amount of water the system handled.

[@AdvancedUSA]

It looks like after about 8-12" of topsoil they have clay. Nothing is going to drain through that so this is the only solution.

[@GCFD]

I agree Goop. The gravel looks terrible but the H.O. is going to turn it into a path to mitigate the looks.

[@IanDaniel-DataAnalytics]

This is awesome. I love how simple and effective this appears.

[@HiVizCamo]

23:10 Tree is like "Thanks man!"

[@GCFD]

👍

[@MrMustangMan]

no doubt.!!!!!!

[@edkaempf906]

Your videos are great because you always show how your installation works during or after it rains (in this case, during and after it literally dumped).

[@GCFD]

Thank you! I'm glad you're enjoying them! - Shawn

[@mattweeden9071]

When pumping discharge lines uphill, how do you prevent water from staying in the pressure line to prevent freezing?

[@GCFD]

Luckily we don't have to worry about that here in this area. I'm not sure how you would deal with that Matt.

[@kylelottridge8939]

Not a water systems engineer so I'm just throwing out an idea that popped into my head without doing research: maybe have a small diameter return line in the pressure line at the lowest point back to the sump basin? Enough to trickle the water in the line back into the basin but not enough to decrease the efficiency of the pumping too much. I would also guess that the lines and/or basin would have to be deeper so it is below the Frost Line for the region you are in. Anyone can correct me if they know better but it was a fun problem to think about. Edit: A problem I could see is the pump turning off and on when the water in the line all returns to the basin, so maybe set the pump to turn on when the level is more than the line volume?

[@danl6634]

Here in MN I've seen people run sump discharge hoses on top of the grass to the road, then they get pulled & put away in the winter. Or find a way to heat tape it if you're dealing with natural drainage not pumped. Frost line around here is 4', so wherever you daylight the discharge it'll be a problem.

[@MrCodyminner]

I need one of these pump systems in my yard. I've got a giant lake in my yard a week after a rainstorm.

[@GCFD]

The pumps do work well for dewatering low areas.

[@jojhno2205]

Question. Would making the pipes bigger allow the water to drain into the street faster?

[@GCFD]

No the larger volume of water in a larger pipe would place more pressure on the pumps. Pumping can never keep up with a heavy rain event but can quickly catch up once the rain stops.

[@rogerz4326]

Great, love it to see responsive people do good job, thanks for sharing.

[@jackprice6599]

Could you imagine a pump that could keep up? Would look like you opened a fire hydrant in the street.

[@lorenzo42p]

we must do it, for science!

[@GCFD]

I can't imagine a pump that could keep up with that much water!

[@BlackDragonWitheHawk]

Some events can overwhelm the best systems... here in switzerland in 1999 whole regions got flooded... since then they tried to improve drainage and water protection, adding extra tunnels of 2-4 meters diameter at the end of lakes... thing is, if those are used, the cities downriver get the problem... In my local village they are in the process of building a 2x2m tunnel and catching system for a 100year flood event, I am not sure how it will end up looking, but I think it will have a mini dam and catch basin alongside it, most locals and workers think it is oversized and there will never be water in that ammount, but the planning commison has banned developement for the region, if nothing is done, and it kind of is a bathtub between a few hills, with one side beeing a rather big slope... I am interested how it will end up, so far there is a massive pile of earth across the field, in order to compact the soil and back at the lake they built the 2x2 meter or maybe slightly less big outflow... (to be fair the lower part will also recive two of the local small streams that are currently partialy or fully enclosed, one of them marks our property boundrary) The 99 flood had about 1 - 2 meters of standing water here, down at the lake and completely filled cellars and in some cases even groundfloors, I can vaguely remember beeing taken down into one by the local firefighters which where pumping it out (sitting on his shoulders, I was about 6)

[@allenzackery1639]

That's a good one ? Lol

[@neiltitmus9744]

@@GCFD would need a catch basin and hope it can hold the water and deal with it after .

[@Rppbiz]

Shawn, your spot on with how you run your estimate, listen more. Sell the problem you solve. I’ve enjoyed watching your videos, I’m trying to figure out a solution for my awkward “bowl” affect no place for water to go backyard and the pump or pumps are something I believe I’ll have go with as much as I don’t want to. Results over esthetics was my #1 take away from this video. Wish you were local to my area I’d hire you!

[@GCFD]

Thanks for watching and commenting Ryan! Best luck with your bowl issue! Pumps do work very very well.

[@SteveE293]

This clearly shows how effective a French drain is with gravel all the way to the surface

[@GCFD]

Yes It is much more efficient but looks terrible. This homeowner was planning to add some stepping stones or pavers to make this into a pathway.

[@edbouhl3100]

Especially in that mercilessly unabsorbant clay soil!

[@robertsalido1232]

Great Job! I like a company who stands by their work!

[@GCFD]

👍

[@MechanismBasics]

Your videos are very informative and well-paced. How often would you recommend getting a French drain serviced/cleared? The exceptionally heavy rain we have had this year might be overwhelming the system in our back yard but I'm sure clogs can happen over time. Thanks!

[@GCFD]

If the FD is schedule 40 PVC you can snake or jet it out whenever you feel like it.

[@grinchyface]

post10 just literally nutted

[@livingonthetyne]

LOL

[@GCFD]

👍

[@kurtis7975]

@@livingonthetyne lmfao

[@cjadventures8840]

Lol

[@quackster41]

Bruh lol

[@eddiemortontapman7252]

The coring of the curb is so much more professional finish look also ! Some of your best looking work yet !

[@GCFD]

My quote said something like, "curb will be cored for a perfect fit" and the homeowner was astonished when he first saw it and how nice it looked.

[@eddiemortontapman7252]

Coring can be difficult task but it is the first thing people see when pulling up to the property and it has a professional look , the quality shows . And the customers wife may love having no water in the basement or bedroom but dislike that concrete patch for ever ?

[@Cbv1914]

Maybe I missed it but will you not be covering the gravel with dirt? Also are you not worried about roots, dirt and debris going into the drains without any barrier besides the gravel?

[@GCFD]

Correct. They already had a french drain that was buried in dirt. That destroys it's purpose as the water can't get into the drain if there is dirt covering it.

[@steverusie6986]

He always includes clean outs on the pipes which would allow them to be cleaned out with a jetter (high pressure water jet with a root cutter nozzle) and the smooth pipe lets any other dirt/debris to flow down and out of the pipe during wet weather events.

[@Cbv1914]

@@GCFD do you ever cover the gravel? I wouldn’t want to have that going across my yard. I understand you want the water to get to the drain as fast as possible but it’s such an eye sore going across the whole yard. Plus my little ones love to pick up rocks and move them. Constant fight to get them to leave them where they are.

[@BuckRodgers3]

@@Cbv1914 It is possible, instead of filling up to the top with gravel you put down a water permeable membrane then cover with either sand or topsoil but that comes with either increase costs or decreased drain efficiency like he said so a strip of gravel can be an improvement over a swamp for heavy rain areas like this house. Or for areas with light rainfall and no invasive roots you can buy products that are basically corrugated pipe with filter material and membrane wrapped around all you have to do is dig a trench and lay it.

[@chadwhite8352]

Great work as always. I love watching how you solve different water issues.

[@GCFD]

Thank you Chad! Every problem is different so it's super important to let the homeowner explain what the problem is and where it's coming from so I can try to solve it.

[@jimybobjim]

Hello!

[@GCFD]

👍

[@provaporfagotti291]

4:40 Customer retention. That is lacking these days. Great videos love the content!

[@GCFD]

Thank you!

[@Marmotious]

Does the sump basin activate automatically when a certain water level is reached or does it have to be manually activated?

[@jackprice6599]

Auto, there's a float switch.

[@GCFD]

Like Jack said, it's got an automatic float switch inside that pops on when the water rises and then off when water is pumped out.

[@Toto-is8ci]

What a collection of power tools and supplies.

[@GCFD]

👍

[@bogerdoger1]

Love the videos! is there a way to do a border around the gravel where the French drains are? Obviously functionality is the most important aspect. But would a border to keep the gravel contained be possible to make it visually more appealing?

[@GCFD]

YES Yes! Adding some pavers or other hardscaping around the FD would be a great improvement on looks. As long as the homeowners don't bury the thing in dirt and grass I'm good.

[@hiddeninthewires2308]

You fighting the neighbor who raised the grade of there property. He needs to raise his grade to match theres or call city

[@jacobmccammon4078]

11:52 is a good feeling, the mans so happy with the successful install.

[@GCFD]

He enjoys the job and the work and takes pride in his work. I couldn't ask for a better worker.

[@toddgolling5760]

it seems like you should have angled the discharges in the other direction.

[@GCFD]

I try to use as few turns and angles as possible with pipe to preserve as much flow.

[@royhawkins9711]

I though the same, with water gushing down the road with dirt ,tree twigs and rubbish the pipes will get blocked,!!

[@CrazyAmazingDesigns]

Dude! That was incredible. Those pumps weren’t going to keep up with that much water, but they cleaned it up great after some catch up time.

[@GCFD]

I thought so too! I didn't design it to keep up because that would be unrealistic. The goal was to get rid of the residual water after the rain. The homeowner was also very happy with the results. That was a heck of a rain, too.