Installing the Foundation Perimeter French Drain System

[@stan3198]

You must be drained after that job LOL Great progress as always.

[@kmaynor16]

Jeremy, I know that you were very hesitant to be your own general contractor, but you are doing fantastic! Clearly, you have studied each and every step you need to take, and you are showing them to us. This is very valuable information for anyone building their own home. And since you are doing it yourself, you know it has been right and well. Thanks again!

[@Guildbrookfarm]

So far so good 🤞🏻

[@Will7981]

A lot of folks don't know anything about water and drainage and end up with a leaky, moldy basement. It looks to me like you are doing yours' exactly right. That basement looks like it's going to be nice and dry as they should be.👍🏻👍🏻

[@tonygrimes13]

I think Jeremy has got Common Sense & does a lot of research.

[@klazyy641]

And here I thought the holes went on the top, lol! Thanks for explaining that last video. Good work!

[@awd3264]

No. Water would have to fill the trench till it reaches the drain holes. Any water that doesn't get to the drain holes just sets unable to drain off.

[@augustreil]

@@awd3264, That's exactly what I have been trying to tell people. If the holes are on the top, that trench would have to have 5-6'' of sitting water in it to start working. So nice to see someone with common sense. Thank you.

[@tonygrimes13]

@@augustreil Common sense is not *COMMON* !!!!!

[@davidj.mackinney6568]

This series is so interesting, to see everything that goes into foundation of a house.

[@artzology]

Happy that you are keeping us informed! Can't wait to see more!

[@sovereigns1grace]

Yay! No more shoveling out the trench! Looks great.

[@Rockin357]

Your friend is really good with that machine. Good to have friends.

[@kristidennis2779]

Good Job. Loved the song at the end, sounds like me when I'm doing something that gives me satisfaction.

[@p.l.larose3851]

Coming along beautifully. Enjoyed your little ditch ditty too. (insert smiley face here)

[@bridgescwr6136]

Thanks for sharing Jeremy. Warm regards to Jaime, I miss seeing her help.

[@honeybadgers1996]

I'm glad you're done with this hard job, too. I feel your pain but now you can check-off one more hard job. Well done!

[@raynall3593]

Not one of the more glamorous jobs but very important. Hard work but you will be glad you took the time when you see how dry your basement is inside. Doing a great job and great progress so far. Let's hope the weather cooperates with you this winter and doesn't hinder your progress.

[@marklownox]

Your home is coming along real nice. Thanks for sharing the build with us!

[@seriouslyreally5413]

Excellent designing! Good roof gutters and final landscape grading away from the foundation will ensure youll never have to test the system unless you have below grade ground water movement. Then you've probably already made plans for a sump pump system below your slab...

[@gardenlady1293]

It is so inspiring to se you all working on such an amazing project! Happy Thanksgiving!

[@jackpatteeuw9244]

You have gotten a lot of good advice on waterproofing and drainage. I hope the rest of your build goes smoothly !

[@WendyK656]

Good job Jeremy!

[@ggarden8432]

That is going to be a beautiful view from your house.

[@mmanut]

GREAT JOB‼️👍 Most importantly is to keep the back fill out of the gravel. Maybe tape with Gorilla tape the cover cloth to the wall so the soil doesn't get behind the cloth as you are back filling. You have done a great job on what most people just half ass it. Looks like you will stay dry‼️👍👍. GOOD LUCK,. VINNY 🇺🇸

[@1rdgrnnr]

the hoops you are going thru is amazing .BUT,you are doing it their way . I like it !! kudos to you Jeremy !!!

[@jahzen67]

Thank you for sharing , man. I'm so excited for you guys.

[@arussianasset3948]

MMMMM ! my kinda burrito. One that has it's own clean-out tube.

[@Peteslife]

I am enjoying the build series on your new home.. Thanks.

[@DebbiesHomeplace]

Thanks for sharing, bet you're glad that job is complete. Great job!

[@serenagomez3864]

Enjoying the process. Thank you!

[@ashpenaz2308]

I'm loving this series. Thanks for sharing!

[@jamest5149]

I would back fill with gravel, will stop any heave from the surrounding clay pushing on the ICF walls and help drainage away from the walls. The hydrostatic pressure exerted by the clay is massive every wet session.

[@LittleMountainLife]

Awesome video! I’ll be doing the french drain around our new pole barn home soon and this is super helpful.

[@sonyagregory5711]

Man that's a lot of hard work and this is all the crazy stuff you have to do before you get to the good stuff but it's necessary. You did a good job and I'm sure that you're glad that is over with now what a really feel good is when you backfill around that basement and then you can go on to doing the pretty part building the house. Be safe :-)

[@sandyjacobs6202]

Know nothing about any of this but yes i found it interesting and learned a little about french drains no use for me in future but nice to watch and learn man every vlog just a little closer to your dream way to go

[@KoalityofLife]

Your county requires a lot more for your foundation drain than our county does. Ours was only a drain pipe sock and 6 inches of any type of gravel. I guess it depends on the area and how much rain they think your house will get around the foundation. Nice work, you shouldn't have to worry about that pipe getting clogged any time soon. :)

[@Guildbrookfarm]

Our county doesn’t require nearly what I put in.

[@KoalityofLife]

@@Guildbrookfarm Always better to over build than just do what you have to. Less to worry about later. :)

[@tammyshepherd1152]

It's coming along, looks good.😁

[@dianehall5345]

Wow! From the look of your clay soil, I can see why you need to do this French drain technique. We lucked out. Our walk-in foundation was set up and poured in a former excavation site, that was done by the state to remove gravel for a local road project. Thats right, we managed to set the foundation directing into amazing, well drained gravel. We were grateful! Basic black tar on the foundation gave us a dry basement. You are doing a great job of making sure your foundation has all the bases covered. Doing most of this build yourself means that you both know exactly what went into your project. That is what we had to do as well...

[@heywood62]

With each part you get closer to being dried in. Great update as usual. Hope the weather cooperates. Take care.

[@shepatown]

Rain rain go away... Come back on another day... That's my little non-native American anti-rain dance song for you! Hope it works!

[@Guildbrookfarm]

Actually I think it did 🧐

[@shepatown]

@@Guildbrookfarm Whoa!! Awesome!!

[@PaullaWells]

That's a huge task checked off the list. Congratulations! Will you concrete the lower floor before pouring the upper story? You probably already said this and I missed it or I've forgotten. Apologies.

[@MostlySunny2010]

Can you explain how the clean-out pipe works? If you have a sock over the perforated pipe, very little sediment would get into the pipe. Are we to think that you would force a snake down into the line? I don't see how the snake would make that 90 degree turn.

[@luiscostabile6036]

Ideally you would have two cleanouts side by side, and instead of a simple T, use TY's, one going in one direction, other going in the other direction so snaking is much easier to direct.

[@erockmuzic5070]

you guys been working hard I been following you all for a while now......looks like you need few beers after all that hard work i'll drink a few for ya!

[@bbcfakenews8333]

Learn something every day

[@Souixno]

You have to love PROGRESS 💜 Be blessed 💜

[@Chris-qf9qm]

I dont always dig drains with my 45 but its been one of those days....LOL Just giving you a hard time. Good video

[@djaspurh]

Looking good. Pain in the butt doing drainage but it’s critical

[@gmow1571]

Daylight Savings Time occurs between the second Sunday in April to the first Sunday in November in the US.

[@snsfabricating]

I would put another load of gravel. Dirt compresses outward against the wall. Gravel compresses straight down. Worth the money.

[@stargazer7644]

Your grasp of physics is suspect.

[@snsfabricating]

@@stargazer7644 Look it up Einstein.

[@stargazer7644]

@@snsfabricating Maybe you should support your bullsh!t with some references. It isn't my job to prove your point.

[@masoudpourjam9930]

Thank you for detailed French drain explanation

[@lennygraham9168]

Thanks for spending the time on the videos! You present very well. The clean out is an awesome idea. do you have to lay rigid foam horizontally at the front on the foundation to prevent frost from creeping under your footings ? Keep up the great work!

[@kriswright1022]

Lenny Graham he’s in the south, frost line is not that much of a concern.

[@jcadult101]

@@arnoldromppai5395 Today's Q&A answers that, they have 1' frost line.

[@kriswright1022]

Arnold Romppai your opinion is noted, it’s my opinion that it would be a waste of time and resources, as the frost line in their area is about 1’, budget and time do not dictate such a concern.

[@bhavens9149]

okay crazy question, but shouldn't the drain extend beyond the house?? Just wondering thanks! hope you had a good thanksgiving. maybe you answered that already, anyway enjoying your house build,

[@tonygrimes13]

Not finished yet at front.

[@Guildbrookfarm]

We’ll finish running drain pipe when we get the trencher to install the water line.

[@bhavens9149]

@@Guildbrookfarm Thank you for answering! Glad I'm not totally crazy! well at least about drains.

[@retiredperson4054]

why did you decide you needed a pipe sock along wit the geo fabric wrap?

[@Guildbrookfarm]

2 is 1. 1 is none.

[@retiredperson4054]

What? I do not understand your reply ? @@Guildbrookfarm

[@srchubz]

@@retiredperson4054 meaning a single layer doesn't do much if stressed (sediment, etc.). Two layers helps immensely

[@luiscostabile6036]

@@retiredperson4054 extra insurance is what he means,

[@lesmcgann]

With a house that has dirt on all 4 sides, How far out from the footer do you run the french drain? Should it extend 5 ft then end into a "gravel pit" should you run it into a bucket with a sump pump?

[@karenmacgyver2314]

Jereme ,can't u use ur solar power to hook up some string work lights ( 20"x17" light ) I had a couple of them but can't remember the exact name for them ...I always called them 'my work lights ' lit up everything like day lite ,wonderfully !!! Just a thought ...I know all that work is very hard n tiring on a person !!!

[@paidicampbell1972]

I salute you - .... how the f did our ancestors survive and why are we still here :) ...........without inspectors! BTW my home is > 200 years old in parts and it's grand lol x I don't think somehow the inspections back then were quite so thorough! Yet here I am 13 years later after buying it, enjoying my home! x I wish you well in yours :)

[@stargazer7644]

And how many 200 year old homes are long gone because of mistakes made and those lack of inspections?

[@perpetuallearner5416]

Cool video as always. Is it wrong for me inquire after a man has laid a concrete foundation, why his wife seems to have disappeared?

[@Guildbrookfarm]

Keep up! It’s art commission season

[@perpetuallearner5416]

@@Guildbrookfarm Just my poor attempt at humor. They can't all be winners. :)

[@Guide504]

I must have missed orientation....didn't get a 1911 45 with my PPE!,

[@ianfarnsworth4546]

I don’t understand how this keeps the water away from the walls. If the pipe has holes in it would it not just leak out ? I just built a basement but I have not backfilled it yet because someone told me I needed to put in a drain. I just need to understand how it works.

[@Guildbrookfarm]

Gravity

[@doug892]

Is there a stem wall and footer on the front?

[@chelemichele1524]

Coming along.. do it right the first time so it doesnt cost you 10fold later... Have a wonderful evening 🌻🌻🌻

[@josephspratt2055]

Any reason you didn't use a wye connection for the clean out?

[@atlanticcanuck2826]

That clean out will be hard to use since you have used a TEE fitting. The snake has nothing to turn it in the direction of the horizontal pipe as it is a sharp 90 degree bend. You might want to look into a two way sewer clean out. There are two risers each on there own WYE fitting. Something to look into if you haven't already back filled.

[@tk1882]

Any GOOD plumber could make that turn with no problem.

[@joshualachute3448]

I was thinking the same thing.

[@fastfeets2695]

I was thinking the same

[@Fidg234]

Interesting to watch.

[@av1204]

Why I like saturdays!

[@slowsmooth3440]

Nice presentation, important information.

[@hisimagenme]

I can't tell you guys how excited I get with every step! So long coming! I've always been curious, how do you keep the levels from changing as you add weight of backfill? Is there a calculation one uses to use as a gauge? Hope you had a great Thanksgiving. Smiles and blessings...

[@augustreil]

Levels of what ? Thanks.

[@hisimagenme]

@@augustreil When leveling the drain tubes to drain properly. To build up our dig down appropriately to allow for proper drainage. Initially it looks great but then you add heavy gravel and dirt back fill - what keeps the pipes from shifting under all that weight?

[@tonygrimes13]

@@hisimagenme What's underneath.

[@hisimagenme]

@@tonygrimes13 Lol.... while I appreciate your "effort" to help everybody knows the dirt that's underneath those pipes are far from compacted earth or rock. So... no that's not the answer I'd be satisfied with if it was my drainage/ keep the house from water damage system. Guess I was hoping Gilbrook would answer I'm sure they require better assurance than that as well.

[@AaronPlay]

So without a sump pump where is the water draining to?

[@Guildbrookfarm]

It's all sloped properly to gravity drain.

[@AaronPlay]

@@Guildbrookfarm Right, but where is it draining to? Maybe I missed that part of the video.

[@Guildbrookfarm]

It drains through corrugated pipe that goes down the mountain.

[@jimw1274]

Is this going below the footer or even with the top of the footer?

[@Guildbrookfarm]

All below the top of the footer

[@TR-he4ub]

@@Guildbrookfarm hey quick question. I'm doing one of these next weekend in iowa. Multiple people have told me to lay it on the footing and not beside. What are your thoughts?

[@MaDGriZz78]

What size roll of non woven did you use? I assume you burrito it then more gravel on top of the burrito and another layer of the fabric on top as well?

[@n.watson8497]

I like your song!

[@robertrockwell7581]

nice work.

[@Jack-vm1fg]

How did you get the cleanout pipes plumb and secure to the wall?

[@Guildbrookfarm]

Just filled around it. It’s not connected to the wall.

[@jamiedeer2674]

Awesome job!! Almost done, not really but this part is done:) Can you both make a video saying the steps that you both had to do, the different inspectors at different times of the stages, and what’s next, with those inspectors and steps? Also Jaime, can you do videos with water bath canning? I recently bought one and I’m disappointed I can’t do meats in them (found out after I bought it). Is it just for pickling? Have a great day/week Jaime and Jeremy!!

[@tonygrimes13]

Google & other Websites are a great resource, i.e. don't be lazy!!!!!!

[@jamiedeer2674]

Tony Grimes, wow!! It’s called communicating with a KZbinr, their experiences. And I was inspired to try pressure cooking (but got a different thing) and prepping by Jaime. Yes I have looked around. I’m not lazy!!! I just wanted to learn from someone who won’t show/say “this is the way!” when the method looks questionable. Anyways...... have a good night/good day..

[@brianwhite9555]

If you even have to do a clean-out, how is that actually accomplished? Do you flush? I'm unfamiliar with the process. Thanks!

[@Guildbrookfarm]

Flush with a hose and/or snake it

[@cannon440]

shouldn't the cleanout be a sweeping y to let the brush make the turn? ( you would need one for each direction)

[@CamppattonFamilyCompound]

Yes it should. It should have a "bull horn" set up for the clean-out. Good catch Laddie

[@thess518]

Nah on a system like this you flush it not snake it. You dump 100 gl water down all at once and clean and clear it goes.

[@CamppattonFamilyCompound]

@@thess518 Unless tree roots get into it or another obstruction that could get caught on the holes. Better safe than sorry.

[@thess518]

Camppatton Family Compound you ain’t cleaning roots out with a snake

[@CamppattonFamilyCompound]

@@thess518 You can with a rooter snake.

[@retiredperson4054]

I do not see where you installed any under slab drainage system --- Shouldn't there be a system under the interior slab for rising ground water?

[@Guildbrookfarm]

Not on this build. It’s on top of the mountain. No water rises.

[@retiredperson4054]

@@Guildbrookfarm OK Gotcha

[@TylerButh]

I want to build an above ground building but then cover it in dirt like a cave. I assume I will have to do this same procedure for draining? Is there a step by step guide somewhere that can help with all the dos and donts? Maybe something you can recommend. The building is in Cambodia (tropical weather) and I don't have any engineers familiar with this building style available to me.

[@whitefields5595]

There seems to be some debate over the need to have the sock over the pipe? Some folk suggest no sock but have 2 layers of membrane further away from the pipe. I know you did not do this, but do you think it would be better?

[@drake2k2]

it depends on the code I guess, here to be up to code you need a sock, but the membranes he uses are not valid with the code (the french drain must lay in free gravel)

[@peterwooldridge7285]

Yep, hard work shifting that gravel...You be careful in that trench

[@ladyinthemountains2527]

Daylight savings time is over, now it’s standard time 😝 If only we had Daylight Saving Time all year long!

[@Guildbrookfarm]

Yeah that’s what I meant lol.

[@ladyinthemountains2527]

Guildbrook Farm - Simple Sustainable Living Thought so but sometimes folks get them backwards...it happens 😊

[@stevesmith8767]

SO I have a few questions, I need to do this to my home which never had one installed when the home was built, and i am starting to see cracks on the inside walls within the mortar joints for the concrete block walls, and moisture buildup behind the paint causing it to bubble up and fall apart. In doing this I have 2 well windows about 3 ft deep into the front side of the house. DO i need to dig down to the same level as the basement floor or can I go just below the well window casing level. Also my end goal is to pour concrete for the finished top layer making a small porch type stoop is this still a good idea to french drain the perimeter?

[@masoudpourjam9930]

did you use just one clean out pipe? did you install sump pump too, or you do not need it anymore? regards

[@Guildbrookfarm]

No sump pump needed here. One clean out and that was optional.

[@masoudpourjam9930]

@@Guildbrookfarm thanks a lot for quick response

[@inmyimage1081]

Question: I know there is a black perforated pipe covered in black drain cloth but it is corrugated and somewhat flexible, is there an advantage to using the rigid pipe? Or is the black corrugated pipe not appropriate that deep underground?

[@augustreil]

The only pipe that I saw was the white footing drain covered in a black sock. Where's the black perforated pipe that you saw ?

[@inmyimage1081]

august Sorry for any confusion, he didn't use the pipe I described I just know it is a product that you can buy and I was curious if there was a reason to use one style over the other.

[@augustreil]

@@inmyimage1081, No Problem ! I usually use those pipes that have perforations all around the entire pipe and are socked for curtain drains behind retaining walls but they can be used for foundations in some places. I'm not sure why it wasn't used here ? Code ?

[@inmyimage1081]

august Thx, was wondering if it was a functional, structural strength of the pipe or code. I know Jeremy reads the messages so hopefully he'll chime in.

[@Guildbrookfarm]

Those black pipes are very flimsy compared to PVC. They’re made for landscape drainage but many people use them for foundation drains and it will pass code in many areas. I would never use the black pipe under more than a foot or two of backfill. It will eventually collapse.

[@joshualachute3448]

How are they gonna inspect it now that it's buried?

[@Guildbrookfarm]

I have pictures and a youtube video. 😎

[@cheeseburger9232]

Don't forget your Ufer ground

[@banjobenson9348]

good job

[@chris14388]

Hi there. I was wondering if there is an alternative to hilti gunning the dimple board to the foundation as I'd rather not risk any cracks. Any help would be greatly appreciated as I'm redoing my perimeter drains this week! Thanks in advance

[@chirina5]

Hello have you looked into the product polywall? It doest requires nailing to the foundation

[@patrickwigger7]

You can paint the wall with a black tar

[@silasbland4515]

I want to hear more of the Clay song.

[@fourdee4d]

Sold on Foxblocks.

[@Thoughtfulbuildsllc]

Killer video!

[@richardsabean5781]

3 inspections at once,, wow watta deal.. Wonder how many Washington ,,Jefferson & Jackson had to pay for??

[@jjime1175]

Sweeps and not 45’s should be used for the corners, if too much water flows it will cause a hammer affect when it hit the corner and slow the flow, same principles as sewage plumbing applies.

[@Berkeloid0]

If you're getting enough water flowing in your foundation drain to cause hammering, I think you might have bigger problems...

[@jaybloggs8699]

They were 90s around the corners...

[@Guide504]

Thanks for the video

[@mikevonfrolio3110]

So question. Isn’t the drain pipe supposed to be perforated?

[@Guildbrookfarm]

It is. Holes on the bottom.

[@Stevey_B]

Nice~

[@charlesdyer2376]

What happen to your helper ??

[@catswambo9706]

Probably earning money with artwork as well as cleaning and washing and preparing meals so others can do the build in clean sets of clothing each day with a full belly. Living out there in nowhere is no easy task.

[@Guildbrookfarm]

You got it

[@MeBeingAble]

Idk that i would set it to the top of the gravel. I wouldve done it an 1/2” lower to avoid possible water problems later. I know youve done the pour in a way that it shouldn’t be a problem but better safe than sorry. Also did you think of termimesh in the beginning? Or was it not in the budget?

[@joeyhardin1288]

Rolling on!

[@RobertWiggers]

You don't need drainage in the front?

[@Guildbrookfarm]

The front is already at grade and there will be a deck above.

[@louannnance637]

Thank you for sharing

[@tk1882]

You need to cover your corners and C/O area better.

[@tonygrimes13]

I don't think it's finished yet!!!

[@jimfix9846]

Clean stone should be used in the burrito and over top of it, not gravel.

[@tonygrimes13]

Gravel has different meanings all over the world.

[@neilmack100]

Don’t settle for “clean”. Ask for “washed” as mentioned in this great video. I now know from DIY bad experience the key word when shopping for drain trench stone / gravel is “washed”. Unfortunately I bought 10 yards of “clean” 3/4 inch limestone rock over the telephone, which still had way too many fines for my DIY foundation drain project. Solution: I washed the gravel by hand using (free) well water two shovel fulls at a time, using a diamond shaped metal screen from the fire pit , placed over top of a large plastic garbage pail with 1/2 inch holes drilled in the side for the silty water to drain out. Stir gravel for 90 seconds with a small metal garden shovel while showering the rock with water. Slow, messy, but I’m so glad I didn’t settle for “clean” limestone gravel. The bottom of the garbage pail was loaded with a hard concrete like mess which needed to be emptied after washing 4 wheel barrow full of dusty gravel. The sticky fines and small gravel bits definitely would have clogged my foundation drain system very fast. Tip: Drive to the supplier’s yard and personally inspect the stone/ gravel you are about to buy. If you see any fines or powder, don’t buy it. “Washed” river rock will be used for my next drain project. 🙂

[@lala_land86]

@@neilmack100 I feel you on this one, we've just had french land drains put in and bought pea gravel, everyone said I was crazy washing 6 tons with a tiny sieve but you should see the amount of silt and sand and tiny chips of rock that would have instantly blocked the new drains! Such hard work it's never ending with a small bowl and a sieve and a wheelbarrow with holes in, it's a nightmare, it says it's clean but it isn't!

[@beachlife1411]

Nice