Is PVC worth it? Crawlspace and Basement flooding, backgrading, and no fall

This house had water running through the partial crawl space into to a basement area from the front and back sides. The sump pump discharged into a catch basin that overflowed and ran right back into the basement. We solved all these issues with quality PVC pipe and grading work around the foundation.
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[@AdamLProductions]

I think I have an addiction problem with watching your videos. Weirdest thing to be entertained watching someone fix drainage issues, lol.

[@auzmo]

I think old men have been doing this for centuries..”ill tell you what that will never work” “what you should do is” “let me tell you what you need to do”

[@anthonytimpson4975]

every single one of the corrugated pipes around our 20 year old house were completely clogged. I have replaced all with PVC thanks to this channel

[@GCFD]

Thank you Anthony! I'm glad you've found my stuff useful. - Shawn

[@camlendrim7609]

Function over aesthetics when your house/crawl space /yards floods. 👍 As a former home owner with a wet basement who dreaded any rainfall, WHATEVER works is a miracle.

[@GCFD]

My clients feel the same way Cam. Seeing that problematic water flowing away is the best feeling.

[@thomasgersitz338]

Took 2 days and 8 guys to cut out 2 stumps together. I did not have my stump grinder at the time. I could have done it it a couple of hours with the machine i have now. Machines always make the job easier.

[@mtnair3]

Always fun watching you and your crew solve draining problems while educating your watchers about our zoological friends.

[@GCFD]

Thank you Ken!

[@AaronWilhelm]

I liked how you were teaching the camera work too so you're not the only one that is worried about shots etc. Smart man! At least with that Schedule 30 run its basically already on top of the soil vs in it, so it won't take so much to replace it if needed. Great video!

[@GCFD]

I agree. If the sch30 backs up again I'll just replace it instead of cleaning it out again.

[@nightlightnumber9]

Dude, this video is why I watch your videos. I can tell this took you a long time to put together, and was an odd one, but the most random things you quickly and easily solve. I’m just a desk jockey who loves to do home improvement projects and I really enjoy your videos and how you narrate. Lastly, the best part is you going out during a rain storm. Because of you I also inspected my drainage during rainstorms.

[@marcusush517]

This video saved me. I was just about to go to Lowes and buy corragulated to run from 2 gutters to the back of my property approx 75 feet under my back lawn . Not anymore . Thank you !!

[@heathmorris5346]

I have a feeling like you'll be back there fixing their driveway and redoing the broken drainage system next to it. Fantastic video 10/10

[@danne77sthlm]

Great video! I have come to this part in life now, thanks to you and your crew, that as soon as I see corrugated pipes at somebodys homes, I just want to take them away and warn them about it 😄

[@GCFD]

I'm the same way. Or if you see corrugated pipes running on the ground you know the homeowners are having problems.

[@maxmanx1294]

This is one of my favorite videos. I like the above-ground drainage. I've done such at my homes vs destroying my yard trying to create fall where there wasn't any. I usually have some time of clean out for each downspout; I liked seeing that you use the extra space in the pvc for flushing & testing. Great video!

[@GCFD]

Thank you Max! I was worried this was getting too long but there were so many different things going on, especially with the topsoil disaster. I’m glad you like the video.

[@robedwards2897]

Instead of the concrete block to hold the pipe, try galvanized strut and 4inch pipe strut straps. You can anchor the strut to the house or drive it in the ground. It will securely hold the pipe and not stand out like those blocks.

[@leewalsh2428]

I agree, if I were the home owner I certainly would not want those hideous concrete blocks supporting the pipe it looks shabby.

[@maxmanx1294]

​​@@leewalsh2428 I understand your point. I bet the homeowner was thrilled to be free of water & stress for every rainfall. Changing the aesthetics may be a future project. I like that the solution works. Update - I rewatched the vid. The HOs said they don't care what it looks like provided (the water management) works.

[@maxmanx1294]

I like that idea! I've been experimenting with a similar solution of above-ground pipe because of lack of fall, ease of access & maintenance, etc. I also have run the pipe over vents & climate control components. I've been stumped about what to do to provide lift, support, and slope while having a reasonable aesthetic. Thank you for posting your idea. I'm going to experiment & create a mock up soon to see how it'd look. If you have other ideas, please share!

[@CosmicStargoat]

I never get tired of watching your videos.

[@Motorizeify]

Thanks for explaining about the soil types and where and when to use them. Also when you go back to check on your jobs months later it really shows your concern to do the job correctly and solve their problems. Thanks for the videos.

[@andypaddon8531]

Great work! Love the small captions in the film - helps to clarify

[@xcalibre222]

Man, The city I live in would crap bricks if they caught you sawing thru the curb! It's a fine here. Makes it hard to get rid of water.

[@joudatfd]

KZbin started to offer me your old videos, i really enjoy watching them again. The only problem is, i cannot leave new like

[@GCFD]

Thank you! I'm glad you're enjoying my stuff again.

[@xavierhenriques1116]

The editing keeps getting better! Always so well done, Shawn

[@GCFD]

Thank you Xavier! I have some old footage that might disappoint you, but I want to get those projects posted.

[@michaelmclaughlin5748]

In America we can’t run roof drains into underground pipping anymore for many years,think it was a overwhelming the system thing.

[@GCFD]

Here in our area of NC the streets are part of the stormwater management system and we are performing what the city calls a "tie in" (as in tying into their stormwater system by dumping on the streets) and it's a great way to manage water on a property.

[@mylenefoster]

Great to come back from a vacation and sit quietly at home absorbing more great knowledge from your work. You’ve really opened my eyes about the outsized importance of good water management for home longevity. And I live in the Pacific Northwest so have plenty of water. Wow what a mouthful, but sincerely love your vids.

[@Mark.Watson]

What a contrast between your system and the older work. Nice job!

[@daveshore8671]

Burying all that brick and mortar in the front seems like a good way to deteriorate the facade of the house.

[@cmeproone]

Cool channel and topic, I've been watching for a long time. I appreciate that you turn down the sounds of machines, the jumps in the volume of other creators on YT are terribly annoying.

[@GCFD]

Thank you cme! Yea, I hate a loud sawzall in your ear when you're trying to watch a video. 👍

[@onefixitman]

They need to secure the Hose bib to the house. Great video.

[@usmc1992usmc]

Fantastic video work and editing ! This was the perfect video to help me relax after the work and gym. Love the rain footage afterwards… I’ve seen other guys make videos doing the same kind of work, but this channel is truly on another level.

[@SheenaRea]

I agree. Just got home and relaxing with a Shawn drainage vid. Top shelf stuff. 🍷Cheers!

[@daveray6335]

Shawn, I know you know this, but if roots grew in a pipe once (and no changes are made), they WILL grow again! It's just a matter of time. Buuuut, if the money runs out, you do what you can to get by. Cheers, buddy. Love your channel.

[@joeshmoe7789]

I don't think it's that bad to wait a little while. They'll be able to see how it works and if any other changes need to be made. If they ever get the driveway done, they should definitely get that pipe replaced with it. They might need a better way to access for clean-out.

[@pierrejones525]

Shaun is the mf man!! If it weren’t for him and his content I would be feeling very hopeless. After hours of KZbin University of studying how to drain my yard I finally found Gate city’s videos and I was able to come up with a plan of attack that I feel confident about. I have a tricky outpoint of where to send the water but waiting to hear from my hoa if I can send the water to the main drain that’s behind my house. If I can’t then I might be screwed cause it’s all up hill.

[@GCFD]

Thank you Pierre! I'm glad you found my stuff useful 👍

[@johnhaller5851]

I know you weren’t the first to bury bricks under grade here, but it will make the bricks crumble. There should be 6 inches of concrete or cinder block above ground level before the brick starts. Adding more mulch causes similar problems.

[@leslieclaire]

Again a very thorough approach to several problems. Your videos are always nicely put together and educational. Not sure I’ll ever need drainage knowledge but I’m ready when I do! 😊

[@GCFD]

Thank you Leslie! I always look forward to your comments!

[@maxmanx1294]

Even if you hire someone to do the work or your friends do, your knowledge will help you know whether the work is being done properly.

[@ipaddlemyowncanoe.7441]

Yeah that worked out pretty good. I wouldn't be surprised that line that runs beside the driveway has been crushed driving over it with a car. It's running the same way as the driveway is not very deep so there's no protection and it's probably got some cracks in it and that's why it's leaking and then the roots are getting into it. And 👍👍🇨🇦🙂

[@GCFD]

That's a great point. Even if it got cracked, the roots can get into it.

[@royreynolds108]

I am surprised you don't have a level or laser-level for shooting grade. It would be a good diagnostic tool to tell if you can get fall and which way.

[@KySilverfish]

It would possibly be messy, but if you had a strong pressure washer with a point nozzle then you could probably cut through stump roots. It would create some mud but it would never lose effectiveness due to a dulling chain or blade.

[@tinkeringtaylor3053]

Great job as usual Shawn, water running away, and great tidy up 👍

[@GCFD]

Thank you Taylor!

[@chrishelms1967]

Kinda like a poor man's Drain Addict cleaning out that line....😂😂😂

[@chrispixx]

Good job Shawn... now you have to tell the homeowner, hey by the way I know some concrete guys.

[@whip205inthebam3]

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

[@shanewhite499]

Great job Shawn and crew. I know the homeowner is happy with the results especially with all the rain we have had lately. Function over looks especially when your basement keeps flooding.

[@firesurfer]

11:10 How about some short garden fencing as a fascia/soffit cover? In plastic or whatever. easy to move for access. 28:50 Drill a hole and put in a rubber plug for cleanout on the flat part near your thumb.

[@steverusie6986]

Interesting project. I am shocked that you eliminated all of that mosquito habitat corrugated pipe 😂! Your schedule 40 looks to work much better than the schedule 30. It was interesting to hear some of what you critique in your own videos and what you now think about when setting up your cameras.

[@maxmanx1294]

I do wonder why the joists, cross bracing, subfloors were painted. What a fun job that must have been. The paint job looks good & probably brightens up the space some.

[@RHEC1776]

I absolutely love these long videos. Keep up the amazing work

[@coenfilm]

Thanks!

[@GCFD]

Thank you!

[@HappilyHomicidalHooligan]

I'd recommend replacement of the schedule 30 with schedule 40 if only to make sure that the T's get replaced with sanitary T's and ALL the joints are glued to prevent root infiltration in the future... It would also allow you to remove the form-fitting downspout adapters and place proper clean-outs at the far end of the line for future maintenance and cleaning... That and the 40 is more crush/cut resistant than the 30 is and the street end of the 30 line looks like it's already been crushed and chewed up by something... The Homeowner might also want to think about replacing the gravel driveway with a concrete one to improve drainage and make it far easier to shovel the snow in winter...

[@joeshmoe7789]

The should find a way to add a clean out at the top of the long straight away along the driveway, even if they replace the pipe because there's so little fall. I don't think they worry about snow in NC.

[@Daihatsu_Hijet]

This was a win! It’s all dry the flowerbeds look really pretty! I’m a little Leary about snatching that big handful of roots out of a pvc pipe… great job🙌🏻

[@j-dawg4015]

I’ve been watching you for a few years now and I think you’re very good at your JOB. Well done 👍

[@muggins9389]

I'm so glad you posted this video, i was anxiously waiting for your next video, and you didn't disappoint. You really articulate your ideas, and solutions well. Another great job.

[@tristardiggin]

Nice work! Always impressed with the solutions you come up with for the problems...

[@joeshmoe7789]

I use 4 x 4 x 2" Tee-Y's for clean outs. They don't look so bad on the house. If it's in the ground facing up in a flower or shrub garden or bed, it's not too noticeable. You could use ABS threaded cap or Tee-Y, the black ABS will hardly be seen.

[@GCFD]

I've used those and sanitary tees as well for cleanouts. A male adapter + plug works well.

[@laviniasgarden3648]

Hi Shawn! Great Gate City classic! Keep up the good work Boss!

[@daveross3959]

Older than dirt but he could teach you math :) Love your videos man.

[@hollandduck79]

hello from the Netherlands . nice drainage video again thanks for the video Shawn . Sincerely Hollandduck

[@markhicks9545]

Loving the clean outs

[@GCFD]

👍

[@TheFatesLieutenant]

Looks good - if they ever decide they need to open that iron door they'll need to cut the 1.25" and put a sleeve on the connection.

[@GCFD]

I think it was a coal door?

[@thenexthobby]

@@GCFD Yes. Our 1939 house in TN has a very similar aesthetic and that coal door. On ours the door rusted off, leaving a huge gaping hole in the basement wall without it. I had a piece of glass cut and attached it to the outside of the frame with brackets drilled and screwed into the cast iron frame, with gentle pressure holding the glass in. Very much a hack job, and meant to be temporary, but 3 years later it still works. I was sure a lawn mower would send a rock through the thin glass but it hasn't happened yet. I need to revisit it because it's not sealed great and weeds started to creep inside. The proper fix is of course to break out the frame and put a complete custom window in, or just cement it up.

[@richardlefrancois7886]

Hey is that a new dump truck ? For any of your viewer's the floor joists were hack. Never notch the bottom of the joist. They turned the 2x10 into a 2x6. A metal joist hanger is the proper way and I would still add them on bent a bit is still better than what they have. All your work and I saw that, the new dirt was excellent now the driveway side when you go back to fix the leak

[@dcwshoreline5416]

Was that other man axing the customer? Great dedicated work on this one Shawn and crew!

[@Stratos53100]

More excellence, few seconds in & i was saying, The battle is with the neighborhood leaves...Music great as always, What was the 1st one, i need it, heh... Yeah function over looks or form or whichever glad it worked out. Months into the work, That is dedication....

[@elliottsmith3632]

Good corrective measures. I am curious why you ran the pipe thru cinder blocks and not attaching it to the wall?

[@tmactheplumber4966]

On other peoples videos { mostly plumbing } I'll fast forward a lil here and there. On your videos I watch every second, lol. Good stuff on this job again !!

[@robfl07]

I see plenty of tripods around for the cameras… but not one holding a surveying rotary laser that can tell you the actual grade you are working with. You really need one so you’re not guessing at the amount of fall you actually have. Wouldn’t this give you the information you (and the homeowner) needs to decide if a sump basin is needed or not? With the remote detector you can do actual measurements to make sure the pipe is laid correctly at the right depth/pitch. Diesel Creek recently used one in his “Laying pipe” video.. You definitely need one.

[@jakemccluremd]

41:40 I learn something new with every video.

[@netposerx]

Matching gravel bikes!! Nice.

[@GCFD]

Haha that was coincidence. I bought my friend's bike for a girlfriend.

[@netposerx]

@@GCFD I would like a gravel bike but I would have to get a dropper for it.

[@GCFD]

@@netposerx gravel is awesome. I just did a 53 mile gravel race a couple weekends ago. I got 6/27 for my age group.

[@netposerx]

@@GCFD I ride MTB so much that I need a dropper on any bike I ride. I do have a cheap gravel bike with flat bars but no dropper. I'd love a 1x gravel bike just for fitness.

[@GCFD]

@@netposerx I say go for it. Get something carbon. My other gravel bike is a Raleigh roker that I like.

[@satorudo]

32:16 I see the homeowner is on step 3 of "sit back and enjoy the new drainage system" 🤣

[@GCFD]

👍 That's my favorite step!

[@FourJaysFour]

😂😂😂

[@alexplisko7794]

@12:50 - the joys of filmmaking!

[@d.d.5633]

I actually jumped when that section of corrugated flung up at the camera! 🤣 The white PVC looks fine along the white siding. Not so much along the brick.

[@terryhiggins9700]

Hi Shawn, how about getting 20 or 30 stainless brackets made up, for holding up the pipe against the wall. A simple T bracket, with holes pre-drilled, with a 4" radius curve welded, that the pipe could sit on. Great stuff. 👍

[@KySilverfish]

The top 'flat' of the "T" could be stainless angle laid on its back like a "v". The pipe would rest in the "v" and be held in place by two stainless steel hose clamps.

[@terryhiggins9700]

@@KySilverfish Hi Pat. Either way, 3 clamps to hold up the pipe, the blocks look unsightly. I still like 👍 the vids Shawn uploads. 👌

[@tmmtmm]

pruning blades on the recip saw work well (maybe not for that stump lol!) but go blunt very quickly - helps to have a bulk pack and keep swapping to a fresh one. Digging out the soil/rocks by hand before cutting helps make them last longer too. If you're cutting something more than a few inches thick it helps to seesaw the blade or pull it in and out to help clear the chips/sawdust.

[@ronwallace7563]

Looks great! Gotta love that flow! Thanks for posting these.

[@GCFD]

Thanks for watching and commenting Ron!

[@martinworrall5888]

A difficult job Shaun but as usual you sorted it 👍

[@GCFD]

Thank you Martin! This one turned out so well after being such a mess with that black dirt.

[@martinworrall5888]

@@GCFD 👍

[@SlackerU]

Haha 10/10, 5:55 that's a great point that ADS can't defend, they're in season. To keep the pipe subsurface in that particular situation I'd probably have had a sump, where the sump has a 4" overflow to the street that uses gravity a simple cheap pump can keep the mosquitos away when it comes on at night(the pump would be on a timer so that gravity would do most the work for the majority of the time). It seems excessive but they would regain that 8 inches against the house where those cinder blocks hold up the pipe. 8:45 21:17 what happens with the chainsaw is that grit gets into the end of the bar which causes it to somewhat seize & stretch out the overheated-chain. You need a simple sharpener for your axe, almost any type keeps the blade sharp so that you don't waste energy harming elbows or shoulders, I prefer the double ended axe(Never swing a dull blade, it's waisted life IMO).

[@southothehighway]

Concrete block is an eyesore. Straps or mounting flanges is the way to go

[@GCFD]

I thought about that but the homeowners liked the block over drilling and strapping. They said they rarely go over to that side since there is no gate, and to block it.

[@tucobenedicto109]

I love that video you did on corregated pipe. LOL. Next you need to do a vidoe on top soil and where to use it. I got it use it on Bobcat trracks to regrow grass! I really like Jonathan Greene BLack beauty Ultra! Nice video If I have a bunch of fittings that wil be thrown out, including some NDS stuff corners, Would you want it, also Stainless screws for the same. Some Sch-40 some Sch-30. If I can get back there.

[@calivalley9056]

I use a DWV Wye connector at the down spouts, then drop in a plug or grate. Looks good and easy to blow out. Also, do have a bore scope? Very useful for finding the breaks and insuring you have completely cleared the pipes. Good video, I always like to see how you work the solution. The cost of water damage makes the price of sched 40 worth it.

[@Dripfed]

Good work as always Shaun...might be a dumb question but, I've never seen you use a soak away pit. Is this because of local soil conditions or some city rules? Soak aways are very common in the UK in older properties and they seem to work pretty well. That said, most UK properties since the 1960s tie into some sort of rainwater drainage system, with properties from the 1980s onwards having decent provision. I was impressed at the sheer capacity of the storm water drainage system on my 1980s estate, when I installed channel drains on the front driveway and catch basins in the rear patio. Deep inspection chambers that leant themselves to tying in pipework.

[@SheenaRea]

Nice work as always Shawn! Not an easy problem to solve, but looks like you did it! Love the cool transitions like at 16:36 to 16:39 ... And the music! 🎶🎶Fun!

[@AdamBoehme]

Great video Shawn!

[@GCFD]

Thanks Adam!

[@JeremyP-121]

🤔 that diablo pruning blade looks different than the one I have. Mine is red and the design of the teeth is way different. My works great on roots. Haven’t tried it on a massive stump like that tho.

[@josephj6521]

Fantastic work there. 👍 The pipe next to the driveway could be broken. Vehicles may have damaged it? I agree it needs monitoring. Anyone wanting to cut big tree roots or a stump without big equipment. Be safe! A sawzal is the safest option with a 12” carbide blade. It cuts through roots easily but stumps are challenging but possible added with human axe power. Using a chainsaw is dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing. I don’t use one due to safety concerns (I’m not a pro) and as noted in the video it’ll damage the chain.

[@GCFD]

Great comment Joseph. I really need a small walk behind stump grinder to just grind out a 5" trench through the stump. I hate using the chainsaw like that but it does work until you hit the dirt then it's useless.

[@allanb9360]

Tough job, good job

[@TonyTonieTone]

I paint match mine to the surroundings. If they get tired of the look that’s definitely a good option

[@MrDdunn11965]

I would suggest getting a Ridgid See Snake to run up existing pipes and see what is going on with existing pipes

[@boaz2001]

Is Jeremy your next cameraman? I like that you work intensely with your people. I keep that in mind especially if they are to run the show one day. I wonder does your ditch witch's have a depth you can set?

[@ASHole71]

Lol now your doing cleanouts hehe Blocked Drain! 🙂

[@ASHole71]

Framing shots tutorial is good

[@GCFD]

Thank you!

[@andrewjambo1]

Love the extra long video

[@GCFD]

Thank you Andrew! I was worried this was getting long, but there was a lot going on with this one.

[@suzanneseale9543]

Do you have an alternative to those ugly blocks? Attach to house. Could you put down fabric to lay trencher dirt to keep it off the grass for easier cleanup? Dig up just the connector area to replace. You're doing a good job but it's nice to make the homeowner's job easier too.

[@BenKlassen1]

Great project!

[@5minprod]

13:50 I also thought he was talking to me, the audience, haha

[@GCFD]

Haha you never know on my jobs...

[@10lauset]

Always fascinating to me. Cheers to you.

[@mbarrett99]

48:14 it looks like the homeowners built up mulch to cover the hole in the fence where the above-ground pipe comes through. It threw me for a second.

[@GCFD]

It looks great Mark!

[@BeerkegGarage]

What's up Shawn, maybe you should 19:29 pick up a little cheap stump grinder to keep in these cases 😂

[@Chimonya]

Those tree roots signal a break or roots growing through those leaky connections. I'd start at the area you found all that water leaking from.

[@BeerkegGarage]

32:40 I was wondering about this line when you piped the sump into it, I was wondering why you didn't redo the fall because I remember you saying that it was back pitch

[@Matlockization]

Thank you for showing us the slope by lowering the camera. Although I have never seen so many commercials appear and so I am wasting all my time rewinding this video. It kind of defeats the purpose.

[@willowgreen7263]

Your videos are fantastic. Would you mind sharing approximately how much this job was billed at? Very curious.

[@salemdrones4907]

Great job finessing the work on this house and finding ways to solve the long-standing issues! I’m definitely a fan and always look forward to your drainage videos. By the way, what are your thoughts about using a backwater valve for a 4” pipe that is used to bring out the sump pump discharge out to the street?

[@oldaccount-j8j]

Hydro excavation might really help you with the root issues. And speed of removing everything

[@tomgriffith1952]

Nice work!

[@itisnext]

Great job. Inspired me. I live Iowa and we have frozen ground in the winter. Would you still use schedule 30 pipe? Thanks

[@samm8697]

Have to do this to my house, crawlspace gets water when it rains hard. Also driveway has many cracks from the ground underneath washing away

[@GCFD]

Jump on it Sam. Best luck with your project! - Shawn

[@chrishelms1967]

Is that an old coal door they drilled the sump drain through?

[@towtruckaj]

Is having that much fall necessary for downspouts? I know it would be for say a french drain to get proper flow but with downspouts wouldn't you have so much head pressure that it has no choice but to flow? I get some water may sit in the bottom of the pipe if there isn't a ton of fall but is that a big deal, if you have a square-to-round adapter and then the only other open end of the pipe, is at the end termination?