Ultimate Guide to French Drains

[@RyJones]

00:00 Intro 00:38 When to use a French drain 02:30 Proper placement is key 04:32 Use only quality pipe 09:10 Confirm soil is impermeable 11:18 Impermeable soils working for you 12:32 How a French drain works without the drain 13:23 Use only angular gravel 17:42 Water can't cross gravel 18:24 Water falls through gravel 19:39 Gravel levels your pipe 20:52 French drain: 1/16 bubble; solid pipe: full bubble 23:43 Install vented clean-outs 24:37 Fabric or no fabric? 25:38 Keep water in a pipe 29:12 Looks or results? 31:50 French drain 260 days later 33:20 French drain + system 158 days later 34:51 French drain 395 days later 36:36 French drain + system 464 days later 37:22 French drain + system 376 days later 37:58 French drain 4 days later 39:19 No French drain ~ Bonus 611 days later 40:04 Outro

[@GCFD]

Wow! Thank you Ry! I don't know how to index a video like that! Awesome!

[@doubleeranch169]

How long do you think SDR35 will last underground? I used it for a rain catchment tank, 8 downspouts total, each going into a 4" SDR35 pipe... Had i seen your videos earlier i may have used sch40 :(

[@GCFD]

@@doubleeranch169 I think sdr35 is just fine. I don't use it because sch 40 is a little better, but mainly because I can get a full range of fittings in sch40. I buy the pipe by the pallet of 1340' at a time.

[@SlackerU]

@@doubleeranch169 The problem with SDR35 is that you can pop the glue apart at the fittings b/c the pipe is flexible, which can leach out water & possibly introduce roots. As long as you don't drive a car or tractor over any pipe less than 12in deep then you should see the exact same lifespan as sch40. One of the companies here glues & uses that rubber drainage tape when installing SDR35.

[@doubleeranch169]

@@GCFD Thanks for the reply. Always look forward to your videos. Great work! Keep 'em coming!

[@Gman2930]

Sir, this is by-far the best tutorial video for the ABC’s of french drain construction. Your complete over all knowledge of underground water drainage is first class. Your company I’m sure gets top ratings on all your jobs. One more thing, HONESTY and INTEGRITY for contractors is paramount for a job getting done right. Thanks again, a very well constructed educational video.

[@711yada]

Sir, I'll second that.

[@igowhereiplease6915]

And I’ll third it. I have watched numerous French Drain videos on youtube (I have drainage issues to address) and what you are doing makes more sense to me than any of the others I’ve seen. From materials to procedures. A+ I took a lot of notes watching your video!

[@bonsummers2657]

Have you seen the other perspective vids by The French Drain Man?

[@kevinesparza3020]

Best French drain video by far. Thank you. " Water does not cross gravel" Just saved me from putting a french drain up against a house. Thank you.

[@johnoswald6192]

Agreed - best french drain video by far. In my case, new construction, the drain at the basement footing has to be against the house. I'll follow Shawn's advice and just backfill with gravel all the way up to grade. Hope that works.

[@Agrikulturaetc]

i'm from the Philippines. Cool and very informative. Thank you for this video.

[@AtlantaSoundGuy]

The amount of knowledge Shawn drops for free on YT is absolutely astonishing. What a truly amazing human being. Thank you Shawn

[@armbender]

I've known Shawn for 20+ years. He knows what he's talking about. Asset to the KZbin community.

[@GCFD]

Thank you Michael! Who would have thought 20 years later...

[@ProphetofBelial]

I've known Shawn for 30+ years. Not only does he know what he's talking about but he does know other things too. He is certainly one of KZbin's greatest asset, his dominant market share of the French drain viewer base is known from here to Timbuktu!

[@yourlogicalnightmare1014]

He failed to put in non-woven drain fabric. 😂 Dirt will clog the gravel surrounding the drain pipe. You'd have to be a fool to hire this guy

[@dtitimanu]

⁠@@yourlogicalnightmare1014if you watched the whole video he explains why he doesn’t use it. His goal is to have better flow of the water and having thick fabric would slower tone rate of water getting into the pipes. Plus the angular rocks would help prevent soil getting into the drain also. His revisits at the end speak for themselves.

[@philweed1603]

@@yourlogicalnightmare1014Yeah, you’re a doofus.

[@lloydrmc]

This amounts to a comprehensive, crash course in drainage. Thank you so much for posting this.

[@GCFD]

Thank you! 👍

[@gameboyinc4694]

He is the only man on KZbin that shows his systems in action. Got to respect that.

[@damianpokoj1065]

Now THIS is a comprehensive guide by someone who is an expert on the subject.

[@GCFD]

Thank you!

[@carlodave9]

Right on. This video kept me from making a BIG mistake. Had a flooded crawlspace corner and was about to put the FD right up against the foundation. Saved in Seattle!

[@erniewhite9595]

Except he kept calling 3/4 inch crush stone, gravel....gravel is a sand,sediment and stone mix. There is engeneered gravel and bank run E.G. natural gravel.. you can get all sorts of sized engeneered gravel just like stone...but they are not the same. Also there is washed crushed stone and un-washed crushed stone. Know your applications. You want washed stone for and perforated pipe drainage. If your gonna do dirt work know your fills. Was nice to see he knew what point water and none point water was. Also he knows to use good SDR PVC pipe. He cares about flow too. All in all I'd hire you....but I do it my self 🤙

[@TSBOFRLM]

Right. I was saved from making so many mistakes…. I appreciate him so much for the education.

[@rockshot100]

I have been dealing with this for at least 30 years. It MUST be done properly! I got so tired of explaining this to clients then get low balled by some "landscaper", who in 3 months is nowhere to be found. 95%+ of homeowners do not understand this and even less "landscapers" understand it. It is really sad. There are situations for french drains, but personally I like to surface drain with an almost undetectable surface drain or SWALE. A swale is basically a ditch that goes from the lowest part of the standing water to an even lower point, but you need a wide area to make it work properly. This will work even in a torrential downpour. Thanks for explaining this.

[@GCFD]

I like to identify the problem water if possible before it becomes non-point water.

[@rockshot100]

@@GCFD Well, keep doing what you are doing, you have explained this wonderfully. This is a "MUST SEE", for anybody with standing water. As you know it is not extremely complicated, but far too few understand it. Thank you again.

[@marcosx5486]

This dude is all about water drainage. My favorite quote, at minute 24:35 he says: “Whether or not you use fabric around your gravel in a french drain is probably the 2nd most polarizing topic on KZbin.” Wow. Really defines this guy’s priorities. Makes me realize as a DIY homeowner that I have a lot more studying to do. Thanks for giving lots of examples. I really liked it when you unstopped the drain at mid-way in the project to show how much ground water was waiting to come through.

[@GCFD]

Thank you Marcos!

[@Chilupiano]

I wish you worked in my town. So honest and knowledgeable =)

[@GCFD]

Thank you!

[@damo2664]

I learnt how to use French drains from your videos. They are not used a lot in Australia. It fixed my property issues and I’ve used it for customers since as well. I love them now. Great easy solution 👍👍

[@danlah1303]

Your after-install videos are what make your channel unique and adds a lot of credibility. Keep up the good work!

[@GCFD]

Thank you! It's my favorite part of the job

[@eltonshamblen9766]

I put a French drain around a cattle feed barn for my brother 4 years ago. It's working. I can't describe how bad rhe mud was before I installed it. Now with rhe drain and geomat under the road leading to it, he can easily back his cattle trailer up to the loading chute. It was...a lot of work... and significant cost. It's working well. My only regret is not finding this gentleman's video first. I could have saved myself more than half the time and probsbly over half the money and had a superior result. I dug the trench too wode n deep, I used goemat around the gravel, i didnt work hard enough on the slope and I used corrugated pipe. So from that, you know my mistakes and can imagine the increased cost over a large structure. Since rhe install, we had ro cut through the drain at one point to install a water line and the result is that area has returned to something akin to the pig wallow it all looked like before., which i guess is a constant reminder to how well the rest is working. Ha. Ill end by saying get rhe best source of information, make sure you understsnd WHY , stick to the expert's advice, take your time, do it right, do it ONCE. Thank you for sharing your expert knowledge sir.

[@jamesbrady2412]

Sunday 4/23/2023 Without question the BEST French drain video I have seen, with clear explanation. Will have to go back and redo some things.

[@steverusie6986]

I have saved this video to direct people to it. People in Jefferson County KY seem to think that a French Drain is intended to collect and then infiltrate water into the ground. We have similar soil to what you work with so you can’t infiltrate it into impermeable soils. Thanks for this great video!

[@SlackerU]

I agree the education on infiltration is non-existent. You'd be surprised at how many here think the banned-septic-leach-fields are better than an aerobic-septic. I think they've got hookworms in their brains.

[@GCFD]

Thank you Steve!

[@AtomicQuotient]

This is probably the most valuable video you have done. Lots of incredibly valuable information in this one video, things people just would not have thought of. Definitely would like to see more videos like this and maybe even one on your camera gear you use.

[@GCFD]

I have thought about highlighting the camera gear. Not that it's the only gear you could use but it seems to work for me. Thanks West!

[@tlbfarm4473]

Very excellent video!

[@HisVictoryGirl]

This is the best video on french drainage I have watched. Doing this myself on side yard, not going to use fabric, tips on sloping was great and this makes it more efficient than other videos on this topic for a do it yourselfer. Yes, women can do this too! Thank you!

[@bozowinslo]

you really should use the fabric on top of the gravel to keep the gravel from eventually getting clogged from whatever gets on top of it .... decomposing leaves , dirt, dust ,grass clippings , all sorts of stuff that ya just wouldn't think about ...... it is a lot easier to replace the fabric ocassionaly than it will be to have to dig up the whole project from clogged gravel

[@mikemetz82]

Thank you! Guess I'll be fixing my $3500 "professionally" installed french drain that doesn't work myself with the knowledge you've shared.

[@GCFD]

What happened? Why doesn't it work?

[@zamanos9602]

Let me take a guess. They used perforated pipe?

[@adriansmith7104]

Tons of those "professionals" around

[@mattk3838]

@@GCFD Can you share the specifications for how you drill the wholes to create the french drain pipe? Also, is schedule 35 acceptable?

[@al70127]

Why doesn't it work?

[@jimtalor7971]

One of the best tutorials when it comes to drainage. My wife who is a "landscape drainage engineer"...in her own mind is like some of your customers, looks over functionality. For her more topsoil,more round river rock to stop the flooding!! Too bad you guys are up north maybe you can talk some sense to my "Karen" if you were local!

[@GCFD]

Haha I go for function. You can't fake the results of drainage work - either the flooding has stopped or it hasn't.

[@truthalonetriumphs6572]

He charges extra for resolving marital conflict 😂

[@lshvfun]

My friend, I live on a hill and should have NO drainage problems at all. But the raised portion of my house was basically blocked in on 3 sides, when rooms were added. The moisture that was in the crawl space was causing my wood floors to rot. I previously replaced the floors to one bedroom, a bathroom and another small room. In about 10 years, the bedroom floor (and now my living room) needs to be replaced. My crawl space has a very small depth and I've improved conditions by contouring my land to channel rain water away and by adding seamless gutters. I know (in addition to adding a French drain), that I will be opening more areas for ventilation. I know it will be a challenge, being the French drain will be dug near 2 full grown Magnolia trees. But watching your very detailed video has been so informative and I believe will be the answer to my prayers and my drainage issues. I have the equipment and now have the knowledge I need to, "Get Er DONE". When it's all said and done (if successful), I will try to post the results. Thank you for this most Informative video and for you taking the time to make it available for us DIYers!

[@GCFD]

I would also pipe the gutter water away from the house with solid 4" PVC pipe. See my other videos, because that could be a major cause too.

[@lshvfun]

@@GCFD Yes, and as this video showed, for my front gutter, I will incorporate (non perforated) 4", thick walled PVC at 1/4 bubble in the same French Drain trench. I took detailed notes! Again, thank you for the reply!

[@thediep1103]

i don't even know how i ended up here lol i was gonna quit the video, but the more i watched the more am impressed ! great job and thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@GCFD]

Thank you for watching and commenting! - Shawn

[@MikeFarris1]

Great video and your focus on results is 💯! As a DIY person I learned more 41 mins with all the common sense you provided. Thank you for putting this together.

[@thildeska]

As a french, i'm a little bit upset to learn everything about french drain from an american 😂 just kidding, this is by far the best video I found on this topic and I've watched A LOT, so thank you very much 👍

[@delt19]

I wish all contractors had the same passion and knowledge of their craft as Sean does.

[@GCFD]

Thank you!

[@annettewake6042]

Me too I am at a lost husband had a stroke

[@apilkey]

@@GCFDHi I’m leveling out my side yard which is currently at a 9% slope and I’m bringing it down to 2% sloping toward the street that has a sewer drain. My house is 20 feet from the street which has the drain so in this scenario do you think a French drain wound be useless along my property line by the street?

[@davejones4269]

Only a couple of minutes in and the pipe advice was invaluable. Thank you very much.

[@GCFD]

Thank you Dave!

[@edgarlopez1876]

Then he shows where he keeps his pipes out in the sun 😔

[@S01539738]

This is likely the best drainage video I have seen to this point, there are others that are informative but the detail included in this one is super useful, well done

[@GCFD]

Thank you Andy!

[@kevinheard8364]

What a great video. I, like Mr. Furlong, am just viewing this gem of a lesson on drainage. If only ALL contractors exhibited your level of integrity. Kudos to you, sir.

[@rjay5506]

excellent video, I am a carpenter and can totally relate to choosing to do things right or not take the job at all. I recently moved from a coastal area with sandy soil and most water problems are caused by hurricanes, to a more hilly area with basements and have noticed water issues on several jobs. Just wanted to educate myself on what causes these issues and how they are typically fixed, and I feel like I was able to soak up years worth of insight through a 40 minute video. Subscribed

[@gustonzimasheen]

Nice pun

[@wade5941]

You understand french drains better than most. I don't understand why some installers still encapsulate their rock in a fabric wrap. Apparently they do not understand that the fabric will clog up and reduce flow into the drain over time. Keep up the good work.

[@GCFD]

I don't understand either. Maybe they have much different soils than we have here? Either way, I like to preserve the flow to keep things moving through the drain.

[@thefreephilosopher7398]

Just subbed today. It is really heart-warming to see a man that is so passionate about his job that he doesn't compromise and rather reject a job than do a bad one... most would grab the cash! You also earned my respect for caring enough to go and check if your installation works correctly after finishing the job... a rare quality that really shows care and integrity.

[@GCFD]

Thanks for subbing me! I hope you enjoy the channel! - Shawn

[@dpeagles]

Agreed. If you never go back to check performance you never learn what works and what doesn't

[@wormwoodfive398]

Also subbed today! Came across this honest person today ... others have offered $40K and more for something a bit different HaHaH no thx

[@bertorr7211]

I live in Australia and moved to a wet area and your video has taught me so much to help drain wet spots around my block, thankyou

[@arlingtonguy54]

This was satisfying after seeing so many of your installations. I’d like to see more videos like this. Drain University. 🤣

[@GCFD]

Thank you! I'll try to get working on some more!

[@marcosx5486]

@@GCFD Yes! You can be the dean of Drain University. I spent 17 years in a house that had drainage issues. I used to dream (have nightmares) at night about various water issues in houses. I mean it. It was weird, the nightmares I had about water and floods when I lived in that house were not pleasant.

[@eriklee9462]

Yeah - one of the best videos I have seen on drainage. very subtle stuff no one talks about - i mean all the "experts". Also got me thinking about using those very thick fabric . overtime they really collect lots of dirt and become goo- not good for drainage.

[@justinl2926]

It's nice to see there are still businesses that care about customer service and quality work. Nice work.

[@GCFD]

Thank you! 👍

[@johnhamilton9229]

This should be the video required to be watched before a diy begins. Fantastic.

[@lindaashbrook6789]

Integrity is something we don't see much today. Thank you for teaching your workers to do the job right. Your videos are great! Thank you!

[@i.b.blithe3263]

We are building a new house and see there are many methods and material choices regarding French drains. This Gate City video is more believable than any other I have seen. I will follow these recommendations. Thank you for sharing your expertise.

[@Dbb27]

Major awesome video! I did one at the end of a driveway after tenant complained about having to walk through puddles to get her mail. Pretty much got laughed at until it was done and worked like a charm. We have sandy soil so I just used large rocks followed by medium and small; first rocks were pervious. Still working 20 years later. 😊 The sandy soil certainly covered my lack of knowledge!

[@26alexther]

Do u have to get a city permit or something?

[@TheWaterbouy88]

In Florida, where the soil is usually sandy, fabric mesh is needed to keep the sand from filling in the gravel. Great video with excellent explanations for a proper job. This an awesome contractor with integrity.

[@allanhughes7859]

Best tutorial here on youtube trust me this is the best !!!!!!!!!!!!! Others just miss important information Do it once do it right !!!!!!!!!!!!!! thanks for sharing this with us mere mortals !!!!!!

[@GCFD]

Thank you for commenting Allen and you're welcome! This was a fun video to make, but long!

[@delefo]

Wow, this was super helpful today. Had some water entering a bedroom so I dug up the french drain to find it was installed holes up ! Also gravel up against stucco.This is all new to me and I will be using your channel as a guide to get me out of the mess I am in, thank you

[@delefo]

Bye the way what is a good amount of dirt to have between the house and the french drain and gravel ? Do you coat the house or foundation with anything before you install ? My drain is about 2 or 3 inches away from exterior wall holes up and gravel is up against the house. I think I am going to drill some bottom holes temporarily until I can rework the whole thing.

[@GCFD]

Good luck with everything! - Shawn

[@MrPaulyperk]

After the recent Hurricane Helene, we had a lot of flooding in Greeneville, TN. I recommended your video to some folks asking about French Drains. A lot of good advice and knowledge. I have watched a lot of videos on French Drains and I am of the opinion that yours is the most informative, especially for the southeast such as North Carolina, Tennessee, etc. Since I installed the French Drain at our rental in Knoxville, TN at the end of a concrete sluice which drains from a gutter off a metal roof, there has not been any rain in the basement. Prior to the French Drain, we had major problems when strong rain storms came through. Thanks for sharing your knowledge. I learn something every time I watch your video.

[@markziemba8522]

Thank you for the very patient explanation of the correct process for installing a French drain and downspout water removal. As usual, you can’t compromise on key design rules.

[@GCFD]

👍 I've found that you can't fake these results. Either the water is gone or the flooding is still there.

[@joepacheco7979]

I've been sooooo confused by all the french drain guys on KZbin. Here, you've answered ALL my questions. Mahalo!!! (thank you)

[@timberhitchllc]

MASTERCLASS! Well laid out and presented, real-world application and theory about a focused topic. An excellent resource for beginners, intermediate employees, and even customer that just want to be informed. Thank you so much for taking the time and effort to make this publication possible!

[@GCFD]

Thank you! I really wanted this to be a resource for others so I appreciate your feedback!

[@rustyshackleford3978]

I just learned more in 41 minutes than I have in the past 41 weeks. Favorite video. Thank you!

[@GCFD]

Wow thank you Rusty! I'm glad you found the video useful. - Shawn

[@joshpaul1976]

By far the most helpful and comprehensive french drain video I've seen. I'm about to start my project, and this single video has helped me more than the dozens of others I've watched. Thanks much for this.

[@GCFD]

Thank you Josh! They're just my opinions but I think they are backed up with results. 👍

[@jimcimbalista4722]

you are a man of integrity and knowledge told, very simple told in your captivating video , we need more tradesmen like you

[@GCFD]

Thank you Jim! 👍

[@Geordo1960]

You have a great speaking voice; very clear and it is also somewhat unique, you would make a good announcer. Love to watch your videos and learn about drainage science, and it’s always very satisfying when you show us the results of your work.

[@GCFD]

Thank you! Thanks for watching and commenting! - Shawn

[@terr281]

Another comment, like many others, of "Thank you for the complete video on French Drains". I'll be getting a new prefab home put on some property soon, and part of the process will have me putting in my own French drain and gutter capture. Between your video, and several others, they all provide the knowledge for the DIY'er to do it themselves (if they have the resources and time to do so.) KZbin is a wonderful research resource.

[@StrongFitFamily]

Hands down the best/most informative video on French Drains I have ever seen. I also have clay soil and need to do some drains, this helped me out so much so thank you!

[@GCFD]

Thank you Josh! Thanks for commenting! - Shawn

[@maryconlon9116]

This is the first video that really explains how a French drain works in a way I could understand: the definitions of non point water, sloping, etc. Your pacing of each explanatory piece beautifully scaffolds with the video segments. Excellent teaching video. Whether I decide to use a contractor or work with my skilled handyman your info allows me the homeowner to participate in the conversation and make,smart decisions.

[@mlp8500]

Today I started installing the same system on my house .. out of the blue I ran into this video🤙🏼🤙🏼🤙🏼... I fell confident and can sleep better lol seeing how it works and yes it is sloped pitched to the street.

[@GCFD]

Nice work Miguel!

[@thenexthobby]

I'm fairly stunned at the concise explanations in this video. II now have a plan for what I'll do and just as importantly, what I won't. Three takeaways I hadn't heard articulated elsewhere, that in retrospect seem obvious: 1) If your slope is too steep, water won't enter the pipe's entry holes. 2) Don't FEED a french drain gutter water, making already-piped water not daylighted! Make it aft, if you connect them. 3) Don't gravel next to the foundation, inviting it downwards. Space it way ... drawing water AWAY from foundation. The rest is confirmation of what inherently makes sense: 1) Forget the assumptive topping off with soil and sod. Get over the expectation to have lawn everywhere in your landscape. 2) As with the above, skip the fabric. Just like that, better fabric doesn't matter, burrito wrapping doesn't matter, spending the money isn't needed. All is not perfect; I have 2 outstanding questions: 1) Do I "need" to see soggy or standing water for a french drain to at least HELP? After all, if I'm looking for max flow by leaving the top "open" with drainage rock, why not potentially add catch basins, too? 2) Why not SDR-35 ... not strong enough? Thanks for this video!

[@bonsummers2657]

Check The French Drain Man vids also

[@jkocaja1]

Skipping the fabric makes sense. And besides that's why you have clean-outs. If the systems happens to clog (as annoying as that would be) just clean it out. Hopefully, it doesn't clog frequently. But I'm assuming at some point in the FD system you would have to clean it out with or without fabric.

[@dch.projects]

I can't believe I watched that whole thing. It was so fascinating. Thank you!!

[@GCFD]

I'm glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for commenting - shawn

[@j.paulina244]

Absolutely superior reasoning and execution. Honesty, humility, respect showing throughout a professional man. Thank you very much.

[@melaniepierce305]

Thank you for this information and all of the detail on the how and why you install these French Drains they way you do. This video was super helpful and I learned a lot. I appreciate your tips on identifying how some native soils have too much clay and do not allow water to permeate , and the use of angled rock vs. round pea gravel to back fill the trench, that makes a lot of sense. I appreciate how thorough your work is to achieve the desired results! I don't mind the gravel to the top, looks like a nice mud free walking path on the side of the house. Thanks for the info!

[@GCFD]

Thank you for watching and commenting Melanie! - Shawn

[@NFL1976]

I agree. It's kind of cool looking (the stone), adds to the landscape, and remains very functional.

[@elizabethalexander2679]

I have some drainage issues around my horse barn and was told by someone to consider a French drain. I had no idea what they were talking about. I found your video via a Google search and now I know what I need to know about French drains. This video is comprehensive, easy to understand and very well done. Thank you so much!

[@timothystevenhoward]

just a tidbit, when we talk about runoff in hydrology, we call it sheet flow when you have runoff moving over the surface. This usually has a relatively short distance until it becomes shallow concentrated flow, or more what you call point flow. once we get enough concentrated flow where its not shallow anymore we call it open channel flow. I love french drains, so useful.

[@GCFD]

Thanks for the lingo!

[@manuelquenga9886]

Extremely well done video. French drains for dummies! You really made this video easy to understand without getting too technical with your words. Thank you.

[@homegrownson]

Most informative video on French drains I have seen, Thanks, everything from using Angular Gravel tp not using materials like cloth to Slow water Flow, even positioning and reasoning behind Where it goes was Priceless and appreciated

[@GCFD]

Thank you! I'm glad you found my video helpful - Shawn

[@gsftom]

Best drainage video on KZbin. I believe that there are a lot of contractors that don’t have much understanding and focus on selling / earning vs results. When u find someone in any field that focuses on results like u do, that is rare these days. Thanks for sharing yr knowledge w us.

[@MrHotPlate]

I’ve watched quite a few of your videos in the last year and gained a lot of knowledge and insight, although I don’t perform this type of work for a living. Just enjoy understanding how to do this stuff properly for myself and, more so, how it should be done by a professional. Love your videos and your work. Thanks for taking the time to make them and for sharing your knowledge and experience. This video is one of the best.

[@GCFD]

Thank you! I'm glad you find my stuff useful and enjoyable. - Shawn

[@allanhughes7859]

How sad is it that not all folk are like this ???To most money comes first and honesty comes second or should i say quality workmanship comes second against money I take my hat off to you sir You will never be out of work thats for sure Well done and I wish you and your team/family well for the future !!!!!!!!!!!!

[@GCFD]

Thank you Allen - Shawn

[@aralox18]

Wow, I didn't expect to stumble upon such a gem of a video while reading up on drains! I love that you clearly explain the reasoning behind your decisions. Your explanation on the behaviour of non-permeable soil / smaller particle soil really helped me - I live in Melbourne, AU and have clay just like that. Very cool to see you revisit some previous projects in the rain, just drives home how effective your techniques are. Thanks heaps for this video, I could really go on about how many things I like about it - i've saved it as a reference and will come back to it!

[@GCFD]

Awesome! I'm glad you enjoyed my video and found it useful - Shawn

[@timcampbell3498]

He shows the science and common sense behind his decisions!

[@bonsummers2657]

Check The French Drain Man vids also

[@LH-hd9or]

I would like to thank you for all of these videos you have posted and for sharing your knowledge. I have watched so many of your videos and this one in particular helped me a lot. You are by far the most helpful drainage guy on youtube. I appreciate your honesty and logic. I took on a job on my own home that I’m still working on, applying everything that I learned from your work. It’s working great, just need to finish the final outfall. Thank you for posting these.

[@GCFD]

Awesome! I'm glad things are working for you - Shawn

[@OlWolf1011]

Kudos to you, sir! 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽 I worked landscape for decades when I was younger, and disparaged over people who took no pride in their work. Just aimed for a check and forgot about the homeowner minutes after. Admire your care and talent!

[@alohachicken1]

Thank you so much! "This is so helpful. I'm about to install a FD, and couldn't find a video anywhere which answered my queries. Your video did just that - answered all of my questions with straightforward and logical explanations, with visual examples of everything you are describing. 10/10. Thanks again!!

[@GCFD]

Thank you!

[@edwardgarrison2377]

Use corrugated pipe don't use pvc it will fail. And please watch the french drain man channel for better advice

[@davidscarmazzi6836]

Excellent work. We've been using FDs to handle drainage problems in residential developments with our result for years. This video is the answer as to why. This guy is spot on and the proof is in the results.

[@jamesfurlong8727]

In our area developers have built on farmland . The lots are landscaped about four feet above the “plow pan”. This leaves an almost impermeable layer. Our French drains worked well because we dug vertical post holes through the hard layer into sandy loam. The yard drains a little slower than horizontal drains, but the puddles disappear quickly after a rain. Trees that have been properly planted prosper from the sprinkler water on the lawn. I realize that this is posted a year after your article.

[@joea5183]

Now do one with pump systems

[@philh0151]

Greetings from Liverpool UK, just found your video, very well explained and going into all the details. I'll be referring to it over the next few months as I want to install a French drain at my brothers house to stop his driveway flooding from run off from the road. Thank you so much for sharing!

[@bobbycrosby9765]

I love your videos! We have drainage problems around our house. We don't get much rain - but when it rains, it pours, so I've thought of getting some of the problems fixed. Your videos have definitely given me some tips on what to look out for.

[@GCFD]

Awesome. I'm glad you have found my stuff useful Bobby!

[@tomasnedbal2672]

Great job!!!! I agree with all your ideas and opinions. And exactly as you said - the drain works after your install as a charm - there is no better evidence if your great job and great attitude!!!👍👍👍

[@T12i99iN]

New subscriber here. It's always great to see someone that has mastered and really care about their craft and customers. Home owners definitely need more people like you out there. Great job on CDs and FDs!

[@GCFD]

Thank you! 👍

[@thomasb.1825]

I’ve watched a lot of vids on KZbin about French drains & issues relating to gutters and downspouts end points this one is by far the most informative and the most intelligible ever … you did there a wonderful job ! Many thanks for this cause that is the one vid that really helped me the most and fixed my plan once for good 👍

[@corinao883]

Thanks for such an informative video. I'm really glad I found it before I spent thousands doing drainage on my property. Even though I'm in New Zealand this is all relevant and even better knowing I don't need a huge fall. Thanks

[@GCFD]

Yes. the FD will fill up perfectly level and then flow into the holes. Once leaving the FD with solid pipe you want an aggressive fall so that water flows away.

[@billmongiello4885]

great video and commentary...in the old days the tradesman would not tell you how to do anything (maybe because they feared the competition). but with you sharing your "secrets" with the world you are not only a good man you are great man...thanks for the info

[@PAplantgeek]

For those of you asking about details regarding the holes in the pvc pipe, he answered them in the comments. He said “The holes are around 4.5" around the pipe and about 6" along the line. We drill 1/2" or 5/8" depending on which drill bit I have floating around.”

[@InvestingBookSummaries]

Wow, you have added so much value to the internet with your expertise! Thank you

[@GCFD]

Wow thank you for your wonderful comment! - Shawn

[@zanepaxton7452]

An awesome video! Some planning and public works departments are wanting to retain storm water on-site to delay rain surge to the city streets and storm drain systems to prevent flooding, so that fights this (common sense) strategy. On my property I get 75 inches of rain from November to June and I’m wrestling with minimal slopes and less permeable soil too. Extending the FD to the surface does address surface storm water collection too. I have both a surface drainage issue when there is a 4” of rain in a single storm and then a high water table issue. This could be a good solution, not cheap though 😬

[@bonsummers2657]

Where's your location with 75'' of annual rainfall?

[@zanepaxton7452]

Crescent City, CA

[@medellinproperties]

Probably the best video online about French drains..Excellent job, spot on and very informative. Thank you brother.

[@QQuantum_Leap]

One of the most informative videos I’ve seen, 10/10.

[@GCFD]

Thank you Dustin!

[@jamesf7867]

Great video. I'm going to be putting in a french drain soon and found your honest and thoughtful information very convincing. Especially that part about not draining a gutter into the perforated pipe... I wouldn't have thought about the "perforated pipe is meant to COLLECT water, not drain it."

[@GCFD]

Yes! It seems logical to do that but everything works better if you keep water that's already contained in a pipe, in a pipe. 👍

[@TSBOFRLM]

@@GCFD This was the answer to my frustration. James, Thank you for your comment and Sean, thank you for your reply. So helpful and easily explained.

[@geralddegraaf6148]

This is what we need. Two issues we'd have here in Canada. One of the frost, would gravel be more conducting of the heat, therefore having more issues being too the surface. Second, we can't cut the curb so we have to create a basin to store the water on the down slope so it can feed back into groundwater over time. Our sidewalk becomes a sheet of ice after a thaw because of the overland flooding. There is probably a 3m (~9ft) height difference from our rear property line to our curb. The issue is our house is on a basin, but the grading has created a dam that holds water behind the house.

[@mikeingeorgia1]

That sounds very similar to what I was contending with

[@LuckyCharm713]

Gosh...this was so helpful and easy to understand. I have been battling drainage issues in my backyard for several years now. The contractors I've used just haven't solved the problem. I also live in the southeast and I finally feel I have a clear, reasonable solution to my problem. I really appreciate you sharing your knowledge. The revisits at the end were fantastic. You do great work! THANK YOU!

[@bonsummers2657]

Check The French Drain Man vids also

[@ririshow]

At last someone who knows a thing or two about french drain! Thanks

[@GCFD]

👍

[@1skinnyb69]

A#1 French Drain "How-to", Beginning to end. Very well explained. Thank you for sharing your expertise.

[@mrslkungpowchikn1206]

Have you checked into the use of geo textile fabrics between the dirt and gravel? A lot of progress has been made in this area and they are awesome! The right type of geotextile will not only provide strength and block the gravel from waddling it’s way further down into the soil again, but most importantly, it will prevent the soil and sediment particles from migrating up through the clean angular gravel voids due to the capillary action properties of water. When that happens the spaces between the angular gravel will fill up with soils and sediment getting smaller and smaller over time and eventually stop working, and also add this to the french drains so more cleaning will be needed. Finally, from an environmental standpoint, it’s so much healthier that storm water outlets (eventually spouting into the rivers and streams) that there is as little sediment in it as possible). That sediment is what dramatically reduces the availability oxygen levels in the water (BOD, Biological Oxygen Demand) that fish and the right kind of vegetation needs to survive and be healthy. I hope you can check into using Geo-textiles to be used as a liner because it really helps with these problems and the industry has made a lot of advances in this field. It may cost a little more but will make a world of difference long term, and much easier on the rivers and streams since it will reduce sediment/ soil particles getting into the storm water systems that go into rivers untreated and unprocessed. PS i’ve used these personally on our own property and i gave degrees in Environmental Science and Chemical Engineers plus a minor in Environmental Engineering. I used to work for a road contractor and was a grade checker and equipment operator before i graduated and worked other construction jobs. I’ve been amazed how far the environmental engineering industry has come regarding construction and earth remediation the last few years!

[@williamtolliv3549]

Very true, soil migration will happen in a French Drain without non woven Geo Textile fabric. Two years is not a test of a French drain. Sure, gravel to the surface is best, with no soil. We here in Michigan use 4oz non woven Geo textile fabric on every French Drain with no failures. Our French drains have 75% flow rates over the lower 5% flow rates of pvc or corrugated . I've seen lots a failures of French drains when Geo Fabric is not used as soil WILL migrate into gravel. I have to respectfully disagree with the use of Angular stone being used. After awhile, soil will migrate enough to cause any French drain to fail due to not using Non- woven Geo Textile fabric that's double needles punch.

[@2olvets443]

No way I want gravel up to surface. I really don’t think any geo textile will not clog over time either. I will be needing to do something because of foundation issues and agree best to pull water away from home by keeping out a couple feet but will use geo thermal above gravel and add some soil so grass will grow over the area.

[@universaldonor3100]

Have you tried drainage boards…engineer is recommending them on a fe job with house that is having lift problems@@williamtolliv3549

[@mikeyfoofoo]

Great video. Lots of great info. You covered two mistakes I see all the time. 1. No greater than 16th drop for the French drain and 2. don't drop gutter water in a perforated pipe.

[@GCFD]

Thank you! A perforated pipe is used to collect non point water. Unless you're using it as a leach field from a septic system (very low flow over a very large area). The reason we use a 1/16th drop is because the water in the trench fills up level. So more drop than that means not all of your holes are accepting water. 👍

[@rr5837]

We need more contractors like you 🙏

[@GCFD]

Thank you!

[@tommymasters369]

Most professional video on KZbin. Excellant advice, backed used with results. Really learned a lot! Great job!

[@GCFD]

thank you Tommy! Thanks for commenting! - Shawn

[@PDXBeach]

In the NW we have lots of river rock. I've found if you use enough of it, the sediment doesn't get to the pipe and the voids allow water to flow faster. Future video ideas: retaining wall water and how close to a foundation to place the french drain without creating more problems than you solve.

[@GCFD]

👍

[@DamajaCJ]

Also looking for info on exactly this: "retaining wall water and how close to a foundation to place the french drain without creating more problems than you solve"

[@josephj6521]

Good to know to not put a French drain up against the home. I’ve seen videos of you putting channel drains surrounded with concrete next to homes. That is the most effective solution I’ve noticed most home owners do. Take water away from the home immediately. Great content as always. 👍

[@carolecarson4557]

Very helpful . We are experiencing runoff water from a neighbor's upgraded walkway that was added to their property. The flow of water onto our property has increased since they raised their walkway over a foot. Now we have standing water between our houses and since we are positioned as the lower property, the increased water flowing down hill has caused our basement to flood. The French drain maybe an option as a solution to this problem . Thank you

[@GCFD]

Yes it might be a good solution if you can't catch the water further uphill.

[@odairvillalobos7041]

Fantastic video very well explained for someone like my self who is looking to do a French drain in my house. I was thinking to tie the down spout right to it and found out how wrong that is, I’m glad I watched this video. Thank you very much.

[@chuckbrannam2470]

I think you do great work on French drains and tying in downspouts etc, however when ever you go thru concrete it could b a little cleaner or brushed better, it always looks so Rought!!!

[@GCFD]

I agree! Even so these outfalls are better looking than other ones in the neighborhood. We use fast-setting concrete or hydraulic patch and it sets up fast.

[@bluchrushmegatruck9814]

Here in northern Virginia, we must core drill the curb

[@awrahmat4134]

A+ clear and easy to understand, excellent explanation with videos, wish my country (Malaysia) use this method rather than open drain around the houses...keep up with your honest work helping people in needs...

[@GCFD]

👍 Thank you!

[@sherishields3232]

Really appreciated the generous sharing of knowledge and experience Shawn; thank you. Just found this and next I'll check your channel for info on the catch basin as I don't believe our city will allow us to direct the flow into the street / gutter. I'll have to confirm that.

[@3tapsnu0ut87]

Now I know what honesty sounds like. Thank you.

[@GCFD]

👍

[@ronwatson7006]

Thanks for this Sean; it is so easy to get 'conflicting' advice on what method to use to achieve the best result, but I have to say your advice is logically thought out and makes a lot of sense, I will certainly be adopting the techniques you advocate - thank you Sir! If you get some time I would also really like to hear your opinion on the effectiveness of 'catch basins'?

[@GCFD]

Ron - Catch basins work very well for point water sources. That is, if you have a stream of water running through the yard, you can place a catch basin in the path and be good. They are not good for catching non-point water sources. I have a video coming soon (if we get any rain for the after-footage) that addresses this very topic. Hint - we solved the flooding by surrounding the catch basins with concrete to collect and deliver the non-point water do the basins.