Why PVC is far superior to corrugated for drainage pipe

In this video I talk about the benefits of PVC pipe. The extra expense and skills required to install it are only worth it if you have actual flooding issues with your property.
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[@boward6686]

I’m an excavating contractor, we see this all the time! We never use the black corrugated pipe always schedule 40 PVC for drainage! It is the best it is root Proof ! You need to invest in a laser level it will cut out a little bit of the guesswork ! I have one that has a built-in slope percentage ! With that set up you will only dig your trench once and just lay the pipe in when you’re done!! I’ve been doing this for 40+ years and you learn to work smarter not harder ! You are doing a great job keep up the good work !!

[@GCFD]

Hey Bo - Does the laser work with the trencher or how does that work? I would love to improve upon our trenching. Right now we trench, throw the pipe in and check level, then re-trench if needed. If the ground is falling we can just trench at the same depth and will have our fall.

[@boward6686]

@@GCFD There are companies around that sell lasers, check with one of them I’m sure there are some that you can put on your trencher to keep your grade at a certain level, A little advice do not buy the cheapest one out there, they will not work at long distances or be very accurate! Spectra Physics is a very good one I’ve had mine for about 15 years and I paid about $4000 for it ! Not to say you have to spend that much money but you get what you pay for!! Good luck out there!!

[@thomaskogel9495]

Hey thanks for the great information Bo.

[@Brian-bq2yb]

@@GCFD most contractors use the laser with an excavator, but I think it would be possible to set it up on the trencher. You would need to get the rotating grade laser as well as a magnetic mount laser receiver. Then you would have to figure out a way to rig up a mast on the trencher like the older GPS dozers have, then just stick the receiver to the mast. You could also use the simple string line method! It’s not as fast or as slick, but it’s a much better way to ensure there aren’t any high or low spots in your trench.

[@GCFD]

@@Brian-bq2yb the issue is it would have to be on the bottom of the crumber, which is at the bottom of the trench. Because the frame of the trencher is at grade but I need the elevation of the trench in the ground.

[@jslandscapinginc.6107]

Always put an arrow on the pipe so the water knows which way to flow!

[@GCFD]

😁

[@cruzmissile25]

I mean yeah, it's common knowledge...shm millennial

[@dunritelawnmaintenance7984]

Good one 😂

[@jaimemendoza5163]

👏👏👏👏

[@1979augistine]

Word

[@jonathanrhodes4788]

When I bought my first home in 2019, it did not have any gutters or downspouts. When these were installed, I had a considerable accumulation of water in the yard accompanied with erosion. I also live near a small lake and my sump was constantly running. I installed drainage pipes exactly as you have shown here. I often trenched deeper than necessary and would then backfill and grade within the trenches. It took two month to achieve the correct angles and fall over nearly 300ft... but now everything flows fast toward the lake and all my previous problems are non-existent.

[@GCFD]

Wow, Nice work Jonathan! I'm glad you got the work done and the system has solved your problems. - Shawn

[@lance9927]

you're full of information and you don't hesitate to explain exactly what you're doing and most importantly WHY you're doing it. honest and prideful work. im 20 and just getting into trades and i know im going to retain this info thank you

[@GCFD]

Thank you! Honesty and hard work = success. Keep learning and don't be afraid to learn and grow.

[@Dukemeistro]

You absolutely correct on that fall and pitch. I put in my 200' sump line, and it was a tough undertaking. I watched you for probably around a year before attempting it.

[@vincenigro9434]

More videos like this please! I am an EIT, and I work for a civil engineering firm doing site design. These videos are very informational for utility constructability considerations.

[@GCFD]

Thank you Vince! It seems like no one thinks about drainage concerns before the fact.

[@ilovemykids76]

Why am I so fascinated by this. Seriously!

[@GCFD]

I feel the same way! 👍

[@06halfton4x4]

Lots of pride is shown in the work your crew does! I enjoy how you show the systems working at the end of your videos too. Keep up the good work and you'll never run out of it.

[@GCFD]

Thanks for your comment and support Justin! - Shawn

[@tomlangley6236]

I had a downspout emptying onto a sidewalk beside my porch. I couldn't put an elbow on it because it would block the walkway. Being in Northern Ohio the water would freeze in the winter causing a safety concern. After watching a few of your videos I got the idea to run 3 in. PVC from the downspout, under the porch exiting on the other side out of the way. WORKS GREAT! Thanks for the inspiration!

[@lufia1624]

I'm in Northern OH too and your comment is exactly what I needed because when I watch southern contractors I always wonder about how their stuff will do in our freezing climes

[@uxbman]

I really like that you show the results of your work when it is raining. Proof is in the pudding.

[@GCFD]

It's my favorite part! Seeing the solution actually working.

[@GMan-yv8cb]

Hi, Shawn ! Your's were the first drainage/French Drain videos I watched here on YT ! (Actually I think they were YOUR first videos, too) I'm a big fan of GC ! And I've got to give you a 👍 on keeping it classy! No trash-talking other contractors OR You Tubers ! It just proves that a good character shows itself in all aspects of life !

[@irishmike519]

I have a project coming up that is to rid my property of roof water only. Our yard is definitely graded incorrectly, which is soon to be corrected. So, we don’t have an issue with standing water or water encroaching into our basements crawlspace. I’ve watched many of your videos and have learned that pvc on my downspouts is the only thing I need! Thanks for all the great videos and thanks for sharing your knowledge! Much appreciated! Peace!!!

[@GCFD]

thank you and good luck with your project mike!

[@97marqedman]

When I bought my house (100 yr old house in northern WI), I had all new gutters and downspouts installed, and then installed 4” pvc piping around the house to catch them all and carry them out 80’ to my alley (where the storm sewers are located in my city - the alleys are crowned on the edges and low in the middle so the water flows well to the catch basins). Best home upgrade I’ve made by far. The previous owner had lots of basement water issues, and I have absolutely none. Also installed plenty of clean outs so every fall and spring I can blast any shingle grit/bird poo/leaves/other buildup out of all the piping. Any water left inside does freeze up in the winter…the piping is only buried 2-4” deep around the house and drops 15” to the alley. But the most I’ve seen frozen in the pipes is about 1/4” at the bottom which is just fine. Excellent work all around!

[@GCFD]

Great testimonial about PVC and keeping the water out in the first place! thanks for sharing - Shawn

[@lufia1624]

I am in Northern OH and came to the comments looking for ones like this because when I watch Southern youtubers I always have to wonder how their materials will do in our freezing climes. Many thanks

[@jimpie231]

I have used both. For gutters/downspouts I have used 4” corrugated, but my longest run is 20’ to a runoff. This has worked already for 17+ years. For my sump pump I did use 4” thinwall pvc for a 20’ run, this has worked 17+ years also. I use a grated cover to keep animals out. Thanks...Jim

[@GCFD]

Thanks for sharing Jim!

[@NR-pn6mn]

Thumbs up! You’re getting better with thoroughly showing what you are actually physically doing instead of random finger pointing edit video more finger pointing and edit more and voila it’s done! Keep showing important parts of installation for the viewers with more detail action with laying down the pipes! 👍

[@JacanaProductions]

Great video. I opted for the 3inch PVC at HD and yes it was a mess with angles - luckily I only had about 10ft to get it away from the foundation. I was aware of the fall. Ignore the other "experts". Now I need to dig a pit or something as I don't want to take it to the road. Assume you opt for the biggest 4 inch.

[@Goodvibes-Adventures]

Great job 👍. Some YT drainage companies that are ( French 😉) state that using PVC in northern states won't withstand freeze thaw ground movement cycles ...This is what's so frustrating about different companies having different opinions and it then causes brain freeze 😂. I wish companies on KZbin could explain what's best for different regions ...Thank You 😊

[@alexraul]

My neighbor and I just installed a massive system of 4 inch French drains and downspout drains. It connects and runs along the property fence line, discharging to the street. At the terminal point there are two 4inch French drains on bottom, two 4inch downspout main lines on top. We used rolls of high-end corrugated pipe. Not the cheap stuff- it’s virgin high-grade plastic. You can stand on it without collapse. We worked hard to grade the connecting trenches properly. We won’t have to worry about pipes cracking in the Denver winter!

[@patty109109]

That’s because the owner of that channel sells the pipe. In my current and last house I have downspouts buried with SDR 35. New York. I’ve never had any problems.

[@GMan-yv8cb]

OF COURSE he hates PVC! HE doesn't SELL PVC !! It's all about $$$$ !

[@GMan-yv8cb]

​@@alexraul Oh ! As long as it's 'virgin' !!

[@brentnovak2061]

We are in Michigan and we only use schedule 40 for sump pump discharge from the home because code requires it. For downspouts we use dual wall corrugated pipe, best of both worlds smooth inside but still flexible so the front won't break it. Self cleaning at 1% slope. If we ever use single wall we get 3.5% slope and it will self clean.

[@GCFD]

👍

[@shawnkiesel5349]

I love spreading the primer on pipe when I glue, there's just something about it.. This channel is awesome.. You guys do good work.

[@The-Ordinary-Man]

I made a DYI french drain for my back yard. I used YOUR methods even before you had a youtube channel..... cut to 15 years later, and it's still working perfectly.

[@GCFD]

Wow, Nice James!

[@The-Ordinary-Man]

@@GCFD Yep! Smooth Schedule 80 pipe with a catch basin (Gravity drained) did the trick :)

[@pjmtts]

The day I bought a laser the amount of re-digging for slope decreased drastically.

[@BrianRouse]

Watched a ton of these drainage videos from various companies. It’s amazing how different the general philosophies are.

[@GCFD]

Really? It seems pretty straightforward to me. Provide a path of least resistance and let it flow! How does my philosophy compare? Thanks! - Shawn

[@BrianRouse]

@@GCFD Some say corrugated pipe is totally fine, some say the peanut wrapped pipe is fine, while some say you need four tubes of corrugated blue/yellow pipe and thinks a DIY project requires a backhoe. Burrito wrap the pipe, don't burrito wrap the pipe.. For someone like myself that needs oh, maybe 50 feet of pipe to get rid of some standing water some methods seem like overkill while others seem too rudimentary. Clearly I fall somewhere in the middle. Right now the schedule 40 you use may be that happy medium for me.

[@huejanus5505]

I watched another video where the guy was extolling the virtues of corrugated pipe over smooth pipe. I asked him why aren’t all drain pipes corrugated if they’re so much better. Never did get an answer.

[@hireteamblue]

@@huejanus5505 must of the “the drainage guy”… lol Sells his magic pipe for tons of money on his site lol.

[@bebekguitar2007]

The builders in the area that I just moved into are using this stuff (corrugated pipe) everywhere. I see neighbors that have permanently buried this stuff under concrete driveways. I'll be sure to rip it out and replace with PVC when I go to bury mine, thanks so much for the video!

[@GCFD]

👍 You can't go wrong with quality materials.

[@dirkbraaksma4467]

I have seen your video again, it remains nice to see how this goes in other countries! I design sewage water systems in the Netherlands myself. What strikes me is that you glue all connections, with us we use connections with rubber sleeves in rainwater drains and in sewers. This allows you to work quickly and can easily detach it if there is something wrong with it. Good luck and I will keep watching the videos!

[@GCFD]

We like to glue everything so the roots don't get into our pipe. Thanks for watching and commenting! - Shawn

[@ambassadorforjesuschrist5933]

Primer, then the glue goes quickly. It doesn't require much time.

[@markg7963]

There are 2 clear reasons that installers use black corrugated pipe. Cheaper. Easier to install. But it’s rare that these systems don’t eventually fail or collapse. I use the green pvc drain pipe. It isn’t as thick as 4 inch schedule 40 but it holds up and carries more water. Your work looks superb. Nice vid.

[@GCFD]

Thank you Mark. That green pipe is good stuff.

[@mikar3601]

I’ve learned so much from your channel. Thanks so much for sharing the knowledge and kudos to you for your expertise and good work ethic.

[@GCFD]

Thanks for watching Michael! - Shawn

[@embracetheruck]

As a guy who has done only a little plumbing, this is brilliant! And thankfully he operates in my area!

[@ironDsteele]

Another benefit to PVC is you easily avoid getting a belly in the pipe from either install or settling which will cause a clog very quickly. We had the issue of having a very large hill at the back of our property which forms a dead stop at the back of our house and the resulting top water from rain and melting snow would find it's way into the basement through the block foundation. I put Blueskin on the wall and 2" foam over that which runs down to 4" PVC weeping tile about 18" under ground and slopes away from the center where the water can be drained at both sides of the house, protected with filter cloth and clear stone. As for the eves downspouts, I ran those into a separate non perfed PVC and laid it on top of that where it's shunted in with a Y on both sides past the house and carried away down the hill out front. I filled it all in with sand and replaced the sod. Since we are at a high elevation and ground water issues are non existent I opted not to dig all the way to the footer which was about 5 more feet. This year we've had a couple very warm days with standing water at the back from the thaw and zero water.

[@SlackerU]

10/10, I don't have a business but the only difference I prefer is starting at the discharge & installing at the lowest acceptable slope so that the basins near the home have the deepest discharges available which will provide the highest max-flow rates at those junctions/transitions(the CB-outlets). On the USDA's Soil-web-Survey it shows all the land in my area as having 2% or less slope so to get the self-cleaning 2.8% slope for corrugated-pipe is literally impossible without a sump. Not installing smooth-wall is a mistake & my city won't permit corrugated(inner-wall).

[@GCFD]

Nice to see you commenting again Bob! I was wondering where you went!

[@timearp8185]

I like your work, you take pride in making sure it works. It's common in the UK to find Channel Drains that aren't connected to anything, they just collect and don't drain, really pointless, generally across a porch by the front door to a house or at the end of a driveway where it crosses the path (sidewalk).

[@GCFD]

Thank you Tim! I also see catch basins installed in the yard with no drain pipe leading anywhere. I don't see how people can do that and sleep at night...

[@scottbrady6795]

I’ve seen those channel drains at front doors and never understood why they’re there. I’m in Ireland and they’re pretty common. They don’t tend to drain anywhere, but most of them don’t tend to collect any water either! I don’t really understand the need for them

[@Harry-zz2oh]

@@scottbrady6795 I suspect if the underlying ground is mostly sand, like at my place in the desert, they would work fine. If I were to get two inches (5 cm) of rain my yard would flood but in a day or so the water would have percolated down from the surface. The sand goes down over 200 ft. (~5 meters, if I did the math right).

[@tracyrain4941]

I enjoy all your content. Would definitely enjoy more of this kind too along with your more regular stuff 😊

[@GCFD]

I have a ton of videos on the way Tracy!

[@vincentnardozza3191]

Once again you and your team are draining the water not the homeowners pockets with a call back Great work

[@GCFD]

Great comment! Thank you! - Shawn

[@c50ge]

I like using triple wall drain pipe. It is flexible enough to make long sweeping curves, easy to handle an connects well. If you have any concerns about joints coming apart just use a little construction adhesive on the joints. My guess is you are south with little to no freezing temperatures. We cannot dump our drains that close to the sidewalks.

[@MetalAsFork]

Yeah there's a few reasons why this PVC solution wouldn't work where I am in Canada.

[@guringai]

Thanks for confirming what I suspected about corrugated pipe! I do think it's better to drain into earth instead of drains in most cases. This is better for clean creek & river water, while reducing flash flooding & high water levels

[@GCFD]

I agree! Here we have impermeable subsoils that don't perc too well. Wetlands are the answer!

[@steverusie6986]

A great informative video! Good information on why you don’t use perforated pipe after collecting water into it!

[@GCFD]

Thank you! 👍

[@mongorhayes]

Thankfully, in Kannapolis,NC we don't get terrible flooding , BUT I have used the same heavy wall PVC pipe for downspouts and the sump pump. After 2 years no issue with backups and have very good water flow with any amount of precipitation .

[@GCFD]

Nice! You can't go wrong using quality materials.

[@danlah1303]

Just cut into a 29 year old 6" SDR35 green pipe used to collect my downspouts and take it to a drainage ditch on back property line. I've admittedly got great slope, but it is so clean I would eat off the inside.

[@GCFD]

Nice! SDR 35 is good stuff for sure.

[@bradbarr5658]

Very underrated channel. You should have a ton more subscribers.

[@GCFD]

Thank you Brad! I'm trying to up the quality of my videos and build up the channel a little more. Thanks for watching!

[@jcreeker5581]

Thx for the video. Nice to see someone doing things the right way. Basically, there are three types of pipe (e.g., PVC Schedule 40, PVC Sewer/drain, and corrugated pipes) for this application. Though the most expensive option, PVC Schedule 40 is the best, IMHO. It doesn't collapse and one can clean it out if it get clogged. Over time corrugated pipe will get clogged and there is no easy way to clean it out. Roots can collapse PVC sewer/drain pipe.

[@GCFD]

Thank you! I agree that Sch 40 is the best for so many reasons.

[@nadjawright1823]

Excellent video! I learned so much about the bubble and water fall. Really great explanations and details!! 🎉😊

[@minnesotacold]

Super helpful video. Thanks so much!

[@GCFD]

Thank you!

[@coenfilm]

I would like to compliment you on your films. You have me watching all your videos. I will soon run out of things to watch. So get to work and film more! Ha ha. The detailed view of your work plus especially the final view in the rain really makes it fascinating. Cheers! Most importantly the peace of mind you bring to people by your competence. God bless you and your crew.

[@GCFD]

Thank you! Let me know what your favorite video of mine is and if you see anything I can improve upon. More videos coming...

[@coenfilm]

@@GCFD I really enjoy all of your videos. I know it’s a lot of work to film your work but it is enjoyable to watch. I especially like the videos of the “after” showing the rain. Showing the water fall out of the pipe is interesting. I cringe when I watch others putting in corrugated flexible pipe and don’t even measure with a level. I’m watching your video and you mention that all your employees have levels. Attention to detail. Thank you Shawn.

[@figpal4381]

Our first home required me to trench around the house using a good old shovel and for installation of a sump pit and pump to move the water out to the street. Our issue was not the gutters but being on the second lowest lot in the subdivision. Thus, the water would come up into the crawl space until I diverted it into the sump pit. The trench was a good 15" wide and I used pea gravel to surround it rather than dirt.

[@tmackie1694]

Great video!!appreciate the homeowner’s video and feedback at the end, too.

[@GCFD]

thank you T!

[@peterabney433]

This is the way I’ve done it for years. One thing missing is a clean out. Place a clean out just after gutters you have access to clean in the event of leaf litter or rodent nest in line.

[@GCFD]

We don't typically install cleanouts because my jetter hose will fit in the space between the downspout and the coupler.

[@michaeldudash]

@@GCFD what if the next guy doesn’t have a similar jetter? what about the homeowner using hand tools

[@SpaceFace212]

Have you considered using corrugated double wall pipe? It has corrugated outside layer and smooth inside layer. Very strong and still has a little flexibility so you can have a big sweeping bends without fittings. The flexibility will also make it more resistant to cracking if the ground heaves/ moves over the years.

[@AFXGaming]

I've seen corrugated double wall completely destroyed in a year, corrugated tubing is not very durable unless its corrugated steel

[@GCFD]

Considered and rejected. Although it’s easier to work with the joints still pop together and it doesn’t hold up as well as schedule 40.

[@ThePikmin18]

🤣🤣🤣corrugated is cheap crap that breaks super easy fam

[@lawn-n-orderlandscaping1389]

@@AFXGaming They both have use cases.... Correguated has a life of 20/25 years if used correctly. But roots, walkways, vehicle traffic can often say otherwise.

[@lmejia6438]

Great video and quality work that's hard to find in many contractors

[@dr.emilschaffhausen4683]

I use smooth PVC pipe for gutters about 15 years ago. They do make nice adapters that go from the rectangular downspout to the circular pipe, but your way works also.

[@alexplisko7794]

Subscribing before you hit 1000, or 10k for that matter. My guess is soon! Great work mate.

[@GCFD]

Thank you for watching and supporting the channel Alex!

[@user-yb8lz6el7s]

I love your videos a lot. It shows the people how to do it right the first time. Yes you do pay more for it but its once and done. Not like half ass Where you end up paying 3 times the price to fix it.

[@GCFD]

Thank you! Once and done is my style. That way you don't have to worry about your work having issues later. I work with a lot of homeowners who have been through the corrugated experience and only want PVC.

[@shoover2889]

Plumber here, and that’s a thing of beauty. But I would swap out those torpedo levels you’re using for an Empire grading torpedo level. They’re solid metal and high quality, and it will help keep your fall exact and consistent, making it easier to determine how deep you need to be in the long run and how much fall you have to work with. Keep up the good work!

[@siriosstar4789]

excellent .i live in germany where 4 " drain pipe is used for gutters also . the difference is these pipe have rubber o rings on a flaired end , so it's only necessary to rub a lubricant on the ring and the end going into the o ring side . super fast and easy .

[@travismiller1466]

Just bought a house and had trouble with water getting into the basement. Turns out instead of placing gutters on a small housing that goes to the basement, they placed that horrible black corrugated pipe against the foundation and buried it under mulch. Working on getting actual gutters installed now.

[@GCFD]

That's good news in that you found the problem and can correct it!

[@aaronvaughn2453]

Isn't black corrugated pipe against a foundation considered weeping tile and a pretty standard practice?

[@torreydenton4150]

@@aaronvaughn2453 yes, corrugated black pipe with fabric wrap and permeable rock is pretty standard

[@al70127]

@@torreydenton4150 not against the foundation though right? If it's a french drain using corrugated perforated pipe.

[@Landofmagic678]

your growing fast now! this is what you get when you do such good work

[@GCFD]

Thank you!!!

[@trin2513]

Hi, I wish we have a good drainage contractor like you in our state Oregon. We are in the hunt for one like your team but so far unsuccessful. Thanks for outstanding video.

[@GCFD]

Thank you Tri!

[@upthesaints7201]

Great job! The only thing I would’ve done differently…put a couple of clean-outs in that looooong stretch of pipe out to the road;; would’ve made easy work in cleaning the full length of the pipe, too!

[@brentking-gmailking2570]

Another great video. Have a great day.

[@GCFD]

👍

[@fishon8406]

You could get a cleaner downspout connection to the PVC with something like this. NDS 9P04 Offset Downspout Adapter Solvent Weld Fitting, 2-Inch by 3-Inch by 4-Inch I think some codes require it. Not sure though.

[@GCFD]

Some customers request those. I like to keep the connection more open for better venting and access to a sewer jetter. Although I've never had any of my systems clog up. Great comment Fish!

[@davidvavra9113]

I'll be building a rain collection system this year, so paying much attention. Thanks

[@miketee2444]

I saw a video talking about how corrugated pipe flows more water than equal size PVC. Something about the agitation causing water to speed up or some nonsense. The reason I stopped using it and went to PVC was that years ago I noticed the swarms of mosquitoes coming out of all the buried gutter extensions. Corrugated pipe almost never dries out. The ridges hold water and breed insects. There may be a time and place for the slotted pipe but it's rare.

[@Matthew.com.a]

My friend, you do great work most part! Just an advice, you don't start gluing pipes prior to trenching. Get dry pipes fit and check levels then start gluing and finish back filling.

[@GCFD]

👍 Great advice!

[@arslanahmed8504]

Agreed 100%

[@curiouscat3384]

Watching you check the fall every couple feet reveals also, how easy it would be to miss a spot with corrugated with it being so flexible it might get wavy.

[@GCFD]

For sure. Corrugated is not the right application for moving water.

[@redherring5532]

Good info guys, glad I was instinctually suspect of that corrugated pipe and decided to spring for the pvc with the holes in it for my 3 foot retaining wall drainage

[@GCFD]

You can't go wrong with better quality materials.

[@redherring5532]

@@GCFD yup, cost way less in the long run

[@deanlewis1650]

If you need to have a sweep in your pipe you can purchase a heating blanket or a pipe box heater. They make them large enough to handle the 4" schedule 40 that you are using. They are made by companies such as Greenlee or Current.

[@johnforte5005]

Been watching you for a while now and you have inspired me to tackle a drainage problem at my home. I have rainwater collecting in a low area of my driveway and two downspouts. My plan is to install a catch basin in the low point of the driveway and a catch basin by each downspout with the spout feeding directly into the basin via a flexible extension I can buy at HD. If I run 100' of solid PVC at 1/8" per foot by the end of the run I'll be one foot below grade. How will the water flow up at that point to discharge to daylight? I don't want to run an enclosed spout system because I'd like to collect some groundwater runoff that happens during heavy rains. Thanks in advance

[@GCFD]

Yes if you use solid pvc you should be fine. I would recommend connecting the downspout directly to the pipe instead of using a catch basin. The reason is you lose all the energy of the water falling down the downspout if you use a catch basin.

[@darren2983]

Always a little bemused when I see how these things are done elsewhere. In the UK every home would have the pvc pipe and if its an older property it would have the older round clay pipes. All are well bellow the surface like two / three foot down and then connected to the sewer or modern home have huge soakaway dug bellow the lawn. That way you don't have to pay the water company extra for rainwater discharge. It would never be discharged onto the street or put just bellow the surface. Crazy. That corrugated piping is usually used for land drainage if its perforated to take away ground water. Never seen it connected straight to a down pipe again thats odd.

[@GCFD]

Hopefully you never will see perforated pipe downstream from solid pipe again! That is not the way to do things.

[@thelakeman5207]

I have to do this with my downspouts this coming spring. Was going to do it myself, but after watching this video, I've decided to hire an excavating company to do it. When someone does this all the time, let the professionals do it.

[@why-be-normal7014]

Always love watching your videos .great job

[@belleame1064]

Water in the beginning was so comforting.

[@GCFD]

👍

[@oldtimefarmboy617]

That sort of pipe was designed to be laid in a rock bed that is wrapped in a filter fabric to prevent the soil from migrating into the stone bed and pipe and plugging it up, so that it can take water in water soaked soil and give it a place to drain away to a waterway or a storm drain so the soil is not soggy and soft. It was not made to be a transport pipe for rain gutters to move water away from buildings. The only reason they used that pipe is because it cost less and its flexibility made it lots easier to to connect everything together and run around obstacles. In other words, the person who used it was cheap and lazy and did not care he was screwing the customer in the long run.

[@GCFD]

The landscapers install this stuff everywhere around here. We see it every day.

[@nasucuroify]

I just said the same thing , you are so right

[@label1877]

Great info...if you must use corrugated pipe, it's mandatory that once a year, twice a year in Florida (during a dry spell) you mix a gallon of root killer and pour into your drains.

[@GCFD]

Great tip!

[@adventurearkansas9926]

Downspout boots help keep the connection rodent proof at the top end. Not a big problem if your outfall is open but when you have collector devices like subgrade detention ponds it helps out.

[@GCFD]

👍

[@jsmcguireIII]

The perforated pipe is for receiving ground water (like in a French drain) not delivering it. The installer must have used the wrong pipe here. FYI, standard code is 2% (1/4" per ft) so for a 50' pipe that is a 6' drop. In this case you may need to run the pipe under the sidewalk and into the street to gain some grade. I'd be concerned about lawn mower damage and frost heave with it that shallow.

[@Elvishswimmer]

1/4 inch per foot would mean a 50foot pipe would have 12.5 inch drop, not 6 foot?

[@irafair3015]

@@Elvishswimmer Even so, his point makes sense. Here in the NorthEast, frost heave can be a real problem.

[@zacksgaragedoorserviceandr1208]

So all of your work is very very well I don’t see so many issues with what you do only thing I would change about what you do is probably the connection to the downspout something that’s more clean and professional well you are a professional but I think you know what I meant so what I would recommend is a downspout adapter and your regular pipes or a downspout adapter and a PVC pipe tea or a Y connector so if the homeowner or something down the future got stuck in the pipe they can easily put a snake down the pipe And it would just look a little bit more cleaner so you don’t have all those weird connections towards the surface of the grass or mulch beds and it won’t well it won’t allow people to trip on them and eventually the ground will settle and those connection points can settle in the downspout cannot be connected to the pipe anymore

[@GCFD]

Hey Zachary - I've thought about that and some customers have requested those adapters. I like to keep the connections loose like I do so they function as a vent as well. There is enough space to get a my sewer jetter hose in there, but I also wish they looked better. Most homeowners have been planting veg or placing decorations in front of the downspouts to try and hide them better. I still don't have an answer on your point.

[@SlackerU]

So you'd prefer cleaner looking vertical-risers instead of sloped downspout connections or fitting at the surface, I agree. Risers would hide far more fittings & more than 2% slope isn't absolutely necessary b/c 4in-PVC is self-cleaning at a slope as low as .78%. I've had PVC a few years now & leaves do build up but the first large rain flushes them right out. Having dedicated clean-outs isn't absolutely necessary in my situation so far.

[@GCFD]

@@SlackerU Hey Bob that's pretty much exactly what I tell my customers when they ask about cleanouts. I also give a guarantee that the pipes won't clog and I keep up with my customers via text and haven't had a single issue.

[@zacksgaragedoorserviceandr1208]

@@SlackerU true it’s all about detail and how good it works

[@MrSprintcat]

Its called pitch in the north east. And I am sure you can get away with a 1/8 bubble. Good video.

[@GCFD]

Pitch, slope, fall, negative grade are some names I've heard it called. I take the most fall I can get to help carry debris out of the system. 👍

[@andreabarisone29]

Very amazing and interesting videos. Greetings from Italy!!!

[@TheItinerantCraftsman]

I enjoy your channel. In a past life, I was a licensed sewer and drain line contractor. By code, we were not allowed to go more than a 1/4 bubble because we were told that solids and debris will separate from water over a 1/4 bubble. I see you do a lot of full bubble falls. More than a 1/4 bubble, we’d have to put in a catch basin or manhole to change the elevation. What’s your take on that?

[@GCFD]

In sewer pipe you only get the water from one flush. So you need to keep a 1/4 bubble so the water doesn't outrun the solids. Here, we are catching gutter water so there is a tremendous amount of water coming through the pipe. Any lingering debris gets blown out by the next storm so we want as much fall as we can get. Check out my septic system install where we make sure to maintain a 1/4 bubble and no more. Great comment to point out the differences!

[@TheItinerantCraftsman]

@@GCFD Makes sense and thank you for the explanation.

[@Quentyn73]

How many degrees is 1/4 bubble?

[@jjr897]

Y did u not use test tees at the downspouts? It’s required where I live. And it’s gives u a place to clean each line segment if it gets a clogged.

[@GCFD]

Sometimes we install Wyes or sanitary Tees with female adapters for cleanouts. The space between the downspout and pipe is enough to get a jetter hose into if we ever have to clean it.

[@IvanRamirez-fs3sf]

Thank you for your comments. I’m about to extend my sump pump drain the pipe I’m going to use is 1/12” is that ok ?

[@picturetaker777]

We did a DIY gutter drain system using schedule 40 last year. Everyone told us we were doing it wrong - we should be using corrugated. I really disagree! We are loving our schedule 40 system! It's the way to go!

[@GCFD]

Nice work! You can't go wrong using quality materials.

[@sherzodazimov1433]

@Gate City Foundation Drainage, thank you so much for sharing your knowledge with us. I learned a lot

[@GCFD]

Thanks for watching and commenting Sherzod!

[@multiplemyelomaigm8542]

I refused to let my general contractor use corrugated pipe when building our house in 1990, PVC is the only way to flow.

[@GCFD]

Nice!

[@espenforfen1334]

He,s right on everything, except the method. Buy yourself a laser level you will never look back. Most important tool in my toolbox.

[@GCFD]

We use a laser if the ground is level. The reason is you achieve fall with your trench. If the ground is falling we set the trencher depth and go. The trench automatically is falling with the topography. 👍

[@brendanreitz1073]

Never heard it referred to as "fall" but it makes sense of course. "Pitch" is what I call it....perhaps that's more common for roofing! But it's all good... I find your videos strangely interesting even tho' out here in the Western US, we don't see much rain and have little concern about flooding basements. Keep up the good work!

[@GCFD]

Thanks for watching Brendan!

[@robertgarrett7007]

You have done a good job sir. Most people go cheap and use thin pipe. But you used schedule 40. It will last as long as the house. I’ve been doing this for over 40 years and I’ve seen many half ass jobs done by the home owner. I agree that you should have a laser level. When I started out in the 1960’s, we had to use a transit level. Keep up the good work.

[@GCFD]

Thank you Robert! I have a laser but usually just follow the grade when trenching. We place a level on the pipe and make sure we have a full bubble. For flat sections where our trench creates the fall we sometimes break out the laser.

[@ninecila9150]

I am amazed at how shallow all these pipes are burried. Where I live those have to be burried at least 2,6 feet deep and they never simply end at the side of the road or a ditch - they have to be connected to the public sewer system.

[@GCFD]

Here it's illegal to connect stormwater to the sewer system. This overburdens the wastewater plant and creates more waste to treat. The streets are part of the stormwater system that drains to creeks and rivers.

[@electricaf365]

Where is this?

[@patty109109]

2” soil over pipe is all you need for grass to grow back without any indication of a pipe below.

[@zachhomolka8512]

Thanks for posting! How would you reccomend situating the outflow if dumping the water right next to the sidewalk isnt an option? Im in Nebraska, we are prone to fall rain where this kind of setup would create a deadly ice patch on the sidewalk. I was thinking maybe I should have a rain garden setup in the backyard (away from the foundation of course!). I currently have a cheap plastic pipe above ground that dumps the water about 6 feet from my foundation, but Im looking for more permanent solutions!

[@GCFD]

Take the water to a logical low point where it will be far enough away from the foundation so not to damage anything. What about a summer outfall / winter outfall?

[@cruzmissile25]

I've seen dry wells built far away from the home to dump gutter water into

[@mikeholubek4419]

I was gonna comment this has to be a warm weather set up, looks good tho.

[@frankhahne4880]

A gutter guard would also help by eliminating leaves and debris getting into the pipe. Never use slotted or perforated pipe for surface drainage. They are used for underdrainage and need filter stone surrounding to prevent silt from entering.

[@dbplumbing1403]

Thank you for using REAL pipe. I've replaced so many main sewer lines ran in thin wall "sewer" pipe. Stay with sch 40. You will be the go to contractor, dont be the cheapest, be the best. Home owners that see the value will pay for it. You cut a corner it only costs your reputation. Keep up the good work. A drainage contractor that could be a plumber. That's impressive

[@GCFD]

Thank you D & B! When I first met some of my contractor friends, I got serious respect because I had some good tools and knew what all the fittings were called. I agree with you. I have found lots of customers who are happy to pay for quality and results. I don't deal with cheap fixes...the few times I have tried to fix things it has not worked out well. That's because people who address 50% of the problem see results 50% of the time then get upset on the other 50%. No amount of explaining can make them understand.

[@jeremiahyeahheah506]

If only we could move the water out like that. It's illegal in NJ. You have to redirect and leach it out on your own property

[@GCFD]

Wow that's crazy. I'm glad we can discharge to the stormwater system.

[@ryan92084]

I'm always surprised when I see you are allowed to have rain water runoff drain to the street. I don't think anywhere around here allows that anymore. Anyway great content, keep it up. I'll probably be putting some of your insight to use myself in the near future.

[@GCFD]

The streets are part of the stormwater system here, delivering water to creeks and streams. We get so much rain here I don't know how else it could be handled.

[@ipstacks11]

Where are you allowed to send rain water? Down the homes sewer?

[@ryan92084]

@@ipstacks11 No where really. Ideally it is handled on the property either naturally or with a watergarden, cistern, etc. If it runs off the road then so be it you just aren't allowed to have it directly drain there. We also don't get big storms as often as it seems to happen in the Gate City area.

[@mangos2888]

​@Jeff Smith It often still ends up in creeks and streams, but it has to go through land first to get filtered.

[@peterpowers4851]

Someone that takes pride in their work!

[@GCFD]

Thank you Peter!

[@nchurricanehunter]

Something about all these running water vids is just nice.

[@GCFD]

👍

[@michaellalanae7228]

I never under stood the corragated pipe it can't be cleaned like a normal drain pipe .it was just a way of the builders being able to cut even more corners and giving the homeowner less .

[@ryanwaltos2206]

I have non-perforated Corex installed for all of my downspouts (4), terminating at three bubblers and one at the street. ALL of the runs have sufficient enough fall that I have never had a problem with clogging or otherwise. I properly installed these fourteen years ago after we moved in and had significant basement flooding as a result of defective downspouts that would fall off in heavy rains, flooding the foundation. We also completely tore up our yard, removed junk trees and added slope away from house in all directions. Yes.. tree leaves, maple seeds and shingle gravel make their way down the gutters, but heavy rains throughout the year purge the pipes and keep them clear. If I had a chance to re-do it over with PVC again, I would, but at that time Corex was what was affordable to us and it works for us.

[@GCFD]

I agree Michael. When I looked into it I found almost everyone using corrugated, so I founded GCFD!

[@michaellalanae7228]

@@ryanwaltos2206 try running that trash over with a man's truck and get back to me dreamer

[@ryanwaltos2206]

@@michaellalanae7228 I drive over one of mine daily in my 1500 when I turn around. No problems for me. I buried it at a depth that crush potential from residential vehicles is minimal.

[@ohyeahthatsright3155]

Also Keep in mind that Too much pitch will leave debris behind.

[@GCFD]

Great comment! It will in a plumbing application where the water will outrun the solids. In this application the next rainstorm will blow everything out. There is so much flow that everything gets blown out.

[@pjplumber2146]

Lol. I have seen a blue many drains plumb vertical ranging down to level , installed. None of those changed the laws of gravity. 24 years servicing old houses. Never had I said. “Well , (spit tobaccy), yer pipe has too much fall “ ....never! Corrugated is corrugated for rigidness, so it can be buried be buried. Cheap. The walls of the black pipe aren’t thick enough to retain there own shape. Pvc is better simply because it’s more rigid (more expensive) and can be buried without a pipe that resembles a sluth box on gold rush. Too much fall. Lol. Maybe when cast iron and clay were a thing. Those 2 types of pipe are very rough on inside and catch debris. Too much fall?!! . 😂 what should we do on sewer line when house is on a hill? It’s gotta follow the pitch of the earth. Lol you made my day. I am betting the plumber that persuaded you of this myth. Is well over 60 years old today. Be weary of ancient facts becoming current myths. Too much fall. Lol Been awhile since I heard that one. Thx. I needed that to get started this morning.

[@Massaycel]

6/29 happy I saw this video . I feel my sunken (high sides) driveway would benefit from a French drain like this video . The road is also higher than my driveway. Someone suggested a catch basin in front of my garage but the flooding starts at the front & sides of driveway that’s y I feel a French drain to the street would be beneficial

[@GCFD]

Yes a FD sounds like it would work well along your driveway.

[@680ecks]

Great info !! Thank you ,have watched a bunch of your videos now .

[@GCFD]

Thanks for watching and commenting! - Shawn

[@leolani6040]

Even if your pipe is not always falling, as long as there’s drop in depth somewhere between the drain spout and the output area, the weight of the water will push through the straight area and be pulled down by the lower section of the pipe.

[@gale212]

Do you ever put debris filters between the downspout and PVC? I'm in the woods and need something.

[@GCFD]

No that would just back up into the downspout. We recommend gutter guard on the gutters. We try to design the systems to blow out debris that gets into the system.

[@StreakingTiger]

I use those debris filters at my house, and they work great for me so far (2-3 years). I clean leaves out of them after heavy rains, so the leaves do not go into my drain pipes. I tried placing filters at the top of the downspout, and they just clogged up and required me to use a ladder to clean them often. I still use the old vented corrugated (flexible) pipes, and they still work after 5-6 years. I have no problems with my system. I looked at the PVC prices, and I'll just stick with what I have for now. To each his own I guess. This is a good video though. I would probably have used this way if I were starting from scratch.

[@680ecks]

Wish I'd known I used perf and non angle gravel and still get some water in basement . I did not send the gutters into the perf kept it separate so I did something correct.

[@GCFD]

I'm glad you got some good results. You may want to dig out that gravel and pack in dirt with a high clay content along your foundation.

[@maryjanemaque1289]

Great video! This will truly help me in my design later on.

[@GCFD]

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