Yard Drain, French Drain, Do it Yourself Project

Learn how to quickly install a Yard Drain or French Drain. How to tips including - irrigation repair, control wires, discharge with pop ups, connections and catch basins. A very good how to do it yourself video.
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French Drain, yard drain, storm drain, drain tile, Apple Drains

[@poogan1239]

I feel like this guy is the Bob Ross of drainage education. So soothing to listen to.

[@HumbleWarrior7]

“You can do it, it’s not too hard.” The guy could have easily said “this is what we can do for a price” but instead you pass on the tips and tricks to DIYers like myself who usually can’t afford to pay professionals. Well done sir I hope you are blessed with a lot more business!

[@rybreadus]

What a nice donation to home-owners everywhere. Thank you, sir.

[@linhchau9788]

As an dyi myself, I love it how he educate and show us how to do the work and repair some mistakes along the way... very informative. You got my subscription. Thx Chuck

[@mindofmatter071]

Prepare for every situation...that is the best information for every DIY-er...nothing but to do it!!! Get-r-Done!

[@jesusbaez1730]

Love watching your videos taking your time explain everything bob ross of drains!! THANKS FOR YOUR VIDEOS!!!!

[@scalfaroc]

You're a really good teacher. Clear and patient.

[@sabrinalee7825]

Totally agree!

[@travhulb6625]

Just a FYI. I’m a plumber/pipe liner. I’ve been lining pipe with a epoxy re-lining for 10 years. I don’t do a lot of this kind of irrigation black corrugated landscaping area drains but I have seen it. Its crap. Get A screwdriver and push in on it doesn’t take much pressure to put a hole through it roots can lift sidewalks up after about five years I guarantee you dirt roots mud will explode that pipe I say just go ahead and use ABS might be a little more expensive but will last longer good luck👍

[@nova31337]

Pretty much what I was thinking. This whole video is the very definition of "quick and dirty".

[@NR-pn6mn]

Great job on talking and working at the same time and not just talking us to death! 👍

[@jeremyotero4575]

Thanks,, man,, im a handyman in S.C,, and i love the way you teach, and i love your videos,,,, i would like to do the same ,,, on youtube,, but I just havnt got the help to show and edit these videos, but you do such an awsome job,, God Bless you,,,,, Peace out.

[@SlightReturn666]

These vids are great! They really helped me out. And you seem like a really nice person. With these vids memorized, I built 120' of French drain, and about 80' of pipes to take the water from my downspouts underground. It took so so so much effort. I guess about 65 hours. I put on my weight belt super tight and dug all the trenches with hand tools (mostly a pick) -- didn't want to rent power stuff because I really didn't want to cut irrigation lines and wires and stuff. I used all rigid Schedule 40 pipes (some perforated, some solid) so that i could get the pitch right and so that it would survive WWIII ... that's NOT a job I fancy ever doing again! But I did it! I had to hire a town-approved contractor to tie the pipes into the storm sewer catch basin. That was a bit of a ripoff but it is what it is -- you're simply not allowed to do it yourself. Had him place a backflow valve between the town storm lines and my new pipes. More important: it all works great! My yard is nice and dry now even right after huge storms! No more 2" deep puddles that last several days, yayyyy! One thing that you helped me think about was cleanout strategy. I tried to make it super easy to clean out every pipe, if they ever need it. So with any luck even if the system gets some gunk in it (not sure why it would, but anything's possible), it can be cleaned out without fuss. I also used a few small catch basins to get yard water right into the drain system. But I think I successfully differentiated between "clean" and "dirty" parts of the system. The French drain proper is all encapsulated in landscape fabric. The little catch basins clear into small gravel drywells abutting the French drain but outside the fabric. So I don't see any reason why the system will get contaminated even if the catch basins pour a little silt into the system now and again. Sure hope I did this right. Anyhow, many thanks for all these.

[@Relic-mt8oe]

Congratulations! Great story.

[@Nativtexan2]

I must say I never thought of making a coupler using the pipe itself. That's a pretty neat trick!

[@CaptureYouVideo]

DRAIN KING ! thank you for all your ideas- - I am feeling energized...... All the way here in Australia.

[@kevund16]

Chuck You are Awesome. !!!

[@Trickhorn]

Making your own coupling- awesome!

[@rippstam]

I like how you made your own coupling. You could also use the other 4" long piece and do the same thing but to the outside and use 2 zip ties to make it tight, just like the larger diameter couplings. Great video, shows how a regular crew goes in and does a simple job and properly fixes damaged utilities. Good job.

[@eavespaws6099]

Loved watching this project come to life, Mr. Chuck you are an excellent teacher. Simplicity is what I'm about. Your camera was well positioned giving your audience a good view of your step by step instructions. Thank you so much for the confidence you showed in your audience ability to do this themselves. I literally feel that I could easily get started right now and do a great job referencing your video. I am very impressed to to see the transparency in your video, you helped us to appreciate that mistakes do happen by cutting the sprinkler line, but most importantly, fixing the problem, not just burying it and leaving it for the householder. Again I hail you for being a wonderful teacher and instructor I hail you for being a good instructor. Keep making good videos like this one. Kind regards, Satisfied audience

[@tfrantastic]

I like the zip tie idea better. I’d rather the larger opening

[@michaeladams2077]

Also if you ever want to stick a snake to clean out it won’t get stuck at that connection. But that’s more money for another job lol

[@nmartin5551]

Appreciate showing what to do if you hit the sprinkler!

[@thomaspatterson5902]

Excellent video with all the right details.I have a smaller project I now think I actually can do myself. Thanks for sharing

[@Absolutely_Nobody]

I am so glad I ran across this channel. Thank you for sharing all this information.

[@EvanCarrollTheGreat]

do you suggest going corrugated directly to the rain spout like that? a lot of people seem to prefer a cleanout claiming shingle gravel will clog corrugated quickly as the roof breaks down.

[@NasinuWarrior85]

Awesome, watching from Suva city, Fiji islands 🇫🇯

[@YardCoach]

Nicely done. Utility check so important huh? There is a lot to do but you guys make it easy.

[@marilynli4273]

Very clear instructions, but how to handle the leaves drained into the pipe from the gutters?

[@tommikehappy]

Thank you. I learned a new skill. The 100mm agi pipe is not match 100mm pvc pipe as smoothly when connect each other.

[@rtcordero]

Excellent video. I would hire you because your honesty shows.

[@joshuajaynes88]

I'll be doing this project for my backyard this week. Thanks for the informative video.

[@PiLLO360]

How did it go?

[@stevep6160]

Love the way you explain things. Thank you

[@vitaliib9020]

Thank you, great explanation 🙏

[@troystaib5997]

Nice commentary and very good description of the work. I would recommend that when you apply the glue to the PVC, do not put it in the coupler... It will just ball up in-front of the pipe as you insert the pipe into it. Apply it only to the pipe.

[@andymartinez8275]

I add it to both to be safe and give it a twist so all glue evens out

[@timfallon8481]

everyone, unsure but i *think* this video is about unslotted yard drains.. not slotted french drain system.. i think they added 'french drain' in the title in case some tips would be useful in that application too.. which it was for me. they have other videos.. or there are websites that will explain french drains and how to slope properly etc. i agree that that they could have better explained things or said 'for info on that, see this video' etc.. but give them a break eh, something is better than nothing :)

[@maryfernando7545]

Thank you Chuck. It is indeed real easily method to install these drainage system. It is hard work digging trench but a trencher is of great help with the trenching. I agree with Dan Fuller about the local government giving the hard word, possibly a hefty fine included if I did let water out at the edge of path. But this can be extruded on your own side of property behind the fence as I have seen done by some people.

[@WhittyOne]

Love how they use a standard hard Tee fitting for a horizontal change of direction. A Wye (A Combination Y, or TY - NOT a Sanitary Tee) would be the correct fitting here, to reduce friction and turbulence.

[@appledrains]

Wow

[@WhittyOne]

@@appledrains Yeah 8-years later. The gift that keeps on giving.

[@tlukins]

Thanks, Chuck, Always enjoy your tutorials.

[@pwinnett222]

Great video. Very helpful. Thank you.

[@SheilaSpencer1]

@Apple Drains I also noticed at 7:13 you routed your corrugated pipe under the sprinkler lines; what do you do if there is a sprinkler line(s) directly where you need to lay your pipe? If I go under them it will throw my slope off, and obviously can't go over them. I'm sure you've seen it all; just curious what you do in that kind of situation.

[@dalalboudiw6194]

Thanks you

[@sabrinalee7825]

Love your video! Very helpful! Thank you!

[@AS-zn3zd]

Thank you so much! I have to install it by myself (just about 8-10 feet) but I didn’t know there should be any ends.

[@kingjunfierrolozano5433]

It necessarily you can always put a cap at end of pipe drill some holes maybe a bucket full of 3/4 gravel lay a layer of gravel on bottom and rest up before covering back up with dirt it will allow water to seep through gravel . But would make sure to have a downward grade away from house for water can properly flow. Hope advice helps

[@johnneedle8119]

So what about dirt getting in and clogging pipes should stone be used around the openings

[@History_etc]

co-ask.

[@michaeldanielak6433]

@ John Thomson - I'm assuming these pipes are non-perforated. Just used for carrying the the water from the eaves and lawn drains. Not meant as a french drain. Definitely don't think the pop-up discharges are effective though - water doesn't run uphill and you'll always have standing water in the pipe (again, assuming it's not perforated pipe).

[@Relic-mt8oe]

​@@michaeldanielak6433 From what I can tell this is a redirect roof water / catch basins at intermittent low points to collect surface water project. Just looking at it there's no need for a French drain - so the pipe is not perforated. Yeah, don't like the final discharge with drain grates. Ideally we would go under the concrete walk, punch through the curb, and discharge into the street. Schedule 40 PVC thru curb. Angle cut to match curb profile. Maybe some kind of grate to keep critters out. Also prefer to use fittings at downspout outflow points and inline. BUT hey - keep in mind this is supposed to be a DIY project, therefore extremely tight budget. Like the idea of using screws @ connections. Thoughtful to include the irrigation repair bit. Cannot imagine advising a homeowner to hand trench this in anything tougher than sandy soils though.

[@RickSaffery]

Thanks for sharing your pro advice on the easy to follow video.

[@ckeller07]

Thanks for the great video. With the information in the video I'm sure I Can handle my drainage issue one step at a time!!!

[@jeffs7163]

Don’t be afraid to get down on your knees😂😂😂😂. 13yr old me couldn’t help but laugh

[@theblinglab]

OMG! LOVE IT! YOU MADE THIS LOOK SO SIMPLE. THANK YOU SO MUCH

[@francisboateng8747]

Thanks for the wonderful message at the end of your video.

[@SheilaSpencer1]

@Apple Drains do you recommend wrapping "solid" corrugated drainage pipe with landscape fabric to prevent nearby tree roots from getting in? There's a HUGE oak tree next door, and I have hit soooo many roots as I was digging my trench. I'm wondering if the fabric will deter any future root invasions. I'm in Florida as well, just east of Tampa.

[@delawareteacher1182]

Thank you for being amazing on youtube!

[@bondking501]

Great video. You are the Bob Ross of drain installation.

[@Srvelis82]

I never thought about discharging like that!

[@alonsogarcia1990]

What a grate video!

[@yamahattr6006]

Nice job loving your positive attitude smile ☺

[@edgardorios171]

Thank you for the video god bless

[@maurades]

This is awesome. Thanks Chuck!

[@OffYourBackBJJ]

best video on youtube for this! thank you very much! just saved me a good $1500

[@JessicaHernandez-mg3hk]

Great video the only video that made me belive i might have a chance in doing this so helpful ty ty🙏🙏

[@wayofthewarlock7113]

So what do you do when your front yard is the low spot and the street has NO curbing and NO catch basins. I really need to do something to stop my yard from turning into a lake, but there is nowhere for me to send the water to. Help!

[@patrickl542]

Best video I've seen NC NATIVE APPROVES!!!

[@toneciocci]

Do we have to consider the slope of the pipes to make sure it drains or will the pressure from the water coming from the downspout ensure that?

[@professional2.09]

Looks good and you look and act professional so thanks keep up good work and videos

[@jadecarman1866]

That was awesome thank you

[@PatriciaAnnGriggs]

Thank so much for your video my back looks like a small lake when it floods.

[@ZteveW]

Aren't you worried about soil running with the water into your drain causing clogs?

[@noochta7131]

I agree, shouldn’t it have Geofabric underneath and backfilled with drainage aggregate so it doesn’t clog?

[@TheDude613]

I’d tape those joints too.

[@ryerob741]

if your trying to redirect/discharge roof water runoff you dont normally use slotted pipe...you use "quality" solid pipe, not the big box store stuff from another country...and proper tape to seal the joints...also use vented downspout connectors in corrugated solid pipe...and lead multiple downspouts underground to distribution boxes that lead away from the dwellings to a low point on the property, usually near storm catch basins... we use slotted pipe and aggregate when doing french drains and surface water discharges...i dont like this dudes methods for northern climate drainage work due to the freeze thaw cycles we have to cope with...

[@dianeditonno3569]

@@ryerob741 where do you get "quality" solid pipe? I don't know where to look.

[@jimmartinez6087]

@@dianeditonno3569 I got mine from a local landscaping store, the ones that contractors use.

[@LoveVfoood]

I learned a lot from this video! Thanks!

[@rufiorufioo]

So Just installed the same catch basin with the corrugated pipe... It's a focal point for water from the driveway, barn entrance... Hoping this new setup drains the damn water! Two rooms and a quadrant of the barn was flooded. I was also wondering how difficult it is to clear the corrugated pipes out when clogged with mud, leaves, grass ect? Would I be able to use a drain bladder on it?

[@appledrains]

Maybe. Or a Jetter, or better is a drain cleaning machine with three-quarter inch cable.

[@frankrisser6000]

GOOD WORK!

[@sagitario12ish]

Good job apple drains, very good!!!

[@tymr.t3645]

Thank you so much for your help

[@brianhawthorne8480]

How do you know you're not gonna just get a big puddle at the sidewalk now?

[@Lombardi54]

Your video is really great. Thank you!

[@camrycarolla]

Thank you for great video! How much should project you have shown should approximately cost?

[@saltandlight8342]

I got a quote for a 16-foot french drain for $450; after looking at the items on the quote, and looking at videos such as this, I can see where I was going to get ripped off; I priced out at the local DIY store, and it is less than $90; thank you so much for showing me what I need to do, and those neat little tricks with the pipe.

[@toshawalker1910]

I've turned a large carport into a room and it floods, So I'm in in process of digging around it to apply a water barrier on side of foundation, next step is to add gutters and french drain, Do I connect downspouts to french drain? Yard is flat there's a huge ditch about 35 feet away, Do I need a sump pump?

[@antsillie]

Do you need to cover the corrugated pipe with 3/4" crush stone before burying the pipe?

[@kenshores9900]

Thanks a city park is draining their storm water run off on us and I want to install lines to drain it off.

[@ohanschapanian5449]

You are the best

[@magicleo5188]

Thank you! Amazing and inspiring!

[@harraz7489]

Hay Man, thanks to teaching me something. Keep up the good work

[@BAKERHUSKIE]

Great instructional video.

[@davidmccallum4794]

Great video. I learned a lot! Thanks!

[@ColonelZero]

The long run you have coming from the backyard and exiting out to the street (by the underground telecomm wires and other utilities) you didn’t mention much about grading. It seems like it’s all at the very least just level. How do you know water is going to flow out to the street and not just sit in the drain and flow backyards back into the yard?

[@bmynars]

Was this a perforated or non-perforated pipe you were putting in? The reason why I'm asking is because I did not see you put any rock at the bottom of the trench. You just put it directly on the ground. Could you please confirm?

[@Splenda2021]

Great info

[@PRmercado]

Why did you not use the black cloth around the pipes is it not need it? I have seen folks lay rock before laying the pipes and then rock on top wrapped by the black cloth, is it not need ir?

[@alty79]

how much fall do you need in between inlet and outlet? And as long as the inlet is higher then outlet you should be ok right?

[@robertbuckner8904]

I believe its 1/8 of an inch every 10 feet

[@ivanviveros8848]

Hey Chuck, thanks

[@indcoltsfan32]

Great video. Appreciate all the advice. Question....How do you prevent dirt and mud from going into your catch basin from the collection grates? I have a low spot that is very muddy/sandy.

[@andymartinez8275]

Put a piece of weed barrier cut it about a inch or 2 coming out of baskin cut a slit a 2 with uyility knife and you shpuld be fine

[@potraf26]

Hey chuck, I see a lot of videos of ppl saying you need to drill holes in bottom of catch basin and put gravel under them. Thoughts? Great video by the way.

[@mudboy3582]

Do the houses not have storm water pits on the property instead of outlet going to footpath? Much respect from Australia.

[@cccc-xb1oy]

How do you expect proper draining in the areas you put under the existing sprinkler only to end the down slope and now made it into a large upslope in the middle of a run. Also if your getting paid to do a professional job spend little extra to get the correct connections as apposed to your DIY that restricts the flow where your squeezing it to a smaller diameter.

[@jyoung9181]

Great video, thanks for the helpful tips!

[@mohammad3034]

Awesome video 👍

[@organic5011]

I came across your video and first, thanks for the courage to post it, you seem like a really good guy! I wonder how much you charge for a job with this specifications and how much would you charge using PVC, digging a little deeper (so the aerator doesn't damage the pipe) setting the first catch basin closer to the downspout (or at least not after a turn or a dead end on that "t") or even just installing a "y" with a cap to blow and clean out at the downspout.... specially, using that corrugated pipe... oh and discharging through a pop up emitter, 10' away from the public sidewalk so you protect the storm water system and prevent an ice rollercoaster. I did not check on the irrigation repair section, but in any case I hope this constructive comment help you consider exploring/using other materials. Again, thanks many and have a great day!!!!

[@5thgearouttahere]

hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaahahahahahahahahahaaahahahahhaahahaahhhahahahah

[@bigdaddy4197]

Great job thanks for the time to show it

[@jaykeller1]

ii would think you would go with a connector tube for the wiring with a shrink wrap and seal the lines

[@eddie681]

Great video. Thanks.

[@omarnei]

I wish you could help me with my backyard drainage problem!

[@tubhair]

Question. What happens if the end of the drain, where the outlet is, gets impacted with dirt and debris? Thank you

[@rossmiller4228]

Always great suggestions from this site. Thanks

[@netheshramroop3281]

I never saw a level being used. How do you know the angle is right for the water to flow? Also, the water coming out the exit points is just going to soak or run over back into the yard. All that work to just move the water flowing out of 2 downpipes from the edge of the house to the edge of the yard?

[@appledrains]

Great Video !! Happy you enjoyed and learned about drainage!!!

[@PosiP]

PRO TRIP Never use the black flex drain piping. Take the extra time and install the PVC pipe. It will last 50 times longer and won't clog so easily.

[@Relic-mt8oe]

I used to have the same opinion. After watching several of this guy's videos I've softened my stance a bit.

[@Yessy94603]

My thought as well, weeds will grow through his connections eventually and will cause a clog. PVC with pvc glue is water tight🤔

[@yaralopez6729]

Love your video!!!