DIY Network

Drainage Problem Solving: Digging the Ditch From "Weekend Handyman" episode WKH-302

	In this week's episode of Weekend Handyman, host Paul Ryan shows a variety of ways to solve minor drainage problems.
	The projects in this episode will include repairing downspouts and gutters, landscaping techniques and installing a multi-flow surface system (seen here).

Time: 10 hours over two days.
Difficulty Rating: This project rates a 4 out of 5 on the Weekend Handyman difficulty scale.

Materials:

Downspouts --

Drill
Small sheet metal screws
Hinged elbow
Downspout
Splashguard
Downspout bracket

Landscaping --

Shovel and wheelbarrow
Mulch or black dirt
6 mil plastic sheeting
Landscape rock

Installing Multi-Flow System --

Trenching shovel
Rotary laser transit
Day-glo marking paint
Ditch Witch power trencher
Tape measure
6' pry bar
4" x 4" or 6" x 6" wooden post for a tamp
Hard hat
Safety glasses
Hearing protection
2" plastic tape
PVC pipe
Rodent cap
Sand
Centering device

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Note: There are a couple of options if you have a drainage problems around the foundation of your home. One is a drywell (figure A) and pipe, which costs approximately $100. Simply fill the drywell with rock and add some perforated piping around the edges and spread out for several feet to dissipate the water that way.

Another solution is a French drain (figure B) -- a 2' wide trench filled with stone that uses a perforated pipe that carries the water away. The problem is that digging a trench this big is a lot of work!

The homeowners for our project decided to go with a multi-flow tubing system (see photo, above right). The tubing run for this project was approximately 100' long, and the water will drain in the woods behind the home.

Figure A

Figure B

	Figure C
	Figure D
	Figure E

Installing the Multi-Flow System

1. Determine where highest point of elevation is to begin the multi-flow system.

2. Use a rotary laser transit (figure C -- rental cost is approximately $25 a day) to ensure you have the proper slope from beginning of the run to the end. The laser transit emits a laser beam that is level.

   Note: Transits used to be a lot more complicated and difficult to read, but now with laser beams and electronics, operating one is much easier!

3. Dig a trench where there is a natural downhill slope and far enough away to collect all the runoff.

4. Use special day-glo marking paint (figure D) to show where to do the trenching.

   Alert: Before you dig be sure to call your utility companies. You'll want to have electric, gas, cable and phone lines marked before digging.

5. Use a power trencher (Ryan used a "ditch witch," available at most rental centers) to dig the trench. Lower the digger bar slowly and let it do its job. The auger (figure E) pushes the dirt out of the way. Gauge the depth of the trench as you go. The trick is to maintain the same depth along the entire run so measure often.

   Note: When you run into rocks, stop the machine and dig them out by hand. For large rocks, use a 6' prybar.

The installation of the multi-flow system continues in the next segment. The perforated tubing will be installed after the ditch is completed.

RESOURCES :

Drain System (Varicore Technologies)
Brand name: Multi-Flow
Model Number: 6"
Varicore Technologies
PO Box 131
Prinsburg, MN 56281
Toll-free: 800-978-8007
Website: www.varicore.com

Slope Laser Package with Tripod and Rod (Northwest Lasers)
Brand name: Trimble
Model #: 1242
Where Available: Visit the Northwest Lasers website, information below.
Northwest Lasers, Inc.
2200 University Ave.
Suite 100
St. Paul, MN 55114
Phone: 651-645-3828
Website: www.northwestlasers.com

Trencher Walk Behind (Ditch Witch of Minnesota)
Brand name: Ditch Witch
Model #: 1330
Where available: Visit the Ditch Witch of Minnesota website or call their 800 number, information below.
Ditch Witch of Minnesota
12826 Emery Way
Sahokopee, MN 55379
Toll-free: 800-252-5811
Website: www.ditchwitchmn.com

GUESTS :

Arnold Plowman
VP Sales
Varicore Technologies
PO Box 131
Prinsburg, MN 56281

Darcy Westlind
Home Inspector
20485 Linwood Rd.
Deephaven, MN 55331

Marlin Breems
Director of Marketing
Varicore Technologies
PO Box 131
Prinsburg, MN 56281

Matt Spector
General Contractor
311 First Ave. N
Suite 505
Minneapolis, MN 55401