DIY Network

Drainage Problem Solving: Laying the Multi-Flow Drainage System 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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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D
	Figure E

Laying the Multi-Flow Drainage System

1. With the digging completed be sure to double-check the slope with the rotary laser. It doesn't have to be perfect but you do want to make sure there are no high spots that will prevent the runoff water from flowing downhill.

   Tip: If you don't have a transit or you don't want to rent one, here's a tip: Take a stepladder, level it side to side and front to back -- and then take a laser level (much less expensive than the transit), place it on a rung. This will be your reference point. Move your way down the trench and align the laser beam dot with the tape measure (figure A). As you move down the trench, the dot should move up on the tape measure to show the grade.

   It's important when you install the drainage system to keep the top of the system at least 6" below the surface of the soil all the way down the length of the drain. Then, if you do aeration or landscaping later you won't damage the drain.

   Lastly, a 4x4 post makes a great low-tech tamper (figure B) to level the dirt in the trench.

2. Roll out the multi-flow system along the length of the trench and then go back and drop it in the trench. The tubing is flexible so it bends around corners (figure C) and minor deviations in the trench. All five of the stacked tubes are perforated so they absorb and disperse water along the entire trench.

3. To plug the open tubes where the drain starts, use a special cap (figure D) that comes with the system. Use 2" plastic tape to tape the geo-textile down over the fitting. This will prevent any dirt from getting in and blocking up the system.

   Note: If you run in to any utility pipes you'll have to make a splice in the drainage system. Cut the tubing and use a splice kit to go over the pipe.

4. Transition to PVC pipe at the end of the drain. There will be a hard solid pipe where it will be exposed to the weather or foot traffic. Place a rodent cap at the end of the drain (figure E).

In the final segment Ryan will finish the project by showing the proper technique for back-filling the drainage trench -- plus a few more tips!

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