How can I ensure proper water flow from pipe to channel drain with a fall in the pipe shown in photos?
Asked by Esther Ayala 
4 months ago
Last Updated: June 3, 2024
Hey, I could use a little advice if you have a minute. I just put in a French drain and the pipe slopes all the way down to the end where it connects to the channel drain, as you can see in the photos.
The issue is that the channel drain sits higher than the pipe exit. Any suggestions on how I can make sure the water flows from the pipe into the channel drain?
Appreciate any help you can offer.
Sure, go ahead and dig it up and replace it with something more durable. Those tend to end up with roots bursting through and water leaking.
To lower it, remove the channel and excavate some dirt from underneath.
Thanks ! If I lower that section slightly compared to the adjacent section, how will the water flow towards the drain hole?
So, Brandon, looks like you made a mistake in calculating the perfect pipe drain. You know what needs to be done. Either lower one or raise the other. It seems like lowering the exposed one is the simplest solution, especially if the drain pipe below needs to be trimmed. Alternatively, you could also consider installing a sump at the junction.
Create a slope of 1/4″ per foot towards the desired direction for water drainage. If not possible, excavate the pipe and adjust it accordingly. Other solutions are temporary fixes that may not be effective, most likely the latter.
A plumber once shared some wisdom with me many years ago: the 2 most important things in plumbing are WATER FLOWS DOWNHILL and PAYDAY IS ALWAYS ON FRIDAY. Your photo seems to go against the first rule. Dig it down and make sure there’s a slight slope of about a quarter inch per foot. Best of luck to you
A couple of things to keep in mind. The channel drain was constructed BEFORE I installed the pipe. The pipe is also going downhill (towards the drain). Plus, payday isn’t always on a Friday, right? 😁🤝
Hahaha, I’m sure you’ll figure it out.
Remember, don’t bite your nails! That’s probably the most important thing for a plumber to keep in mind. And my plumber used a less polite term for water (SH** rolls downhill).
You’re right, it was a shi* word, but I thought I might get blocked or kicked off here, hahaha.
Uncover the pipe and add fill underneath to lower it.
But then it will be much higher and the water will just flow back the other way I wanted it to go.
Excavate the area and lower the pipe.
If the pipe has sagged and has a lot of pitch, you can raise it up. However, if it doesn’t, doing so will cause a sag or backpitch. Therefore, dig the trench to the appropriate pitch.
Dig deeper and ensure a drain sock is placed at the end of the pipe, then cover it with ¾ stone.
Is further towards the channel drain or the pipe?
If it were up to me, I would recommend extending the drain sock further so that only water exits and nothing flows back in. Additionally, I suggest using a ¾ or ¼ inch stone for better results.