How To Find Grade | Drainage And Landscaping

Finding the grade or slope of your yard is critical for proper drainage, landscaping, decks, foundations, and many other projects. One of the oldest and easiest techniques is to use a couple stakes, string, line level, and tape measure. This video will walk you through an example where I need to measure the elevation change in my yard for a downspout and sump pump drain pipe I will be installing.

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DISCLAIMER: This video and description contain affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission.

[terryrazor]

Line levels don't go through an extensive quality control process. Remember to check your level. Once it indicates level, flip it around and see if it still indicates level. This has saved my fanney on a few occasions.

[rupe]

For those trying to do the math on slope, you need at least 1-2%. The easy math is a 10 ft pipe is 120 inches so 1% = 1.2 inches in 10 feet. 2% is 2.4 inches in 10 feet. Maintain this pitch and your water will always drain away.

[thedyslexic]

You got a new fan just from this video. I know how to use a line with the stakes but you taking the time to actually zoom the camera in...and keep your hands out of the way...shows a respect for your viewers.

[RS-hudm]

I use the rise over run method. Rise (change in height) divided by the run ( distance). So a rise of 24 inches over a run of 30 feet ( 360 inches) would give a slope of 0.067 or a slope of about 7% rounded. (24 /360) .

[isataconteh]

Your videos help in wiping the fear about sump pumps and it gave us peace of mind in case we are faced with the problem which is most likely because we have three sump pumps because of the size of the house. Again thank you.

[ThatGuyFromArizona]

I agree, I have been watch Scott of the Essential Craftsman for years and learned a ton. Well rounded guy.

[MrDarrylEvans]

I came to find the level and learned so much more!!!! Well done sir!

[jp]

Thanks! Putting to use today on purchasing my first home, to check drainage away from the house

[curiouscat]

Excellent presentation! Concise but thorough, articulate, good photography. Thank you!

[SkaggsFamily]

This may be OK for a short run. But if you check the level all along a LONG string you MUST be exactly halfway, no matter how tight the line, or it will slope toward the middle (look at power lines). A "professional" septic designer used this method to put my drain field VISIBLY slightly uphill from my sand filter about 100-feet away (design was completed before I purchased the land). The installer caught this, and we found his broken sewing-thread tied to stakes. I contacted him about it but he wouldn't even come out observe my findings with a laser. Because the permit was already accepted by the county, he wanted cash-up-front for a redesign. I hired someone else to modify the design, and ended up with a big mound for the sand filter, which probably should have been all along, given the terrain. It looks like some mysterious ancient ceremonial feature in an Irish landscape (with a manhole on top).

[feduppatriot]

Essential craftsman is a master at everything, love watching him .

[SHUSWAPMAN]

I found his string & knot explanations months ago too ... fantastic!!! And used these methods in the garden couple weeks ago.

Right on !!! Keep yer helpful videos coming

[johnoneill]

Thank you, you are very well spoken and easy to listen to, not to mention informative

[stevea.]

I dont know, but you have a wide range of knowledge and the hands, dont look now, you are a Pro, and you have the stones to try new things, "Everyday Pro". Good job.

[dlaitch]

Explanation easy to follow. Audio and diction is superior to a lot of videos out there that are virtually impossible to hear or understand. Great job of teaching useful skills and methods!

[johnwebb]

When Adam Wainwright retires from the St. Louis Cardinals and pursues his passion of starting a youtube channel! You are his doppelganger!

[JarodTaylor]

This was really, really useful! I'm building my own board-on-board fence and I learned a lot just from this video. Thanks!

[kathyr.]

I think this May help me setting up my new pool..😮😮😮 .. it’s been quite the project!! Thank you

[keithp]

Another outstanding post just in time to help me with my son's house. Thanks a million Scott!!

[wayneyadams]

One way to make this easier is to tie the first line at a simple to use height, like 10 inches or 20 inches. Mark the stake then tie the line at the mark.

By the way, there is always a small amount of sag in every horizontal cable or in this case string no matter how much you tighten them. I won't go through the Physics of why unless someone really wants to know and asks. I taught Physics for 33 years before retiring so I assure you this is correct. Yous sting is light enough and the distance short enough so it is not enough to worry about, but it is there, nonetheless.