[BuildersSA](https://www.youtube.com/@BuildersFan) # Detailed Outline: How to Build Your Own Drainage Gully [video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FmpcPi8uKlw) # Steps for Creating a Drainage Gully ## Step 1: Planning and Layout - Plan for a **negative gradient/downward slope** along the entire length of the drain[](https://www.tiktok.com/@.nobru.678/video/7531060792322526486) - Use a **fish line (string line) and line level** to determine the top level of the drain line[](https://www.tiktok.com/@.nobru.678/video/7531060792322526486) - Ensure the drain sits **below the manhole cover level**[](https://www.tiktok.com/@.nobru.678/video/7531060792322526486) ## Step 2: Remove Bricks and Prepare Workspace - Remove bricks using a **pick or spade** and set them aside[](https://www.tiktok.com/@.nobru.678/video/7531060792322526486) - Make the drain **two bricks wide**[](https://www.tiktok.com/@.nobru.678/video/7531060792322526486) - Remove the **third row of bricks** to create workspace for shuttering[](https://www.tiktok.com/@.nobru.678/video/7531060792322526486) ## Step 3: Set Up Shuttering - Shutter board should be **100mm thick** and cut to size[](https://www.tiktok.com/@.nobru.678/video/7531060792322526486) - Add "builders" (likely a tool or additive) to help remove bricks[](https://www.tiktok.com/@.nobru.678/video/7531060792322526486) - Remove bricks without cement makes removal easier[](https://www.tiktok.com/@.nobru.678/video/7531060792322526486) - Remove **additional soil** until shuttering matches the fish line level[](https://www.tiktok.com/@.nobru.678/video/7531060792322526486) - Position shuttering **flush with the fish line** (this is the final level)[](https://www.tiktok.com/@.nobru.678/video/7531060792322526486) - Join shuttering pieces with **off-cut and tech screws**[](https://www.tiktok.com/@.nobru.678/video/7531060792322526486) - Hammer **metal stakes** inside and outside to hold shuttering in place[](https://www.tiktok.com/@.nobru.678/video/7531060792322526486) ## Step 4: Install Builders Plastic (Moisture Protection) - Lay **builders plastic** down first when working near foundations/walls[](https://www.tiktok.com/@.nobru.678/video/7531060792322526486) - Ensure plastic **rises up on the wall side**[](https://www.tiktok.com/@.nobru.678/video/7531060792322526486) - This reduces **moisture seeping in** and prevents **rising damp in walls**[](https://www.tiktok.com/@.nobru.678/video/7531060792322526486) - Use **bricks to hold plastic down**[](https://www.tiktok.com/@.nobru.678/video/7531060792322526486) ## Step 5: Mix and Pour Cement - Mix cement in a **1:3 ratio (1 cement, 3 sand)**[](https://www.tiktok.com/@.nobru.678/video/7531060792322526486) - Don't make it too wet[](https://www.tiktok.com/@.nobru.678/video/7531060792322526486) - Add **key codes** to reduce water seepage and porosity[](https://www.tiktok.com/@.nobru.678/video/7531060792322526486) - Lay cement into the gully using a **spade and float** to about **quarter of the gully depth**[](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y0FfhOj9H1g)[](https://www.tiktok.com/@.nobru.678/video/7531060792322526486) - Ensure the bed is fully covered[](https://www.tiktok.com/@.nobru.678/video/7531060792322526486) ## Step 6: Form the Concave Shape - Take a **110mm pipe** and lay it firmly into the wet cement where the gully should run[](https://www.tiktok.com/@.nobru.678/video/7531060792322526486) - Work the pipe into place, filling each side[](https://www.tiktok.com/@.nobru.678/video/7531060792322526486) - Use a **trowel** to work the cement well[](https://www.tiktok.com/@.nobru.678/video/7531060792322526486) - Continue working the pipe to get the **concave shape needed**[](https://www.tiktok.com/@.nobru.678/video/7531060792322526486) ## Step 7: Remove Pipe and Finish - Let cement dry slightly[](https://www.tiktok.com/@.nobru.678/video/7531060792322526486) - Gently **turn and lift** the pipe to remove it[](https://www.tiktok.com/@.nobru.678/video/7531060792322526486) - **Float** the surface to make it smooth before it dries completely |Tool|Purpose| |---|---| |**Fish line (string line)**|Determine drain level and alignment [tiktok](https://www.tiktok.com/@.nobru.678/video/7531060792322526486)| |**Line level**|Measure slope/gradients [tiktok](https://www.tiktok.com/@.nobru.678/video/7531060792322526486)| |**Pick or spade**|Remove bricks [tiktok](https://www.tiktok.com/@.nobru.678/video/7531060792322526486)| |**Shutter board (100mm thick)**|Create drain walls/form [tiktok](https://www.tiktok.com/@.nobru.678/video/7531060792322526486)| |**Tech screws**|Join shuttering pieces [tiktok](https://www.tiktok.com/@.nobru.678/video/7531060792322526486)| |**Off-cut**|Helper for joining shuttering [tiktok](https://www.tiktok.com/@.nobru.678/video/7531060792322526486)| |**Metal stakes**|Hold shuttering in place [tiktok](https://www.tiktok.com/@.nobru.678/video/7531060792322526486)| |**Spade**|Pour cement into gully [tiktok](https://www.tiktok.com/@.nobru.678/video/7531060792322526486)[youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y0FfhOj9H1g)| |**Float**|Smooth cement surface [tiktok](https://www.tiktok.com/@.nobru.678/video/7531060792322526486)[youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y0FfhOj9H1g)| |**Trowel**|Work cement around pipe [tiktok](https://www.tiktok.com/@.nobru.678/video/7531060792322526486)| |**110mm pipe**|Form concave gully shape [tiktok](https://www.tiktok.com/@.nobru.678/video/7531060792322526486)| |Material|Purpose| |---|---| |**Bricks**|Create drain width (2 bricks wide) [[tiktok](https://www.tiktok.com/@.nobru.678/video/7531060792322526486)]| |**Builders plastic**|Moisture barrier near foundations [[tiktok](https://www.tiktok.com/@.nobru.678/video/7531060792322526486)]| |**Cement (1 part)**|Base material for gully [[tiktok](https://www.tiktok.com/@.nobru.678/video/7531060792322526486)]| |**Sand (3 parts)**|Mixed with cement (1:3 ratio) [[tiktok](https://www.tiktok.com/@.nobru.678/video/7531060792322526486)]| |**Key codes**|Reduce water seepage and porosity [[tiktok](https://www.tiktok.com/@.nobru.678/video/7531060792322526486)]| |**110mm pipe**|Creates concave channel shape [[tiktok](https://www.tiktok.com/@.nobru.678/video/7531060792322526486)]| --- The resulting drainage gully is a **100mm thick concrete channel** with a concave shape that effectively manages storm water runoff from downpipes.[[tiktok](https://www.tiktok.com/@.nobru.678/video/7531060792322526486)]