Burial Mode and Depth for Pipes and Components
Every drainage pipe and component in Gardenly3D has a burial setting that controls how it is displayed on the plan and how it contributes to cost estimates for excavation.
The BurialSettings panel in the Inspector lets you specify whether a pipe or drainage component sits above the ground surface, lies on the surface, or is buried underground at a defined depth. The default burial mode for new drain pipes is buried at 300 mm. Visual representation on the 2D plan changes with burial mode: buried pipes are drawn as dashed lines, while surface-mounted and above-ground components use solid outlines. Burial depth data is also read by the cost estimator to calculate trench volumes and excavation costs.
Select the pipe or component
Click on any drain pipe, catch basin, drain inlet, or outlet on the canvas to select it. The Inspector panel on the right side of the screen displays the component's properties, including the Burial Settings section.
Choose a burial mode
In the Inspector, locate the Burial Settings section and choose one of three modes. Above Ground places the component above the soil surface — for example, an exposed downspout or above-grade channel. On Surface places the component flush with the ground surface, such as a surface-level channel drain grate. Buried places the component underground at the depth you specify.
Set the burial depth in millimeters
When Buried mode is selected, a depth field appears in the Inspector. Enter the depth in millimeters measured from the finished ground surface to the top of the pipe or component. The default value is 300 mm, which is a common minimum cover depth for residential drainage pipes. Increase this value for pipes that must pass under paved areas, driveways, or heavy loads.
Verify the visual representation on the plan
After setting burial mode, the pipe or component updates its appearance on the 2D canvas. Buried elements use a dashed line stroke. On-surface and above-ground elements use a solid stroke. This visual distinction helps reviewers quickly identify which parts of the drainage system require excavation.
Confirm the fall direction
Read the computed slope percentage. A positive value means the run falls from start to end. If the slope is zero or negative, adjust the Start and End depths until the pipe drains downhill toward the outlet.
For pipes passing under a driveway or patio, increase the burial depth to at least 450 mm to provide adequate cover against surface loads. Update the depth field in the Inspector for each affected pipe segment individually.
Burial depth is set per component. If you need the same depth across many pipes, select them all and edit the Burial Settings field — the change applies to all selected components at once.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Depth slider not showing?
The Depth slider only appears when the Burial Mode is set to Buried. Choose Buried in the Mode dropdown and the slider appears below it.
Can I apply the same burial depth to multiple pipes at once?
Yes. Select several pipes together, then change the Burial settings in the multi-selection Inspector — the change applies to all selected runs.
How do I make a drain pipe slope toward the outlet?
Open the Slope section on the drain pipe, enable slope, and set the End Depth deeper than the Start Depth. The computed slope percentage confirms the fall. If it reads negative, the run goes uphill — swap or adjust the depths.
What is the depth range?
The Depth, Start Depth, and End Depth sliders all range from 0.1 m to 1.5 m. Values display in your project's unit system (metric or imperial).
Do irrigation pipes support slope?
The Slope section with Start and End depths is available on drain pipes. Irrigation pipes carry the Burial section (Mode and Depth) for placement.