Abstract: An apparatus and method for preparing a drain from a trench in a single pass by lining the trench with a filter fabric, a first layer of bulk material, a drain pipe and a second layer of bulk material. A guide chute guides the filter fabric into the trench, the filter fabric being positioned in the trench adjacent the bottom and one side wall thereof. A pipe chute, having an exit portion, lays the drain pipe on the first layer of bulk material in the trench. A hopper is provided with the bulk material therein and has a first opening through which the first layer of bulk material is poured into the trench onto the filter fabric, and has a second opening through which the second layer of bulk material is poured into the trench onto the drainage pipe. A slidable gate may be provided to control the flow of bulk material through the second opening to permit the installation of lateral drains.