Archive for the ‘Drainage Problems’ Category

Edmond Oklahoma French Drain Installation, Lawton, Oklahoma City, Norman, Yukon, Mustang

Posted: January 25, 2020 in Drain Repair, Drainage Problems, Edmond Oklahoma French Drain Installation, french drain, French Drain Repair
Tags: , , ,
19

Edmond Oklahoma French Drain Installation

Edmond Oklahoma French Drain Installation is a Central focus for Oklahoma Drainage and Sprinkler Repair.  Over 1200 customers in Edmond have been helped since 1993.

Oklahoma Drainage and Sprinkler Repair -Servicing all of Central and Western Oklahoma.  

Oklahoma Drainage and Sprinkler Repair – We install French Drains, Channel Drains, Surface Drains, Sump Pumps and Sod.

If You live in Oklahoma City and water damaging your foundation, we can install a French Drain for you.

If you live in Norman and have water standing on your driveway, we can install a Channel Drain for you.

If you live in Edmond and have water flooding your basement, we can install a Sump Pump for you.

If you live in Moore and have water washing out your flower bed mulch, we can install a Surface Drain for you.

If you live in Yukon and need grass to grow, we can install Sod too!

Servicing all of Central and Western Oklahoma since 1993.

You Might Need a French Drain

If you have water standing in your flowerbed we can install a French Drain For you.  If water is standing on your driveway or sidewalk a Surface Drain or Channel Drain set in concrete might be what you need.  If water is standing in your basement a Sump Pump installation is a good idea.

Drain Pipe for French Drain running under sidewalk

French Drain Installation is a primary focus for Oklahoma Drainage and Sprinkler Repair.  We have been installing French Drains as part of Drainage Systems since 1993.   We also install Surface Drains, Channel Drains, and Sump Pumps to fit our customer’s needs.

Three Parts of a Drainage System

A Drainage System is made up of three parts.  An Intake, a transition, and Exit.

An intake is a Drain or a group of Drains that brings water into the Drainage System.  It can be a French Drain, Surface Drains, Channel Drain, or Sump Pump.  A Drainage System can have one intake or several.  If more than one, it can be any combination of French Drains, Surface Drains, Etc.

For Example: You might have a Surface Drain set in your sidewalk and a Channel Drain next to your driveway and a French Drain in your yard.  They all connect to each other through drainpipe and feed water into the Drainage System.

The Transition is the Drainpipe that takes the water to the exit point.  It can be a large pipe or small depending on how much water needs to be moved and how fast it needs to drain.  More than one Drainage Exit Point.  This increases the amount of water that the Drainage System can move.

There are other things to take into account and consider as well.

31 Years of Experience

Oklahoma Drainage installs French Drains and Surface Drains in lawns, flower beds and many other places.  We also install Surface Drains and Channel Drains Set in concrete in sidewalks and driveways.  Wherever you need a Drain to help protect your home or property, we are there to help.  Experience Counts, going on 31 years now.

A French Drain Can Handle Surface and Sub-Surface Water

 

Another Storm is headed our way.  It looks like a WET FALL.  Every time it rains, do you have water standing in the wrong place?  Even worse!  Do you have water seeping into your home or business?  If you have water standing in your yard, on your sidewalk, or dripping into your basement, Oklahoma Drainage and Sprinkler Repair can help.  We have been designing Drainage Systems for Homes or Business since 1993.

Channel Drain in Sidewalk

Today we installed a Drain Basin and a Sump Pump in front of a recessed basement door.  Problem solved!  

We can deal with a wide variety of Drainage Problems, specializing in: French Drains, Surface Drains, Channel Drains, Trench Drains, Basement Drains, Basing Drains, and Sump Pumps.

WHAT DRAINAGE PROBLEM CAN WE SOLVE FOR YOU?

French Drain Installation is a primary focus for Oklahoma Drainage and Sprinkler Repair .    Our Drainage Systems may utilize: French Drains, Surface Drains, Channel Drains, Trench Drains, Basin Drains, and Sump Pumps.  In the past 26 years, we have installed French Drains to keep water away from home and business foundations, Surface Drains to keep water away from sidewalks and driveways, Trench Drains, and French Drains to keep standing water out of flowerbeds and yards, and Sump Pumps to remove water from basements and outdoor low-lying areas.

French Drain with stepping stones

French Drain with stepping stones

 

French Drains can be installed by themselves, or as part of a Drainage System that uses other French Drains, Surface Drains, or other Drain combinations.

Typically, a French Drain is used to protect a broad area that has a lot of standing water.  A French Drain might run alongside a home’s foundation, or beside a driveway, or on any Drainage Project where Sub-Surface water is the primary problem.  If water is running toward your home under ground ( through sandy soil), A French Drain is the only Solution  for draining away water flowing under ground.

 

French Drain Information

If you live in Oklahoma City and need a French Drain installed in your yard, or along your driveway, or near your foundation, give us a call.  If you live in Edmond or Norman and need a Surface Drain installed in the concrete in your sidewalk or driveway, we can help.  If you live in Mustang or Yukon and would like to protect your trees or flower beds from standing water with a French Drain, We specialize in just that!

French Drain Pipe running to curb outlet in Oklahoma City.

French Drain Pipe running to curb outlet in Oklahoma City.

 

 

Drainage System Installation in Norman

Drainage System Installation in Norman

 

Wow! There are lots of places around a home or business where standing water can cause problems.  Dealing with Drainage Problems is what we are good at.  In the last 26 years, Oklahoma Drainage and Sprinkler Repair  has installed all kinds of drainage systems in a wide variety of places.  We understand that Drainage Problems may be very complex or very simple.  Some situations might require a 6 inch French Drain, Others might need a 12 inch Surface Drain.    We can quickly diagnose a drainage problem and recommend a solution.  Our Drainage Systems utilize many types of Drains and Drain Pipes.  We install: French Drains, Surface Drains, Channel Drains, Trench Drains, and Sump Pumps.  Each of these Drains comes in many types and sizes.

French Drain going under sidewalk and draining through curb

French Drain going under sidewalk and draining through curb

Since 1993, We have solved many Drainage Problems all over Central Oklahoma.

If you live in Norman and need a Surface Drain in your back yard, or if you live in Oklahoma City and could use a French Drain to protect your foundation, or if you live in Edmond and need a Channel Drain installed in your sidewalk, give us a call.

Oklahoma City French Drain Installation, French Drain Repair, Lawton, Edmond, Norman, Midwest City

Posted: January 19, 2020 in Drain Repair, Drainage Problems, Drainage System, french drain, French Drain Repair
Tags: , , ,
36

Oklahoma Drainage — Installing – French Drains – Surface Drains – Channel Drains – Sump Pumps

Servicing all of Central and Western Oklahoma since 1993.

 

If you have water standing in your flowerbed we can install a French Drain For you.  If water is standing on your driveway or sidewalk a Surface Drain or Channel Drain set in concrete might be what you need.  If water is standing in your basement a Sump Pump installation is a good idea.

Drain Pipe for French Drain running under sidewalk

French Drain Pipe running to exit

Oklahoma Drainage –  Installing French Drains and providing Expert Sprinkler Repair since 1993.

FRENCH DRAIN AS PART OF A DRAINAGE SYSTEM

 

 

Drainage Systems can be made up of one drain or a combination of many drains.  Drainage  problems can be very complex.   Complex Drainage Problems may require a combination of several different types of drains all inter-connected and working together.  Other times the drainage problem may be simple and straight-forward requiring only one drain or several of the same type of drain connected together.

An example of a complex drainage system would be:  A French Drain in the back yard connected to a Surface Drain near a flower bed connected to several gutter downspouts, which are connected to a Channel Drain going across a driveway, which is connected to additional Surface Drain in the front yard, which runs to a Curb Fitting that lets all the water drain out on to the street.

A simple Drainage System might consist of a Surface Drain that is connected to a second Surface Drain which runs to aPop-up Emitter which lets water drain over the curb and into the street.

Oklahoma Drainage Installs all types of Drainage Systems.

Today we installed a 6 Inch French Drain at an apartment complex near Lake Heffner.  The French Drain started in the back yard of one unit.  The Drain Pipe went under the fence and into the adjoining unit’s back yard.  The French Drain then looped around their patio and out under their fence to the west.  To get the 6 inch Drain Pipe to the correct Exit Point, we had to cut out 30 feet of sidewalk and run the French Drain Pipe under the sidewalk.  Next, we replaced the sidewalk with new concrete.  Finally, we dug a drainage ditch across the front yard to the parking lot.  We covered the Drain Pipe with sod that we carefully removed when digging the trench.  At the edge of the parking lot a 6 inch Pop-Up Emitter was installed to release the Storm water.  Seven Gutters were connected directly into the Drainage System along the way.

This particular Drainage System was made up of 55 Feet of 6 inch French Drain, 78 Feet of Solid ADS Solid Drain Pipe, Seven Gutter Connections, and one 6 inch Pop-Up Emitter.

Surface Drain in Low Area in the Corner

Surface Drain in Low Area in the Corner

 

 

Drains Installed in Sidewalks and Driveways, Oklahoma City, Norman, Edmond, Lawton

Posted: January 2, 2020 in Drain Repair, Drainage Problems, Driveway Drain, french drain, Sidewalk Drain
Tags: , ,
12

Drains Installed In Concrete

Many times a Drainage System requires something other than a French Drain.  Oklahoma Drainage and Sprinkler Repair installs all kinds of Surface Drains in concrete.  If you need a Drain in a Driveway we can help.  We install two types of Driveway Drains. The first is shown below.  Its a square surface drain with a metal grate.  The metal grate is removable for cleaning.  We have several sizes available.

 

We also install Channel Drains in sidewalks and driveways.  Many types and styles are available.

 

 

 

All Drainage Systems needs to have an exit point.  The water needs a place to go.  Oklahoma Drainage and Sprinkler Repair installs cement curb outlets as one possible exit.  There are several other possibilities.

Installing Cement around Curb Fitting for French Drain in Norman

Oklahoma Drainage and Sprinkler Repair can install a very simple drain or a complex drainage system.

Drainage Systems can be made up of one drain or a combination of many drains.  Drainage  problems can be very complex.   Complex Drainage Problems may require a combination of several different types of drains all inter-connected and working together.  Other times the drainage problem may be simple and straight-forward requiring only one drain or several of the same type of drain connected together.

An example of a complex drainage system would be:  A French Drain in the back yard connected to a Surface Drain near a flower bed connected to several gutter downspouts, which are connected to a Channel Drain going across a driveway, which is connected to additional Surface Drain in the front yard, which runs to a Curb Fitting that lets all the water drain out on to the street.

A simple Drainage System might consist of a Surface Drain that is connected to a second Surface Drain which runs to a Pop-up Emitter which lets water drain over the curb and into the street.

An “Exit Point” is the term used for where all the water leaves the Drainage System.  Determining the Exit Point is very critical.  It is one of the first things we do when diagnosing a Drainage Problem.

French Drain with an unusual installation in a Rest Home, Servicing Oklahoma City, Norman, Edmond,

Posted: December 27, 2019 in Drainage Problems, Drainage System, french drain
Tags: , , ,
72

Recently we installed a French Drain inside the court yard of a rest home in Norman.  We had several interesting challenges to overcome that were not typical for a French Drain Installation.  The court yard was in the center of the home and was a secure area for the patrons.  We had to put down painters tarps to run our wheel barrows over.  We took out 44 loads of dirt and brought in 52 loads of Crushed one inch lime stone for the French Drain.  Each trip was over a hundred yards from the trailer in the parking lot, in the front door, down the hall, making two turns along the way.  Each time we had to be escorted by security.  Needless to say, the installation of this particular drainage system took a while.In the above picture, the French Drain runs along the low area crossing all the areas where water would stand each time it rained.

French Drain in Rest Home Courtyard

When a French Drain is installed, a big mistake that is made by many people is to cover up the gravel with dirt.  This is a big mistake.  Basically it is ” Putting the cork back in the bottle.”  If the French Drain is in full sun and has a type of grass surrounding it that spreads on its own such a ” Tift” or “Bermuda” , Grass will grow over it and the French Drain will eventually disappear.  Grass covering a French Drain is a good thing if it grows across the drain without adding dirt.  The Grass thatch acts a water filter preventing clogging and extending the life of the Drainage System.

When a French Drain is in Full Shade, or the surrounding grass will not spread on its own, such as with Fescue,  other steps must be taken.  One option is to just leave it alone.  If you don’t mind how it looks, it will drain a large amount of water for many years.  Many times a French Drain can be a landscaping focal point.  They can be dressed up with all kinds of Rocks and Stones and Plants.

 

Just what is a “French Drain?”  Many times people incorrectly

A French Drain can protect your foundation!

use the phrase, “French Drain,”  to apply to many different types of Drains that could be used in a Drainage System.  The term is widely used and many times incorrectly connected to “Surface Drains,” or “Channel Drains.”

A Surface Drain has a grate that sits on top of a basin.  The basin is underground.  A Drain Pipe is connected underground to an outlet on the Drain Basin.  Storm-Water Drains through the grate into the Drain Basin.  Once in the Drain Basin, water travels out of the basin through a Drain Pipe.  The Storm-Water continues downhill in an underground Drain Pipe to an exit point.

THIS IS NOT A FRENCH DRAIN!

A Surface Drain may come in many different shapes or sizes.  The Drain Grate may be round or square.  Here is a picture of a common Surface Drain.

A Channel Drain is a type of Surface Drain and many times is installed in concrete across sidewalks or driveways.

Channel Drain

A French Drain is completely different from a Surface Drain.  A basic French Drain consists of a Perforated Drain Pipe in the bottom of a trench.  The Drain Pipe should have a neoprene sock around the Perforated Drain Pipe.   This is to ensure that the Drain Pipe does not become clogged.

The dirt that was taken out to make the trench is hauled away.  It is replaced by some type of small stone or gravel depending on what is desired or available.  I prefer crushed 1 inch lime stone.  It is the most economical option in my area.  Pea Gravel or some other type of small stone can work just as well.    The lime-stone or gravel is placed in the trench on top of the perforated Drain Pipe and filled all the way to the surface (ground level).   In some cases where the French Drain needs to be deep or is being placed in sandy soil, a special trench liner must be placed in the trench before the perforated Drain Pipe or the Gravel are installed.  This helps maintain the integrity of the trench over time.  It also increases the cost of the French Drain and the amount of time to install it.  I install a trench liner in a French Drain about 20% of the time.  Most of the time a liner in not needed.

French Drain March 2011
A French Drain is designed to handle a large volume of water and cover a large area. The Drain is anyplace the trench goes. It has many applications and can be used in many situations.  It can be installed by itself or incorporated into a Drainage System with Surface Drains or Gutter Down-Spouts connected to it.
The main downfall of a French Drain is that they, for the most part aren’t very pretty.  They don’t look very nice in a yard once they are completed.
Depending on the area the French Drain is installed and the type of grass around the French Drain, will dictate whether grass grows over the lime stone.  Grass can grow up and through the gravel in the French Drain over time eventually covering the gravel.  This is Ok.  It won’t have a measurable effect on the performance of the drain.
DONT COVER THE GRAVEL IN THE FRENCH DRAIN WITH DIRT.  THE FRENCH DRAIN WON’T WORK IF THE TRENCH IS CLOGGED WITH DIRT.  DON’T EVEN INSTALL IT IF YOU ARE GOING TO COVER IT UP WITH DIRT.

DECORATIVE STONE CAN BE USED TO COVER A FRENCH DRAIN AND THEY LOOK GREAT AND LAST A LIFETIME.

French Drains Can Look Great!

French Drain Installation, Information, Oklahoma City, Yukon, Edmond, Norman

Posted: March 25, 2015 in Drain Repair, Drainage Problems, Drainage System, french drain, French Drain Repair
Tags: , , ,
1

French Drain Installation, Information, Oklahoma City, Yukon, Edmond, Norman

Oklahoma Drainage 405 203 9419 — We provide:

    French Drain Installation, Surface Drain Installation, Drainage System Installation

Drainage Systems, French Drains, Surface Drains, Channel Drains, Sump Pumps, Sprinkler Repair, with 26 years of experience. 

 

Just what is a “French Drain?” Many times people incorrectly

A French Drain can protect your foundation!

use the phrase, “French Drain,” when they mean “Surface Drain” or “Channel Drain.”

Surface Drian

Channel Drain

A basic French Drain consists of a Perforated Drain Pipe in the bottom of a trench. The French Drain Trench runs through a Problem Drainage Area that needs to be drained.   The French Drain Pipe is perforated (Full of Small Holes) and has Neo-Prene Soc around the pipe.  This soc helps prevent debris from clogging the French Drain Pipe.

Perforated French Drain Pipe

The dirt that was taken out to make the trench is hauled away. It is replaced by some type of small stone or gravel depending on what is desired or available. I prefer crushed 1 inch lime stone. It is the most economical option in my area. Pea Gravel or some other type of small stone can work just as well. The lime-stone or gravel is placed in the trench on top of the perforated Drain Pipe and filled all the way to the surface (ground level). In some cases where the French Drain needs to be deep or is being placed in sandy soil, a special trench liner must be placed in the trench before the perforated Drain Pipe or the Gravel are installed. This helps maintain the integrity of the trench over time. It also increases the cost of the French Drain. and the amount of time to install it. I install a trench liner in a French Drain  .

French Drain March 2011

A French Drain is designed to handle a large volume of water and cover a large area. The Drain is anyplace the trench goes. It has many applications and can be used in many situations. It can be installed by itself or incorporated into a Drainage System with Surface Drains or Gutter Down-Spouts connected to it.

French Drain with Colored Gravel

The main downfall of a French Drain is that they, for the most part aren’t very pretty. They don’t look very nice in a yard once they are completed.

Drain Pipe for French Drain running under sidewalk

Drain Pipe for French Drain running under sidewalk

 

 

El Reno Oklahoma French Drain Installation, French Drain Repair

Posted: January 27, 2015 in Drainage Problems, Drainage System, french drain, French Drain Contractor
Tags: , , ,
2

El Reno Oklahoma French Drain Installation

Edmond Oklahoma has been the location for many French Drain Installations for Oklahoma Drainage in the past several years.  Recently we ripped out an old Surface Drain that was under a deck.  The Surface Drain was too small for the job and did not Protect the Foundation from Standing Water. 


 The First step was to take out part of the deck along the wall.  Next, we took out the Surface Drain and the Three Inch Pipe which was too small.  Digging a trench along the foundation came next.  We had to ensure the, “Fall” to make sure the water would run from left to right. 

As Seen above, we also install Channel Drains.
French Drain Installation Next to Wall

French Drain Installation Next to Wall, Installing Trench Liner


 Next a French Drain Liner needed to be installed.  This was necessary to maintain the integrity of the trench and to keep the French Drainpipe from filling up with sand and getting clogged over the next few years.  We then installed 4 inch ADS Perf/Soc French Drainpipe along the course of the French Drain.  Next, we connected the end of the French Drainpipe to Solid 4 Inch ADS Drainpipe to continue along the trench to the Pop-Up Emitter at the Exit Point.

 

Oklahoma Drainage installed a 4-inch French Drain in East Norman this week.  The customer had water standing on the side of his house that was causing foundation damage.  He contracted a Structural Engineer to come out and look at the Drainage Problem and to give him some advice.

 

The Structural Engineer recommended a French Drain to protect and draw water away from the foundation.  He said that “he had recommended French Drain Installation to solve similar problems for home owners many times in the past.  The Structural Engineer was confident that it would solve the Drainage Problem.

 

Norman Oklahoma French Drain Installation, Water in Floor Vents and Duct Work.

Recently we installed a 4-inch French Drain with Trench Liner and Pipe Filter In West Norman on Harrogate Street.  Our customer had a heavy water build up area on the side of her house.  Water would pool up during a rain and sink down into her flower bed.  Once the slab and foundation of the house got very wet, the water would seep into the floor ducts for their Central Heat and Air unit.  This is bad for several reasons.

A wet foundation causes deterioration of the cement.  Cracks can occur leading to all sorts of other problems.

Water In your floor vents promotes mold and all the problems that come with that as well.

Oklahoma Drainage Installed 4 Inch French Drain with trench liner and pipe filter about one foot away from the wall where all the water was standing and penetrating the Duct Work.   The French Drain ran parallel to the house for 60 Feet.  At that point the French Drain transitioned to 4 Inch solid ADS Drainpipe and continued South an additional 80 feet to a Curb Outlet installed at the street.

We cut the curb and installed a Curb Outlet with Acrylic Concrete to make it look nice and last without chipping.

Along the course of the French Drain, we also connected 2 Gutter Down Spouts Directly into the French Drain.

This provides more efficient movement of the storm water to the exit, but also creates suction in the French Drain behind it.

This is called the “Bernoulli Effect.” If you remember your High School Science Class.

Bernoulli Effect

Oklahoma Drainage has used these simple concepts many times to provide a solution to the above problem.

Water still had to be vacuumed out of the Duct Work.  But Future water was and is kept out of the Duct Work and Floor Vents.  Also, the Foundation Stays Dry.  No mold or foundation Break Down.

Oklahoma Drainage – We install French Drains, Channel Drains, Surface Drains, Sump Pumps and Sod.

If You live in Oklahoma City and water damaging your foundation, we can install a French Drain for you.

 Or If you live in Norman and have water standing on your driveway, we can install a Channel Drain for you.

If you live in Edmond and have water flooding your basement, we can install a Sump Pump for you.

Or If you live in Moore and have water washing out your flower bed mulch, we can install a Surface Drain for you.

If you live in Yukon and need grass to grow, we can install Sod too!

 

French Drain or Surface Drain, Oklahoma City, Norman, Edmond, Altus, Lawton *

Posted: January 20, 2015 in Drainage Problems, Drainage System, french drain, French Drain Contractor
Tags: , , ,
3

French Drain Or Surface Drain, Oklahoma City, Norman, Edmond, Altus, Lawton

Oklahoma Drainage 405 203 9419 — We provide:

    French Drain Installation, Surface Drain Installation, Drainage System Installation

OKLAHOMA CITY FRENCH DRAIN

 

French Drain Installation is a primary focus for OKLAHOMA DRAINAGE AND SPRINKLER REPAIR.  We have 26 years of experience installing all types of Drainage Systems.  French Drains and Surface Drains are the most common.  French Drains when installed correctly, move water faster and in greater volume than Surface Drains.  French Drain installation requires experience and attention to detail for best performance.  WE provides both.

French Drain With Colored Gravel

French Drain With Colored Gravel

 

 

Oklahoma City is one of the communities in  Oklahoma that we service.  We have installed almost a thousand French Drains in the Oklahoma City community in the past 26 years.  Oklahoma City  has many hills and valleys.  Many Neighborhoods are built on hillsides.  This causes many Drainage Problems.  Oklahoma Drainage  has installed French Drains by themselves and as a part of Drainage Systems to protect Driveways, Sidewalks, Foundations all over Edmond.  French Drains may be installed in Flower Beds or grassy areas too.  French Drains when installed correctly can provide many years of property protection and Piece of Mind.

 

We have 26 years of experience installing French Drains, and Drainage Systems.  This ensures that a Drainage System that we install won’t have Drain Pipes that are too small, or Surface Drains installed where French Drains Should be placed, or Exit Points that allow water to Stand and become stagnant.  Oklahoma Drainage and Sprinkler Repair relies on 26 years of experience to Diagnose a Drainage Problem.   Many Drainage Problems are not as simple as they seem.  Understanding why a French Drain should be installed over a Surface Drain in particular situations is just one of many variables that must be considered when Diagnosing a Drainage Problem.

Many times we look a t Drainage Systems that aren’t working correctly.  Here are a few common problems that we find:

French Drain Pipe is too small for the Drainage Area.

French Drain is not connected to an Exit Point.

French Drain is installed where a Surface Drain is needed.

Surface Drain is installed where a French Drain is needed.

Too many gutters connected to French Drain.

French Drain covered with dirt.

Exit Point Covered with Dirt.

Water flow is bad for French Drain,  (trying to drain water up hill)

These are just a few of the Problems we are asked to solve when fixing a Drainage System that wasn’t designed correctly.

Drainage Systems can be made up of one drain or a combination of many drains.  Drainage  problems can be very complex.   Complex Drainage Problems may require a combination of several different types of drains all inter-connected and working together.  Other times the drainage problem may be simple and straight-forward requiring only one drain or several of the same type of drain connected together.

Cutting The Curb and Installing Curb Fitting With Acrylic Cement

Cutting The Curb and Installing Curb Fitting With Acrylic Cement

An example of a complex drainage system would be:  A French Drain in the back yard connected to a Surface Drain near a flower bed connected to several gutter downspouts, which are connected to a Channel Drain going across a driveway, which is connected to additional Surface Drain in the front yard, which runs to a Curb Fitting that lets all the water drain out on to the street.

A simple Drainage System might consist of a Surface Drain that is connected to a second Surface Drain which runs to a Pop-up Emitter which lets water drain over the curb and into the street.

An “Exit Point” is the term used for where all the water leaves the Drainage System.  Determining the Exit Point is very critical.  It is one of the first things we do when diagnosing a Drainage Problem.

Curb Outlet as an Exit Point for a French Drain in Edmond

Curb Outlet as an Exit Point for a French Drain in Edmond

 

 

FRENCH DRAIN, SURFACE DRAIN PHOTOS AND INFORMATION

Posted: October 13, 2014 in Drainage Problems, Drainage Systems, french drain, French Drain Contractor, Oklahoma City French Drain
Tags: , ,
16

FRENCH DRAIN, SURFACE DRAIN PHOTOS AND INFORMATION

 

 Standing water can cause many types of property damage ranging from foundation problems to cracked sidewalks and dead plants and shrubs.  If you have need of French Drain or Surface Drain, give us a call.  We provide free estimates for all of central Oklahoma.

French Drain With Colored Gravel in Oklahoma City

French Drain With Colored Gravel in Oklahoma City

 

Installing Cement around Curb Fitting for French Drain in Norman

Installing Cement around Curb Fitting for French Drain in Norman

Some Drainage Systems are complex and incorporate several types of drains.  Most Drainage Systems , however are basic and require just one type of Drain.  Oklahoma Drainage installs a variety of drains to solve a variety of problems. French Drains, Surface Drains, and Channel Drains are most commonly used.  If you live in Edmond and need a Channel Drain installed across your driveway, or if you live in Norman and need a French Drain in your backyard, or if you live in Oklahoma City and need a Surface drain installed next to your sidewalk, give us a call.    405-226-0629

Channel Drain Installed by CMG In Yukon

Channel Drain Installed by Oklahoma Drainage In Yukon

Channel Drains are one kind of Surface Drain that we install in concrete.

The most common Drain that we install is the French Drain.  This is because the French Drain is versatile.  It can handle Surface Water Problems or Underground Water Problems (sub-surface).  A huge mistake that many people make is assuming that water gets to a Problem Drainage Area by flowing over the surface only.  For example, if water is flowing down hill underground toward your home’s foundation, the only way to stop or intercept it is with a French Drain.  Water can flow laterally into a perforated French Drain Pipe.  It is then diverted away from the Problem Drainage Area to an Exit Point.

Popup Emitter to release water from a French Drain in Yukon

Popup Emitter to release water from a French Drain in Yukon

Pop Up Emitters can release water from Surface Drains or French Drains.  They can release water on to sidewalks or driveways, or out in the middle of yards.

 

 

 

A French Drain is completely different from a Surface Drain.  A basic French Drain consists of a Perforated Drainpipe in the bottom of a trench.  A Trench Liner is sometimes used depending on the Drainage System Design and the type of soil.   The Drainpipe should have a neoprene sock around the Perforated Drainpipe.   This is to ensure that the Drainpipe does not become clogged. A trench is dug that is slightly wider than the French Drainpipe that is being used.  There are several sizes of French Drainpipe.   Three Inch, Four Inch, and Six Inch are the most common sizes of French drainpipe. The dirt that is taken out to make the trench is hauled away.  It is replaced by some type of small stone or gravel depending on what is desired or available.  I prefer crushed 1 inch limestone.  It is the most economical option in my area.  Pea Gravel or some other type of small stone can work just as well.    The limestone or gravel is placed in the trench on top of the perforated Drainpipe and filled all the way to the surface (ground level).   In some cases where the French Drain needs to be deep or is being placed in sandy soil, a special trench liner must be placed in the trench before the perforated Drainpipe, or the Gravel are installed.  This helps maintain the integrity of the trench over time.  It also increases the cost of the French Drain and the amount of time to install it.

 

 

Pipe running to street form French Drain in back yard.

Pipe running to street form French Drain in back yard.

When we run Drainpipe across yards to an Exit Point, the sod usually can be put back into place and in a few days you can’t tell a French Drain was ever Installed.
A French Drain is designed to handle a large volume of water and cover a large area. The Drain is anyplace the trench goes. It has many applications and can be used in many situations.  It can be installed by itself or incorporated into a Drainage System with Surface Drains or Gutter Down-Spouts connected to it.
The main downfall of a French Drain is that they, for the most part isn’t very pretty.  They don’t look very nice in a yard once they are completed.
Depending on the area the French Drain is installed and the type of grass around the French Drain, will dictate whether grass grows over the limestone.  Grass can grow up and through the gravel in the French Drain over time eventually covering the gravel.  This is OK.  It won’t have a measurable effect on the performance of the French Drain.  In some cases thick grass growing up through the French Drain will create a natural “Thatch” filter.  This makes the French Drain invisible.  The trick is to allow the grass to grow over the French Drain Gravel without covering it up with dirt.  Grasses such as Bermuda which grow well in the sun will put out runners and new roots and will grow up and through the French Drain.  This will not affect the performance of the French Drain.  The problem is that some times depending on the type of soil involved, it may take a long time to completely cover up the French Drain.  Sprinkling grass seed down in the gravel will speed up the process.

DON’T COVER THE GRAVEL IN THE FRENCH DRAIN WITH DIRT.  THE FRENCH DRAIN WON’T WORK IF THE TRENCH IS CLOGGED WITH DIRT.  DON’T EVEN INSTALL IT IF YOU ARE GOING TO COVER IT UP WITH DIRT.   

Installing a Curb Outlet for a French Drain in Oklahoma City

Installing a Curb Outlet for a French Drain in Oklahoma City

If you install a French Drain in a sunny area, you can:
                                         A.  Leave the French Drain as-is and allow grass to grow over it in time.
                                         B.  Add grass seed directly to the French Drain gravel with (Light Hand Watering) to speed the growth process
                                         C.  Leave the French Drain as-is but decorate it with steppingstones and landscaping rocks (leaving large cracks between stones to allow water to get into the French Drain,
2
If you install a French Drain in a shady area, you can:
                                        A.  Leave the French Drain as-is, it will work well and look as it did for many years.

                                        B.  Leave the French Drain as-is, but decorate it with stepping stones or landscaping rocks.  Many French Drains are hidden under rock walk ways.

 

Installing Surface Drain System in Edmond Oklahoma

Installing Surface Drain System in Edmond Oklahoma

Sometimes Surface Drains make more sense when the Drainage Problem area is fairly small with Surface Water Flowing into it.

  Oklahoma Drainage also installs a variety of other types of Drains.  Our Drainage Systems may utilize: French Drains, Surface Drains, Channel Drains, Trench Drains, Basin Drains, and Sump Pumps.  In the past 21 years, we have installed French Drains to keep water away from home and business foundations, Surface Drains to keep water away from sidewalks and driveways, Trench Drains, and French Drains to keep standing water out of flowerbeds and yards, and Sump Pumps to remove water from basements and outdoor low-lying areas.

French Drain with stepping stones

French Drain with steppingstones

French Drain Information, Oklahoma City, Edmond, Norman, Yukon

Posted: October 9, 2014 in Drainage Problems, Drainage Systems, Edmond Oklahoma French Drain, french drain, French Drain Contractor
Tags: , ,
5

FRENCH DRAIN INFORMATION, OKLAHOMA CITY, EDMOND, NORMAN, YUKON.

 

 

 

French Drain in Oklahoma City

French Drain in Oklahoma City

French Drains are designed to cover large areas and move lots of water.  During a hard rain water will seep down through the gravel and into the Perforated French Drain Pipe that is buried under the gravel.  The water fills into the pipe and moves down hill to the desired Exit Point.  French Drains like the one in the picture above that are in the sun most of the day will have grass that overgrows the limestone.  The gravel will disappear over time.  The French Drain will continue to work even after the grass has grown over it.  A “Thatch Filter ” is made up of the grass that covers the French Drain.  The French Drain then has two filters.  First is the Neo-Prene Soc that comes around the Perforated French Drain Pipe.  Later when the grass grows over it, the French Drain then has a second Thatch Filter.  This ensures that the French Drain Pipe won’t clog over time with dirt, sand, or debris.  This only works with grass that does well in the sun like Bermuda or Tift.

Shade Grasses won’t grow up and through French Drain gravel.

 

French Drain Pipe Installation in Edmond

French Drain Pipe Installation in Edmond

 

Installing a French Drain by itself or as part of a Drainage System is a very fulfilling aspect of my job   Many times Drainage Problems have caused damage to homes or businesses.  Understandably the owners are stressed an unhappy.  Over the years French Drain installation has solved a broad range of problems caused by “Standing Water.”  French Drains have removed water from home foundations and stopped further water damage.  French Drains have protected and enhanced driveways and sidewalks.  French Drain Installation has also removed Standing Water from flowerbeds and yards that weren’t level.  Once we even solved a water flow problem where a customer in Chickasha had water tear off their garage door and take out the back wall of the garage.  A Double 6 inch French Drain across the hillside above the driveway solved the problem.  Providing piece of mind and safety to property is satisfying.  French Drain Installation Provides this!

 

Curb Outlet to release water from French Drain in Norman

Curb Outlet to release water from French Drain in Norman

French Drain Contractor in Oklahoma City, Norman, Edmond, Chickasha, Duncan, Blanchard /

Posted: September 6, 2014 in Drain Repair, Drainage Problems, Drainage System, Drainage System Repair, french drain
Tags: , , ,
7

Oklahoma Drainage –  We install French Drains, Channel Drains, Surface Drains, Sump Pumps and Sod.

If You live in Oklahoma City and water damaging your foundation, We can install a French Drain for you.

If you live in Norman and have water standing on your driveway, We can install a Channel Drain for you.

If you live in Edmond and have water flooding your basement, We can install a Sump Pump for you.

If you live in Moore and have water washing out your flower bed mulch, We can install a Surface Drain for you.

If you live in Yukon and need grass to grow we can install Sod too!

 

French Drain Installation has been an area of focus for Oklahoma Drainage   for the past 30 years.  During that time we have installed over 2000 French Drains in Central and Western Oklahoma .   A French Drain is one of several types of Drains that can make – up a Drainage System.   French Drains are intended to move large amounts of water away from a Problem Drainage Area.  Water may be standing in that area, flowing across the area on the surface, or flowing across the area below ground or “Sub Surface.”  A French Drain can remove Standing Water, Water Flow at ground level, or water flow below ground level. (Surface Drains can’t do this!)

A French Drain many is  used to move water away from or protect foundations.  A French Drain will move both Surface Water and Sub Surface water away from a buildings foundation to an Exit Point where the water can be released without doing damage.

 

Cutting The Curb and Installing Curb Fitting for French Drain

Cutting The Curb and Installing Curb Fitting for French Drain

Older Entries