Archive for the ‘French Drain Information’ Category

French Drain Information For Oklahoma City and Norman, Sprinkler Repair

Posted: September 25, 2024 in Channel Drain, Dirt Work, french drain, French Drain Information, sprinkler repair
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French Drain Information is provided by Oklahoma Drainage in many different Blog Posts.  Providing information to our customers and DIY folks is important.  If we can help, we will!

 

Oklahoma Drainage Installs and Services French Drains, Channel Drains, Surface Drains, and Sump Pumps.  We also provide Dirt Work, Lawn Leveling and Sod Installation.

What kind of Drain Do you need?  There are different kinds of Drains which solve Different kinds of problems.

Consider the basic French Drain.

French Drains solve many types of water problems.

They are more versatile than a Surface Drain or a Channel Drain.

Large Areas or Small can be handled by a French Drain.

Surface Water can be handeled by a French Drain.

French Drains Move Sub Surface Water Flowing Below Ground too!

Large Water Volume can be handled by a French Drain.

Channel Drain Across Driveway

French Drain Connected to a Channel Drain across the Driveway

In The Picture Above is a Channel Drain and a French Drain.  Do you know which one is which?

Many different types of Drains can be hooked together by one Drain Pipe.  The Drain Pipe then running to an Exit Point makes up a Drainage System.

One common type of Drain used in a Drainage System is A “French Drain.”  Many times a French Drain is installed close to a building foundation or in a low area next to a home or business.

Gutter Downspouts

This puts the French Drain in close proximity to Gutter Down Spouts.  Rather than have water come off the roof and out the Down Spout and on to the ground below, many times it is much better to tie a Gutter Down Spout Directly into a French Drain or near by Drain Pipe depending on the Drainage System Design.

Connecting The Down Spouts Directly into a French Drain is much more efficient and causes suction to occur in the French Drain.  Connection of Gutter Down Spouts to a French Drain makes the Drainage System work better.

FRENCH DRAIN DESIGN

French Drain Design must take into account many variables.  One consideration for a French Drain that many times is missed, is the type of soil.  French Drain Design must take into account the type of soil that the French Drain runs through.  If the soil is “Tight or made up of Clay,

A French Drain Liner may not be necessary.  The Gravel or Limestone that is used to fill the French Drain trench may be all that is needed to maintain the integrity of the trench over time.   This means that dirt will not mix in with the French Drain Gravel and clog it up over time.  This is not the case however if your soil is sandy or loose.

A Trench Liner should be used to prevent this type of soil from moving into the gravel of the French Drain.  Trench Liners are relatively inexpensive and are not hard to install.  If you are not sure what to do then install the Trench Liner in the French Drain.

French Drain going through wall

French Drain running through wall

Sprinkler Repair Service Provided by Oklahoma Drainage and Sprinkler Repair

Since 1993 we have Replaced Sprinkler Valves that were sticking or were wore out.

Thousands of Sprinkler Heads have been adjusted.

Countless Sprinkler Controllers have been Reprogramed or Replaced.

We also have fixed a broken Sprinkler Pipe or Two.  Seems like a million.  Ok, not that many.

I wonder how many?  A lot!!!!

Oklahoma Drainage and Sprinkler Repair provides Service for all of Central Oklahoma Including:  Oklahoma City, Norman, Edmond, Moore, Yukon and Mustang.

French Drain Common Mistakes, What You Should Avoid! Photos too

Posted: September 23, 2024 in french drain, French Drain Help, French Drain Information, French Drain mistakes
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French Drain Common Mistakes

What is a French Drain?

French Drain Benefit That I Never Expected

Take a minute and CLICK the above link.  It makes me smile!

French Drain Repair and Installation is a Central Focus for Oklahoma Drainage.  We installed our first French Drain and completed our first Sprinkler Repair in Norman in 1993.

Oklahoma Drainage and Sprinkler Repair — Installing – French Drains – Surface Drains – Channel Drains – Sump Pumps.

Providing Expert Sprinkler Repair – Broken Sprinkler Pipes – Sprinkler Head Adjustment – Sprinkler Valve Replacement

We provide Service for Folks in: Norman, Oklahoma City, Edmond, and Moore.

Central and Western Oklahoma is our Service Area since 1993.  

                                                           (405) 203-9419

Once you have decided that you need a French Drain and understand what it is and how it works, There are many MISTAKES that should be avoided.  Oklahoma Drainage has been installing most all variations of French Drains since 1993.

French Drain Mistakes

are very common and unfortunate.   Mistakes are caused by many different reasons.  One or several mistakes can cause a New French Drain to perform poorly, or not at all.  Time and money are wasted.  People with Water Damage need to have their drainage system work correctly and last a long time.

People who have need for French Drain Installation are highly motivated.  Unwanted water in your AC Floor Ducts for example, motivates folks to do something quickly.

Installing 4 Inch French Drain with trench Liner and pipe filter

The White Material is the Trench Liner. The black material is the Pipe Filter.

Cracking Driveways and Foundations from Water Damage is also an “ATTENTION GETTER.”

In the picture below, look at the water stains on the Driveway.  A correctly installed 6 Inch French Drain has solved the Standing Water Problem.  The driveway will stay dry and last.

French Drain Versatility

is a wonderful thing.   Correct French Drain Installation solves a wide variety of water drainage problems.

Still Mistakes Are Made.

The Biggest Mistake

To Start, The Biggest French Drain Mistake is Unqualified Drainage Diagnosis.   This is taking bad advice from someone who really doesn’t know.   Bad advice leads to a Drainage System that performs poorly or won’t work at all. This Obviously, occurs all the time in today’s world, whether It be French Drain Diagnosis or Auto Repair, or any other contract work you might want done.

Additional mistakes that relate to Unqualified Drainage Diagnosis are:

1.  Selecting a Drainage Contractor that can’t provide good current References.

2.  Selecting a Drainage Contractor that has been in business less than 5 years.

3.  Selecting a Drainage Contractor that doesn’t specialize in French Drain Installation.

4.  Selecting a Drainage Contractor Who needs money up front.

In Review, If you have a French Drain Contractor who needs money up front to begin work or is also good at landscaping or pushing a lawn mower, then you should RUN!  You need References! You need to know how long they have been in business.

Another Big Mistake

The Second Most Common French Drain Mistake Is NOT DECIDING if a French Drain should be a part of a “Drainage System,” or a “Flood Prevention System.  You need to understand the difference between the two and choose one.  A French Drain Expert can help you make that decision.   A French Drain can be a part of A Drainage System or a part of a Flood Prevention System.

A Drainage System drains water away from a Water Problem Area over time.

A Flood Prevention System prevents water from ever getting into the Problem Drainage Area in the first place.

Flood Prevention Systems Intercept Surface Water and Sub-Surface water at the same time.  The pipes are larger and more robust than the pipes in a Drainage System.  Flood Prevention Systems are more expensive and harder to install as well.

The Third mistake that is made with a French Drain being installed is lack of a Trench Liner or Pipe Filter being used.  The Trench Liner maintains the integrity of the Drainage Trench and keeps the Gravel or Crushed Stone that is used clean.

The Pipe Filter keeps Debris out of the French Drain Pipe.

Both of these things ensure longevity and functionality of a French Drain.  I have Installed French Drains all the way back to 1993 that still work great!

Setting The Fall

The 4th mistake with a French Drain Installation is ,” Not Setting The Fall of the French Drain.”  “Setting The Fall,” is a process that makes sure that water flows through the French Drain Trench at a Constant Speed.  French Drains always cross ground that is irregular.  They cross humps and low areas.  This process is done by French Drain Professionals or Individuals who are accomplished and understand the two ways that “Fall may  be set.”

“Bad Fall,” For a French Drain means that water will stand in several low areas of the French Drain underground.    Once the French Drain has finished draining, it should be empty.   You want all the water to drain out of the French Drainpipe.  By looking at the French Drain on the surface, It will look fine.    You wont be able to tell if some of the Drainage Water Stayed inside the French Drain.  Everything will look OK, but it won’t be.  If any type of tree is nearby, the tree roots will seek out the water that is left in a French drain.   Tree roots attack the French Drainpipe causing damage.  Soon French Drain Performance will drop off.  In may quit working completely over time.

TREE ROOTS WON’T ATTACK A FRENCH DRAINPIPE THAT IS EMPTY!

 

 

 

 

French Drain Help, Sprinkler Repair, Oklahoma City, Norman, Edmond

Posted: April 7, 2024 in french drain, French Drain Design, French Drain Help, French Drain Information, sprinkler repair, sprinkler repair contractor, Sprinkler Repair Service
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Harsh weather in Oklahoma seems to be more common.  In 2023, Norman Oklahoma had 4 inches of rain in two hours.  That’s the most rain in a short time that I can remember.  Storm-Water runoff can cause damage to all types of property and buildings.  Water getting inside your house is never a good thing.  A Drainage System that utilizes a French Drain can help.

Installing Decorative French Drain In Norman Oklahoma

Installing Decorative French Drain The Right Way

Oklahoma Drainage Installs 4 Inch and 6 French Drains.

A French Drain is the “Intake” part of a Drainage System.  Simply Put, the French Drain is the part of the Drainage System that takes in the water in the low areas and gets it into the pipe.

Installing 4 Inch French Drain With Trench Liner and Pipe Filter In Blanchard Oklahoma

Installing 4 Inch French Drain with Trench Liner and Pipe Filter In Blanchard Oklahoma

 

French Drain – A French Drain is a perforated pipe that is basically full of slits or holes.  A trench is dug across the problem drainage area.   A Semi-permeable liner is placed in the trench which lets in water but not dirt. The dirt from the trench is hauled away.   The French Drain Pipe has a Neo-Preen Soc around it witch also lets in water but keeps the dirt out.

The perforated pipe is placed in the trench.  The Drainage trench is dug deep enough so that the perforated French Drainpipe is several inches below ground level when placed in the trench.  Next gravel or some type of crushed stone is placed on top and around the French Drain perforated pipe until the trench is full.

French Drain

French Drain Near Driveway

French Drain Protecting Driveway

French Drains can be complex or simple.  A Simple French Drain System is a French Drain Connected to an Exit Drainpipe that is released out a pop up emitter.

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.

Sprinkler Valve Installation

Sprinkler Valve Replacement

 

WHERE WE HAVE WORKED!

In 1993 we had no website.  I stuck little signs on the side of the road as advertisement.  I got my first Drain Installation work in March of 1993 in Norman.  It was in Brookhaven North of Robinson Street on the West side of I 35.

Over the years Oklahoma Drainage and Sprinkler Repair has installed all types of Drainage Systems in almost Every town in Central and Western Oklahoma.

The majority of our customers live in Oklahoma City, Norman, Edmond, Yukon, Mustang, Moore, Midwest City, Del City, Blanchard, New Castle, Yukon and Choctaw.

Oklahoma Drainage and Sprinkler Repair hasn’t been limited to those areas, however.  We have also installed French Drains, Surface Drains, Channel Drains, and Sump Pumps in many other cities.

Working Drainage Systems Installed by Oklahoma Drainage also reside in: Lawton, Duncan, Ardmore, Chickasha, Shawnee, Enid, Weatherford, Elk City, El reno and many other places.

If you live in any of these Cities or towns, we have installed a French Drain, Surface Drain, Channel Drain, or Sump Pump within 5 miles of your home.

Drain Pipe Under Sidewalk

Drainpipe Under Sidewalk

Here is a description of other recent work.

A little bit North of Downtown Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Drainage installed a 6-inch French Drain between two businesses which were less than three feet apart.  The French Drain went between a Law Firm and a Tire shop.  Water was leaking through the walls of both businesses.  Gutters between the two establishments were dumping a huge amount of water.  We installed a 6-inch French Drain between the gutters.

It took a long time to get the dirt out of the trench for the French Drain.  It was a very tight fit.  We had to use a little red wagon to haul out the dirt for the French Drain and haul back in the crushed limestone for the French Drain.  It looked a little silly, but it was the only thing we could find that was narrow enough to fit between the buildings.  A French Drain that normally would take 1 day to install took three.

Sprinkler Repair Service Provided by Oklahoma Drainage and Sprinkler Repair

Since 1993 we have Replaced Sprinkler Valves that were sticking or were wore out.

Thousands of Sprinkler Heads have been adjusted.

Countless Sprinkler Controllers have been Reprogramed or Replaced.

We also have fixed a broken Sprinkler Pipe or Two.  Seems like a million.  Ok, not that many.

I wonder how many?  A lot!!!!

Oklahoma Drainage and Sprinkler Repair provides Service for all of Central Oklahoma Including:  Oklahoma City, Norman, Edmond, Moore, Yukon and Mustang.

French Drain Pictures for Oklahoma City Norman, Edmond and most of Oklahoma

Posted: March 21, 2024 in Edmond Oklahoma French Drain, french drain, French Drain Information, French Drain Installation, Norman Oklahoma French Drain, Oklahoma City French Drain
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DFrench Drain Pictures

Oklahoma Drainage — 405 203 9419

French Drain Benefit That I Never Expected

Take a minute and CLICK the above link.  It makes me smile!

FRENCH DRAIN, SURFACE DRAIN, PHOTOS AND INFORMATION

French Drain across yard

French Drain Will disappear once grass grows over it. Its will still be fully functional.

 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 and western Oklahoma.

 

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, we can help.

Channel Drain Installed by CMG In Yukon

Channel Drain Installed 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 Drain Pipe.

Pipe Size

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.  I install a trench liner in a French Drain most of the time.

 

 

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.

Downfall of a French Drain

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 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.
French Drain going through wall

French Drain running through wall

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 sometimes 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.
Installing 4 Inch French Drain with trench Liner and pipe filter

The White Material is the Trench Liner. The black material is the Pipe Filter.

Don’t Cover a French Drain with Dirt

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 stepping stones and landscaping rocks ( leaving large cracks between stones to allow water to get into the French Drain,
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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.

French Drain in Oklahoma City

French Drain in Oklahoma City

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.

 

French Drain with stepping stones

French Drain with stepping stones

Oklahoma Drainage, French Drain, Channel Drain, Pool Drain, Sprinkler Repair

Posted: February 23, 2024 in Channel Drain, french drain, French Drain Information, Oklahoma Drainage, sprinkler repair, sprinkler repair contractor, Sprinkler Repair Service
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Oklahoma Drainage has been installing French Drains, Surface Drains, Channel Drains and Sump Pumps Since 1993.  Over 30 years is a long time!

French Drain Benefit That I Never Expected

Take a minute and CLICK the above link.  It makes me smile!

French Drain Installation —   French Drains are designed to do a lot of things.  If you have an area that has unwanted water standing in it or running across it, a French Drain can be the answer.

A French Drain is a trench that runs across the Drainage Problem Area.  A Perforated French Drainpipe is placed in the bottom of the trench.  The pipe has thousands of holes in it to let water into the French Drainpipe.

The Drainage Trench has a “Trench Liner,” installed to maintain the integrity of the French Drain.

Installing 4 Inch French Drain with trench Liner and pipe filter

The White Material is the Trench Liner. The black material is the Pipe Filter.

The pipe is placed in the bottom of the trench on top of the Trench Liner.

Next, crushed limestone or gravel is dumped on top of the French Drainpipe until the trench is full.

 

This French Drain was Installed in Norman. Below is the final product.

 

Channel Drain

The picture below shows a Channel Drain Installed by Oklahoma Drainage and Sprinkler Repair.

The above picture is a Channel Drain Installed in Lawton.  The concrete is still wet.

Installing 4 Inch French Drain With Trench Liner and Pipe Filter In Blanchard Oklahoma

Installing 4 Inch French Drain with Trench Liner and Pipe Filter In Blanchard Oklahoma

Next we have a French Drain Installed in Blanchard.

French Drain Under Gravel Flower Bed

French Drain Under Gravel Flower Bed

This is a picture of a French Drain Installed under a gravel flower bed in Edmond.

Oklahoma City Drainage System, Double 4 Inch French Drain, 4 Inch French Drain, 6 Inch French Drain

Posted: February 7, 2024 in french drain, French Drain Information, French Drain Installation
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Oklahoma City Drainage System

Please “Like” at the top of the page if you find any of the French Drain Information Below Helpful.  Leave Comments or questions at the bottom.  You may also text me directly with questions to 405 203 9419.
My Name is Blane Callen.  I have owned and operated Oklahoma Drainage LLC since 1993.  Oklahoma Drainage has installed over 4000 Drainage Systems during that time.
New French Drain After a flood

New French Drain a Few minutes after a flood

Do you have standing water in a large area in your yard?

Typically this calls for a French Drain.

French Drain – A French Drain  is a perforated pipe that is basically full of slits or holes.  A trench is dug across the problem drainage area.   A Semi-permeable liner is placed in the trench which lets in water but not dirt. The dirt from the trench is hauled away.   The French Drainpipe has a Neo-Preen Soc around it witch also lets in water but keeps the dirt out.

The perforated pipe is placed in the trench.  The Drainage trench is dug deep enough so that the perforated French Drain Pipe is several inches below ground level when placed in the trench.  Next gravel or some type of crushed stone is placed on top and around the French Drain perforated pipe until the trench is full.

A French Drain is a great way to control standing water in a large grassy area.  It can also protect areas from flooding to a certain degree.  As long as the French Drains capacity to move water is not exceeded.  If the French Drains capacity is exceeded, then water will stand in the drainage area until the rain stops and the drain has time to catch up and move all the water away.

A 4 Inch French Drain Is the most common size for homeowners.  The ADS Pipe Company States that their 4 inch French Drainpipe Can handle up to 450 Gallons per minute.  That is a very large amount of water.

Double 4 Inch French Drain

Recently In Norman Oklahoma, Oklahoma Drainage Installed a Double 4 Inch French Drain.  This basically is two 4 Inch French Drains Side By Side making it a 8 Inch French Drain For the most part.  We had completed all the work for the French Drain EXCEPT For the Curb Outlet WHEN HEAVY RAIN HIT AND THE FLOOD STARTED.

OUR FRENCH DRAIN DESIGN WORKED GREAT.  IT HANDLED A HUGE AMOUNT OF WATER THAT FLOODED OUR CUSTOMERS BACK YARD.

BELOW IS A PICTURE OF THE FRENCH DRAIN OUTLET BEFORE THE CURB OUTLET COULD BE INSTALLED.  THE FRENCH DRAIN IS IN THE BACK YARD AND NOT SHOWN IN THIS PICTURE.

water flow before curb outlet installation

Water Flow Before Curb outlet could be installed

Here is a picture of a “Back Yard,” French Drain.

French Drain In back yard

French Drain Intake in Back Yard

THE NEXT DAY WE INSTALLED THE CURB OUTLET

 

French Drain Tips, Channel Drain Installation, Sprinkler Repair, Edmond Oklahoma, Norman Oklahoma, Moore, Mustang

Posted: April 28, 2023 in Channel Drain, french drain, French Drain Information, French Drain Repair, sprinkler repair
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French Drain Tips are provided by Oklahoma Drainage.  This helps people decide if they want to do an installation themselves or have Oklahoma Drainage Provide that service.  We service all of Central and Western Oklahoma including Edmond, Oklahoma City, and Norman.

Oklahoma Drainage 405 203 9419

Do you have standing water in a large area in your yard?  Typically, this calls for a French Drain.  A French Drain is a great way to control standing water in a large grassy area.  It can also protect areas from flooding to a certain degree.  As long as the French Drains capacity to move water is not exceeded.  If the French Drains capacity is exceeded, then water will stand in the drainage area until the rain stops and the drain has time to catch up.  A good way to prevent this is to install a bigger French Drain with a larger pipe.  The difference between a 3 inch French Drain and a 6 inch French Drain is huge.

Clogged 4 Inch ADS French Drain Pipe Missing Trench Liner and Pipe Filter Pulled out of the Ground in Norman Oklahoma

result of French Drain Installed Incorrectly, Drain Definitions 

Below is the White Trench Liner and The Black Pipe Filter that prevent Your French Drain From Being Clogged and Ruined.

 

Do you have water seeping into your floor vents after a hard rain?  Is water causing damage to your floors or carpet?  Is water finding a way under your foundation after a thunderstorm?  Oklahoma Drainage and Sprinkler Repair designs and installs Drainage Systems that can help stop the damage.  We utilize:  French Drains, Surface Drains, Channel Drains, and Sump Pumps to protect property.  Connecting gutter-downspouts into the Drainage System is always a good idea where possible.  We also provide Expert Sprinkler Repair.

The Need

The need for Drainage Systems is increasing in Oklahoma.  During heavy thunder storms, homes and business need a way to drain water away.  Storm water can cause many kinds of damage.  Here are just a few:

1.  Driveways and Sidewalks can crack and deteriorate

2.  Foundations can crack move or shift

3.  Vents and ducts can fill with water

4.  Mold can be allowed to grow

5.  Trees and Plants and grass can be damaged or drown

Too much water is never a good thing!

We can quickly diagnose your Drainage Problem and provide a free quote for a Drainage System.  With twenty years of experience, we realize that Drainage Problems may be very complex and difficult or very straight forward and simple.  Every Drainage Problem is unique to a certain degree.  Don’t kid yourself,  Experience Counts!

 

 

French Drain Information

Edmond Oklahoma has been the location for many French Drain Installations for us 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.   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 Drain Pipe to Solid 4 Inch ADS Drainpipe to continue along the trench to the Pop-Up Emitter at the Exit Point.

Oklahoma Drainage

takes many things into account when providing a Drainage Diagnostic for a Customer.  We determine:

1.  What is the Primary Water Source to the problem?  Where is the water coming from?

2.  Is there a Secondary Water Source?  Other Places that water may be coming from.    All Drainage Problems have more than one source!

3.  How many Subsequent Water Sources are present?   Some complex Drainage Problems have many water sources.

4.  What exit points are available for gravity to move water away from the problem area?  Where are we trying to take the water to, and how is it

going to be released?  Is more than one exit point possible to increase capacity?

5   How much water must be moved?  What Size Drain Pipe is necessary to lessen the chance of being overwhelmed by flooding?    This is a tough

consideration.  (Larger Pipe – Larger Cost to Install)

Sprinkler Repair Service Provided by Oklahoma Drainage and Sprinkler Repair

Since 1993 we have Replaced Sprinkler Valves that were sticking or were wore out.

Thousands of Sprinkler Heads have been adjusted.

Countless Sprinkler Controllers have been Reprogramed or Replaced.

We also have fixed a broken Sprinkler Pipe or Two.  Seems like a million.  Ok, not that many.

I wonder how many?  A lot!!!!

Oklahoma Drainage and Sprinkler Repair provides Service for all of Central Oklahoma Including:  Oklahoma City, Norman, Edmond, Moore, Yukon and Mustang.

4 Inch ADS French Drain with Trench Liner and Pipe Filter In Edmond Oklahoma

French Drain Running on the side of the house In Edmond Oklahoma, Drain Definitions 

Drainage Diagnostics, French Drain, Sprinkler Repair

Posted: April 27, 2023 in Channel Drain, french drain, French Drain Help, French Drain Information, French Drain Repair
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Drainage Diagnostics is a way of figuring out what to do about your Water Problem. Typically, many things must be considered when completing a Drainage Diagnostic.

Small Channel Drain Installed In the Corner of a Patio

Small Channel Drain Installed On Patio In Lawton,                Drain Definitions 

Drainage Diagnostics

1.  Identify the areas being damaged by water and determine if there are any hidden areas.  The big water problem areas are easy to see, hidden areas are the less noticeable.  We look for secondary Drainage Problems, not just the Primary Drainage.  This helps prevent missing something small that will become a problem once the big Drainage Issues are fixed. 

2.  Identify the sources of water causing the damage.  Most Drainage Problems have more than one source.  A water source can fall from the sky as rain, or can flow down the hill as storm-water runoff, or can flow from a gutter down-spout (yours or your neighbor’s),  or flow under ground as sub-surface water flow, or water can flow off a sidewalk, driveway, or street.  (These are the most common)

Exit Point

3.  Identify the Exit Point.  Where should the unwanted water be taken.

4.  Determine what type of Drains can best solve the Drainage Problem.  We utilize: French Drains, Surface Drains, Channel Drains, Trench Drains, and Sump Pumps.

5.  Determine what type and size of Drainpipe is needed to accommodate the volume of water to be drained.  Larger is always better!  Big Drains with Small Drainpipes are never a good combination! Above are a few of the principles utilized by Oklahoma Drainage when solving a water problem.  (Drainage Diagnostic)

Recently we had a customer with a sever water problem. They had recently purchased a new home which was built on a hill side. The hill behind the house was steep and the grade to keep the water from running into their back porch wasn’t very good.

Water was running under the cement slab of the back porch. To make matters worse cracking was occurring in the new concrete.

The Solution involved installing a 6 inch French drain running the entire length of the house to intercept the surface water running down the hill into the house.

More importantly, the French Drain intercepted the underground sub-surface water that was running down the hill and under the slab.

French Drains protect homes and foundations from surface water and sub-surface water.

We also connected 6 gutter down spouts directly into the drainage system. Problem solved.

We also Install Channel Drains across Driveways and Sidewalks.

Channel Drain Across Driveway Connected to 4 inch ADS Drain Pipe on One Side and ADS French Drain with Trench Liner and Pipe Filter on the other

French Drain Connected to a Channel Drain across the Driveway,         Drain Definitions 

 

French Drain Blanchard, Installation, Information, Sprinkler Repair,Norman, Moore, Edmond,

Posted: April 9, 2023 in Blanchard French Drain, french drain, French Drain Help, French Drain Information, French Drain Installation
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French Drain Blanchard, Installation, Information, Norman, Moore, Edmond, Blanchard

Servicing Central and Western Oklahoma Since 1993

Oklahoma Drainage recently diagnosed a Drainage Problem in South Oklahoma City.  The Home owner had a sump Pump in their basement that was fed from a French Drain outside the Basement Wall.  The Drain was 14 feet down along the Stem wall of the house.

The French Drain Pipe was cheap and had collapsed.  We brought in a Mini Excavator and dug up the pipe and replaced it with Durable ADS 4 inch perf/soc French Drain pipe.  In the end, we were able to dig up the pipe and replace it.

French Drain Design

French Drain Design must take into account many variables.  One consideration for a French Drain that many times is missed, is the type of soil.  French Drain Design must take into account the type of soil that the French Drain runs through.  If the soil is “Tight or made up of Clay, A French Drain Liner may not be necessary.  The Gravel or Limestone that is used to fill the French Drain trench may be all that is needed to maintain the integrity of the trench over time.   This means that dirt will not mix in with the French Drain Gravel and clog it up over time.

This is not the case however if your soil is sandy or loose.  A Trench Liner should be used to prevent this type of soil from moving into the gravel of the French Drain.  Trench Liners are relatively inexpensive and are not hard to install.  If you are not sure what to do then install the Trench Liner in the French Drain.

What Does a  Good Drainage System Have?

A good Drainage System has a point where water enters the System.  This is usually through a French Drain, Surface Drain, or a Gutter Down Spout that is connected into a Drainpipe.

Water will run through either Perforated French Drainpipe or Solid Drainpipe depending on the Drainage System Design.  Water will flow down hill to an Exit Point where the water will be released out of the Drainage System.  This is a done through a Pop-Up Emitter or a Curb Fitting.

Drainage Systems can be made up of one drain or a combination of many drains.  They 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.

6 Inch French Drain Installation

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 Drainpipe 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 Drainpipe to the correct Exit Point, we had to cut out 30 feet of sidewalk and run the French Drainpipe 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 Drainpipe with sod that we carefully removed when digging the trench.

We installed a 6-inch pop up emitter At the edge of the parking lot.   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 Drainpipe, Seven Gutter Connections, and one 6-inch Pop-Up Emitter.

Water in Floor Vents and Duct Work –

Posted: April 5, 2023 in french drain, French Drain Design, French Drain Information, French Drain Photos, sprinkler repair, Sprinkler Repair Service, Water in Floor Vents
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Water in Floor Vents and Duct Work.

Our customer had water in his floor vents.

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.

Wet foundation

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 Drain Pipe 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.

 

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.

French Drain Repair and Installation is a Central Focus for Oklahoma Drainage.  We installed our first French Drain and completed our first Sprinkler Repair in Norman in 1993.

WHERE WE HAVE WORKED!

In 1993 we had no website.  I stuck little signs on the side of the road as advertisement.  I got my first Drain Installation work in March of 1993 in Norman.  It was in Brookhaven North of Robinson Street on the West side of I 35.

Over the years Oklahoma Drainage and Sprinkler Repair has installed all types of Drainage Systems in almost Every town in Central and Western Oklahoma.

The majority of our customers live in Oklahoma City, Norman, Edmond, Yukon, Mustang, Moore, Midwest City, Del City, Blanchard, New Castle, Yukon and Choctaw.

Oklahoma Drainage and Sprinkler Repair hasn’t been limited to those areas, however.  We have also installed French Drains, Surface Drains, Channel Drains, and Sump Pumps in many other cities.

Working Drainage Systems Installed by Oklahoma Drainage also reside in: Lawton, Duncan, Ardmore, Chickasha, Shawnee, Enid, Weatherford, Elk City, El reno and many other places.

If you live in any of these Cities or towns, we have installed a French Drain, Surface Drain, Channel Drain, or Sump Pump within 5 miles of your home.

Oklahoma Drainage and Sprinkler Repair

— Installing – French Drains – Surface Drains – Channel Drains – Sump Pumps.

Providing Expert Sprinkler Repair – Broken Sprinkler Pipes – Sprinkler Head Adjustment – Sprinkler Valve Replacement

We provide Service for Folks in: Norman, Oklahoma City, Edmond, and Moore.

Central and Western Oklahoma is our Service Area since 1993.  

                                                           (405) 203-9419

Sprinkler Valve Replacement

Edmond Sprinkler Repair

 

Sprinkler Repair Service Provided by Oklahoma Drainage and Sprinkler Repair

Since 1993 we have Replaced Sprinkler Valves that were sticking or were wore out.

Thousands of Sprinkler Heads have been adjusted.

Countless Sprinkler Controllers have been Reprogramed or Replaced.

We also have fixed a broken Sprinkler Pipe or Two.  Seems like a million.  Ok, not that many.

I wonder how many?  A lot!!!!

Oklahoma Drainage and Sprinkler Repair provides Service for all of Central Oklahoma Including:  Oklahoma City, Norman, Edmond, Moore, Yukon and Mustang.

 

 

 

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