Archive for the ‘Sprinkler Valve Service’ Category

Sprinkler Valve Replacement Norman – Oklahoma Drainage and Sprinkler Repair – 405 203 9419 Servicing all of Central and Western Oklahoma since 1993.

 

Oklahoma Drainage and Sprinkler Repair had a call from a Norman Resident.  She had a trash truck back up into her yard.  Unfortunately, it was right on top of a rotor sprinkler head.  The Sprinkler Head was crushed as well as the sprinkler pipe underneath.  Water was pouring down the street when the sprinkler system ran.

While we were running the sprinkler system, we found that a sprinkler valve was sticking as well.  The one of the sprinkler zones was not shutting off.   So now we had two Sprinkler Repairs to perform.

Fixing the Broken Sprinkler Head and Replacing the broken sprinkler pipe underneath took a little while because the Sprinkler Pipe was up against the curb and the Sprinkler Pipe was hard to get to.  But after getting a little muddy, the Sprinkler Pipe was fixed, and the Sprinkler Head was replaced.

The Sprinkler Valve

The Sprinkler Valve that was sticking was much easier to fix.  The bleed screw on the top of the Sprinkler Valve was loose.  It just needed to be tightened.  It only took a few seconds, and we did not charge anything for the Sprinkler Repair on the Sprinkler Valve.

Oklahoma Drainage and Sprinkler Repair has been in business since 1993.  During that time we have serviced countless sprinkler systems all over Central and Western Oklahoma.  Give us a call for an estimate 405 203 9419

Sprinkler Repair is an ongoing issue for any sprinkler system.  Folks in Central Oklahoma are turning on their Sprinkler Systems and discovering problems.    We fixed several leaks in a Sprinkler System in Edmond.  The sprinkler pipes were leaking in several places.  Each leak had to be cut out and replaced.  The Sprinkler System was fairly new.  It was installed last summer by a Pool Company that also installs cheap sprinkler systems.

All the joints in the sprinkler pipes were glued together with clear PVC Cement.  That part is OK, but they cut some corners and didn’t use PVC Primer with the glue.  As a result, the joints didn’t bond very well and many of them blew apart this spring when the sprinkler systems was turned on.  (Thus, all the leaks) I suspect we will have to go back several times to fix additional leaks.  We can only warranty the PVC joints that we have replaced.   Cheaper isn’t always better.

Today

Today we did a sprinkler repair in Norman.  The sprinkler system needed a checkup.  We went through each sprinkler zone and identified several different problems.  Zone 2 had a cracked sprinkler pipe in a flower bed.  Next, Zone 4 had a broken sprinkler rotor on the edge of the driveway that had been driven over and broken. Plus, Zone 6 and 7 each had a couple of pop-up spray heads that were worn out and would not pop-up.  The diagnosis and the repair took less than two hours.  Now their sprinkler system is running great!

Recently we fixed a sprinkler system that was poorly installed.

Lots of things can be done to make sure your Sprinkler System is ready to go.  All the Sprinkler Zones should be checked one by one.  The sprinkler heads and valves need to be checked to see if anything needs to be adjusted or replaced.

Sprinkler System Checkup is a Service Provided by Oklahoma Drainage since 1993.

Oklahoma Drainage and Sprinkler Repair – 405 203 9419

Today we did a sprinkler repair in Norman.  The sprinkler system needed a checkup.

We went through each sprinkler zone and identified several different problems.

Zone 2 had a cracked sprinkler pipe in a flower bed.

A broken Rotor Sprinkler head was found immediately.

Next, zone five look good with no problems.

Zone 6 and 7 each had a couple of pop-up spray heads that were worn out and would not pop-up.  The diagnosis and the repair took less than two hours.  Now their sprinkler system is running great!

Now is a good time to have a Sprinkler System Checkup provided by Oklahoma Drainage.

Sprinkler Systems need to be checked before winter to prevent pipes from freezing.  Sprinkler Design determines whether sprinkler lines need to be bled.  Emergency shut off valves also need to be checked and turned off for the winter.

In the Spring, all the water needs to be turned back on and all sprinkler zones and heads need to be tested.

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 provide Service for all of Central Oklahoma Including:  Oklahoma City, Norman, Edmond, Moore, Yukon and Mustang.

Sprinkler Valves

Sprinkler Valve Installation

Lawn Sprinkler Repair

Sprinkler Valve Replacement is a service that Oklahoma Drainage has provided Since 1993.  Recently we removed 3 Rainbird Sprinkler Valves and replaced them with new ones.  The valves had been crushed accidentally when a landscaper drove his truck across the yard.

Sprinkler System Check-Up in Edmond, Oklahoma City, Norman, and Moore.

 

 

Sprinkler System Check-Up process is very straightforward.  We run through all the Sprinkler Zones one-at-a- time from the controller. 

Sprinkler Controller

Sprinkler controllers can be a problem source.   Many times, the wires in the controller are loose or have a “Short” in one of the wires.  Sprinkler Programming can be a source of frustration.  We can help with Programming your controller.

We check all the sprinkler heads in that zone and the valves as well.

Once the Sprinkler System Checkup is Complete, we provide a Quote for what it will cost to make the needed repairs.

Oklahoma Drainage and Sprinkler Repair — Installing – French DrainsSurface Drains Channel DrainsSump Pumps.

Providing Expert Sprinkler RepairBroken Sprinkler Pipes Sprinkler Head AdjustmentSprinkler Valve Replacement

Servicing all of Central and Western Oklahoma since 1993.  405 203 9419

Sprinkler Repair

Sprinkler Head Adjustment

Sprinkler Valve Replacement is a service that Oklahoma Drainage has provided Since 1993.  Recently we removed 3 Rainbird Sprinkler Valves and replaced them with new ones.  The valves had been crushed accidentally when a landscaper drove his truck across the yard.

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 provide Service for all of Central Oklahoma Including:  Oklahoma City, Norman, Edmond, Moore, Yukon and Mustang.

First Step

First, we dug up a good working area surrounding the broken Sprinkler Valves.  Next, we cut out the broken valves and crushed PVC pipes.  Finally, PVC pipe was cut and glued with new Sprinkler Valves following the original design and configuration.  In this case the three original sprinkler valves were connected to each other inside one Valve Box.

We aren’t done yet though; two sprinkler wires must be connected to each Valve.  One sprinkler wire is the “Common Ground.”  The other wire is the power wire.  All the sprinkler wiring is connected with water-proof wire connections.

The Common Ground wire and the Individual Power Wires all come from the Sprinkler Controller.  Each Sprinkler Valve has its own power wire coming from the Controller.  All the Sprinkler Valves are Connected to the Same Common Ground Wire.

Sprinkler Valve Replacement

Oklahoma City Sprinkler Repair

Before We Finish

Before dirt can be put back around the new valves, testing must be done.  Each valve must be turned on, “one-at-a-time,” at the Controller to ensure good wire connection and functionality.  Also, the Sprinkler Valves must be checked for leaks in the PVC Pipe.

Oklahoma Drainage and Sprinkler Repair provides Expert Service for Sprinkler Heads, Valves, Controllers and all other Sprinkler System difficulties.  We service Norman, Edmond, Oklahoma City, Moore, Yukon, Mustang, and Midwest City.

Blanchard Sprinkler Repair has been provided by Oklahoma Drainage and Sprinkler Repair since 1993.

Sprinkler Controller Repair is a service provided by Oklahoma Drainage.  A Sprinkler Controller is the “Brain,” of a Sprinkler System.  They can wear out or stop working.  Power surges in the home can cause damage to a controller.

A Sprinkler Controller can be a big “Headache,” for a Homeowner.

Sprinkler Controller

Oklahoma Drainage — Installing – French DrainsSurface DrainsChannel DrainsSump Pumps

Servicing all of Central and Western Oklahoma since 1993.

French Drain Installation

Oklahoma Drainage and Sprinkler Repair has been diagnosing and solving Drainage Problems since 1993.  Water has the ability to get into places around your home where you really don’t want it to be.

FRENCH DRAIN INFORMATION, SURFACE DRAIN INFORMATION, OKLAHOMA CITY, NORMAN, EDMOND

 

Drains can protect your home and property from water damage.  Oklahoma Drainage installs a wide variety of Drains in many different places.  A Drain or Group of Drains with Drainpipe going to an exit point is a “Drainage System.”

 

Edmond Sprinkler Valve Service. 

Oklahoma Drainage and Sprinkler Repair Provides Expert Sprinkler Valve Service for all of Central Oklahoma.  405 203 9419

OKLAHOMA DRAINAGE AND SPRINKLER REPAIR, Provides Expert Sprinkler Repair for:  Sprinkler Valves, Sprinkler Heads, Sprinkler Controllers, and the most common problem, Sprinkler Pipes or Sprinkler Leaks.

Sprinkler Repair Service is provided for: Oklahoma City, Norman, Edmond, Yukon, Mustang, Moore, Midwest City, Blanchard, New Castle, and all surrounding areas.

What Is a Sprinkler Valve?

Think of a Sprinkler Valve as an “Off or On” Switch.    The Sprinkler Controller   turns the valves on or off.

It Sends a signal through a wire which is underground to the sprinkler valve somewhere in your yard.

Once turned on, the valve lets water pass through a sprinkler pipe to a specific group of sprinkler heads called a Sprinkler Zone.  The controller allows water to reach the sprinkler heads for a certain amount of time running through the sprinkler valve.  Once the time is up, it shuts off the sprinkler valve and moves on to the next valve in sequence.

Think of it as walking into every room in your house one at a time.  As you enter you turn on the light.  As you leave you turn off the light and move to the next room. You are the controller.  The light switch represents the sprinkler valve.

What causes a Sprinkler Valve to stop working?

Like anything else, a sprinkler valve can wear out.   Sprinkler valves fail in closed position.  It won’t run continuously if it breaks.

Sprinkler Valves get stuck while running sometimes.   The water supply must be then turned off to stop the Sprinkler from running.

Sprinkler Valves can freeze and break in the winter if the sprinkler system has not been properly drained for winter’s cold.

(winterized)

Tree roots can twist or break sprinkler pipes running into sprinkler valves.  Magnolia Trees are really bad about this.  Oak trees can cause damage too.

Driving something heavy across your yard can crush sprinkler valves.  Usually riding lawnmowers don’t cause damage but any truck or car will if you drive over a valve.

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.

Spraying Rotor Sprinkler Repair

Spraying Rotor Sprinkler Head

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 provide Service for all of Central Oklahoma Including:  Oklahoma City, Norman, Edmond, Moore, Yukon and Mustang.

 

Sometimes things go wrong with sprinkler systems.

 

A Common Problem

One Common problem is that they continue to run and won’t shut off.  In most cases this is a problem with a sprinkler valve that has “Stuck” in the on position.

This can be temporarily solved by shutting of the Emergency Shutoff Valve.  The problem is that some sprinkler systems don’t have one to turn off or if they do the homeowner doesn’t know where it is.

It may be on the back-flow valve which may be located on the side of the house under a big plastic fake rock.

Many sprinkler systems in Oklahoma have them. (50 % ?)  Under the plastic rock is a back-flow valve with two shut off handles.  Usually, they have blue or green or tan handles.  Turn one of the handles and it should shut off the water to your sprinkler system.

Other times the Emergency Shutoff Valve is in a box in the ground out by the curb near your water meter.  The valve box will have a green lid.  Sometimes they are difficult to open.  Many times, I had to pry them open with a flat head screwdriver.

 

Inside the valve box is a plastic handle that can turn off the water to the sprinkler system.  It can be blue or red or grey in color.

Many times, the valve box will be full of dirt, and you can’t turn or even see the handle until some of the dirt has been dug out by hand.

 

Water might be shooting up in the air somewhere on your property.  This can be caused by a broken sprinkler pipe or sprinkler valve.

SHUT OFF THE SPRINKLER WATER IF YOU CAN AND GIVE US A CALL.

OKLAHOMA DRAINAGE AND SPRINKLER REPAIR. SERVICING ALL OF CENTRAL AND WESTERN OKLAHOMA.

405 203 9419

Servicing Oklahoma City, Norman, Edmond and all of Central and Western Oklahoma

Oklahoma Drainage and Sprinkler Repair — Installing – French DrainsSurface 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

Sprinkler Valve Replacement in Norman

 
 
Sump Pump Service Oklahoma City.  Oklahoma Drainage and Sprinkler Repair has provided Sum Pump Service and Installation in Norman since 1993

Oklahoma Drainage and Sprinkler Repair– 405 203 9419 — We Install and Service Sump Pumps, Channel Drains, Sprinkler Repair and French Drains.

    French Drain Installation, Surface Drain Installation, Drainage System Installation

Oklahoma Drainage Installs Surface Drains and French Drains.  Sometimes it is up hill in all directions from the Problem Drainage Area.  This problem can be solved by installing a Sump Pump.  When the cavity fills, the water is pumped away to the point where the water exits the drain which can be a curb outlet or a pop-up emitter.
Sump Pump Installation
Sump Pump Installation 
When you have a low-lying area that needs a French Drain, but it is up-hill in all directions and there is no way for the French Drain to move water to the Exit Point, a Sump Pump can be used. Sump Pumps can also be used to pump water out of Basements or other enclosed low-lying areas.  Most Residential applications require a sump pump that has a power rating of 1 horse to 2 horse.  (Horse being horsepower) Sump Pump Installation Sump Pumps are used when water can’t be drained away by gravity.  You might have water standing in an area and it is up hill in all directions.

Sump Pump Service Oklahoma City

French Drains, Surface Drains, Channel Drains and Gutters can all be connected to a Sump Pump.

They can be connected exclusively or as a group. A gravity flow French Drain or Surface Drain System will not work so you must pump the water to the Exit Point.  The Same holds true if you have water standing in a basement.  Pumping out the water is the only way.

Most Sump Pumps work automatically.

When the Sump Pump is under water a float rises up on the side of the pump and turns on the pump.  The water is pumped away, the float falls back down and turns off the pump.  When water is flowing constantly on to the pump, it turns itself on and off over and over.  This could go on for hours or even days.
Sump Pump Inside Sump Cavity

Sump Pump Inside Sump Pump Cavity

A Sump Pump Cavity looks like a trash can.  When water drains into the sump cavity it raises the float and turns on the pump. Once empty it falls down and turns off the Pump. The larger the sump cavity the less often the sump turns on and off.   A small sump cavity wears out the sump pump faster because it turns on and off more making it less efficient.
Larger Sump Cavity

Sump Pump Service Oklahoma City

Clean Water

A “Clean” pump must pump water that is relatively clean, or it will clog up after a while. A” Dirty” Pump can handle water that is not so clean that has small pieces of Debris in it. It will also clog if the debris is too thick or large. There are several techniques that Oklahoma Drainage uses to keep a sump pump “Clog Free” and running well. One technique is to place the sump pump on top of a cement block inside the pump cavity.  Debris and unwanted solids fall the bottom of the sump cavity and never goes through the sump.
The sump cavity must then be cleaned out on a regular basis depending on the usual amount of debris. Once a Year is typical.  Also putting a sump pump under a tree is a bad idea.  Leaves will clog up a sump faster than anything.  Pine needles are the worst. Below is a Sump Pump connected to a Channel Drain.  The Sump Cavity is buried in the in the area where the dirt is disturbed.  As seen in the following picture.

The Homeowner had a Sump Pump

in their basement that was fed from a French Drain outside the Basement Wall.  The French Drain was 14 feet down along the Stem wall of the house.  The French Drainpipe 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. Next, we installed a new exit for the water by installing a curb fitting. No more flooding in the customers basement.  A few weeks later our customer was able to lay carpet in the basement with no problems. Sump Pump Installation is necessary when water from a Drainage System can’t flow properly.  This means it is uphill in every direction from the Drain Intake.

 

  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 Installation Oklahoma Drainage and Sprinkler Repair has been diagnosing and solving Drainage Problems since 1993.  Water has the ability to get into places around your home where you really don’t want it to be.  Some drainage problems are easy to solve.
 
Typically, water enters the problem drainage area one way from one source.  The really tricky drainage problems occur when water enters the problem drainage area from multiple directions and from multiple sources.  Sometimes a secondary water source can’t be seen or identified until the primary water problem source is eliminated. An example of this occurs when water is running into a problem area in an obvious way over the ground where you can see it. Simple enough. A drainage system is installed with a surface drain as the “intake” with drainage pipe running to an exit point.  Initially the water drains away and everything looks great.  The next day water is back and is all around the surface drain, but below the edge and it hasn’t rained at all, so no additional water ran over the surface of the ground to flood the area.
 

The primary water source

 
was solved, ( The surface water run off ) but the secondary water source was not.  Which was sub-surface water, (ground water) running into the area.  A surface drain can’t drain “ground water.”  A French Drain should have initially been installed instead of a Surface Drain.  A French Drain can drain both Surface Water and Ground Water.

 

A French DrainCan Handle Standing Water

Oklahoma Drainage and Sprinkler Repair Services all of Central Oklahoma including: Norman, Moore, Edmond, Yukon, Mustang, Oklahoma City, Midwest City, Del City, Blanchard, Newcastle, Purcell and Chickasha.
Drainage System Installation in Norman

Drainage System Installation in Norman

 

 

 
This ensures that a Drainage System that we install won’t have Drainpipes 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.  The above examples are just three of many “Pit – Falls” that our experienced Drainage System Experts can easily avoid.
Surface Drain installed in Oklahoma City

Surface Drain installed in Oklahoma City

We focus on Keeping water off of driveways and sidewalks every time it rains.
 
Our Drainage Systems utilize:  French Drains— 3 inch, 4 inch, and 6 inch Surface Drains, 4 inch, 6 inch, and 12 inch Channel Drains, 2 inch, and 4 inch Sump Pumps 3/4 horse to two horse Servicing Central Oklahoma including: Oklahoma City, Norman, Edmond, Yukon, Mustang, Newcastle, Midwest City, Del City, Moore, Blanchard, Choctaw, and all surrounding areas.
Connecting Gutter into French Drain

Connecting Gutter into French Drain

We install a variety of Drains to solve a variety of Drainage Problems.  Our Drainage Systems can utilize: French Drains, Surface Drains, Channel Drains, Basin Drains, Trench Drains, Basement Drains, and Sump Pumps.
 

 

Sprinkler Valve Service Norman.   Oklahoma Drainage and Sprinkler Repair has provided Expert Sprinkler Valve Repair and Replacement since 1993.

Sprinkler Valve Installation

Sprinkler Valve Installation

What Is a Sprinkler Valve?

Think of a Sprinkler Valve as an “Off or On” Switch.    The Sprinkler Controller   turns the valves on or off.

It Sends a signal through a wire which is underground to the sprinkler valve somewhere in your yard.

Once turned on, the valve lets water pass through a sprinkler pipe to a specific group of sprinkler heads called a Sprinkler Zone.  The controller allows water to reach the sprinkler heads for a certain amount of time running through the sprinkler valve.  Once the time is up, it shuts off the sprinkler valve and moves on to the next valve in sequence.

Think of it as walking into every room in your house one at a time.  As you enter you turn on the light.  As you leave you turn off the light and move to the next room. You are the controller.  The light switch represents the sprinkler valve.

What causes a Sprinkler Valve to stop working?

Sprinkler Valve Replacement

Sprinkler Valve Replacement

Like anything else, a sprinkler valve can wear out.   Sprinkler valves fail in closed position.  It won’t run continuously if it breaks.

Sprinkler Valves get stuck while running sometimes.   The water supply must be then turned off to stop the Sprinkler from running.

Sprinkler Valves can freeze and break in the winter if the sprinkler system has not been properly drained for winter’s cold.

(winterized)

Tree roots can twist or break sprinkler pipes running into sprinkler valves.  Magnolia Trees are really bad about this.  Oak trees can cause damage too.

Driving something heavy across your yard can crush sprinkler valves.  Usually riding lawnmowers don’t cause damage but any truck or car will if you drive over a valve.

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.

Emergency Sprinkler Repair

Sometimes things go wrong with sprinkler systems.

 

IF YOU NEED HELP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT OR ON A WEEKEND WITH YOUR SPRINKLER SYSTEM, GIVE US A CALL.

OKLAHOMA DRAINAGE AND SPRINKLER REPAIR.  405 203 9419

IT MAY TAKE A FEW HOURS FOR US TO GET THERE BUT WE WILL COME TO HELP.

 

One Common problem is that they continue to run and won’t shut off.  In most cases this is a problem with a sprinkler valve that has “Stuck” in the on position.

This can be temporarily solved by shutting of the Emergency Shutoff Valve.  The problem is that some sprinkler systems don’t have one to turn off or if they do the homeowner doesn’t know where it is.

It may be on the back-flow valve which may be located on the side of the house under a big plastic fake rock.

Many sprinkler systems in Oklahoma have them. (50 % ?)  Under the plastic rock is a back-flow valve with two shut off handles.  Usually, they have blue or green or tan handles.  Turn one of the handles and it should shut off the water to your sprinkler system.

Other times the Emergency Shutoff Valve is in a box in the ground out by the curb near your water meter.  The valve box will have a green lid.  Sometimes they are difficult to open.  Many times, I had to pry them open with a flat head screwdriver.

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

 

6 Inch French Drain

6 Inch French Drain Installation

Drainage System Installation in Norman

Drainage System Installation in Norman

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 Associated to a Surface Drain,” or “Channel Drains.”

A Surface Drain has a grate that sits on top of a basin.  The basin is underground.  A Drainpipe is connected underground to an outlet on the Drain BasinStormwater Drains through the grate into the Drain Basin.  Once in the Drain Basin, water travels out of the basin through a Drainpipe.  The Stormwater continues downhill in an underground Drainpipe 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.

Surface Drain and Drainpipe

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

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.  The Drainpipe should have a neoprene sock around the Perforated Drainpipe.   This is to ensure that the Drainpipe does not become clogged.

Crushed Limestone

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 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 every time.

French Drain
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 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.