Archive for the ‘Sump Pump’ Category

French Drain with a Sump Pump

 

 

French Drain Benefit That I Never Expected

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

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.

 Norman residents who have water standing on their driveway might need a  Channel Drain.

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

Is water washing away 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 or Do You Need A Surface Drain?

Many Folks don’t know the difference.   Actually there are many differences and a few similarities.  One difference is, a French Drain takes in a larger amount of water into the drainpipe than a Surface Drain.  There are advantages to Surface Drains as well.

Oklahoma Drainage — Installing – French DrainsSurface DrainsChannel DrainsSump Pumps

Servicing all of Central and Western Oklahoma since 1993.

Oklahoma Drainage recently diagnosed a Drainage Problem in South Oklahoma City.

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.

Two Sizes of Sump Pumps

Pump Size refers to how powerful it is not how physically large it is.  For Home or Small Business use a 1/3 Horse or a 1/2 Horse Works Best.  Larger Pumps such as a 1 Horse Pump must be ordered by a supplier and must be Hard Wired to 220 voltage by an electrician.

 

Installing Drainage Curb Fitting for a French Drain in South Oklahoma City

 

curb cement outlet

Curb Fitting with Acrylic Cement for French Drain

 

FRENCH DRAIN CONNECTED TO GUTTERS

Many different types of Drains can be hooked together by one Drainpipe.  The Drainpipe 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.  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 nearby Drainpipe 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.

Do you have water standing in your yard after a hard rain? Does your sidewalk become a moat during a thunder-storm? Is standing water causing your foundation to deteriorate and break down? Is water seeping into your home and causing mold?

Storm-water run off

can cause many types of problems. Oklahoma Drainage and Sprinkler Repair can diagnose your drainage issues and design a Drainage System to fit your specific needs.

We install many types of drains including: French Drains, Channel Drains, Surface Drains, Basin Drains, Trench Drains, Basement Drains, and Sump Pumps.

gravel colored

Colored Gravel for a French Drain

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

Servicing all of Central and Western Oklahoma since 1993.

Sprinkler Repair Facts

 

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.

 

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.

Programming can be difficult for homeowners.  We can help with programming or replace a Sprinkler Module if it is defective.

Start Time Programming

“Start Time” programing many times is confusing for homeowners.  The definition of a Start Time is a time that is chosen for the sprinkler system to start watering.  It causes zone 1 to start running.  When zone 1 is finished it automatically stops and zone 2 begins.  When Zone 2 is complete it stops and zone 3 begins.  Simple enough Right!  This continues until the last zone programed available runs.

The confusion begins when people think that a time needs to be set to start zone 2 and 3 and so on.  This is not the case.  They follow zone 1 which has the only Start Time programmed into the controller.

Be Careful with Multiple Start Times, just use One at first.

Sprinkler Controllers have a feature providing multiple start times, up to 4 Start Times are usually available.  These additional start times are only used when a person wants to run the entire system more than once in a 24-hour period.

For Example, the first Start Time is set at 9Am.  Zone 1 begins to run at 9am.  When Zone 1 is done, say 10 minutes later, Zone 2 begins and runs for 10 minutes, then zone 3 follows and so on.  By 10 am let’s say all the zones have run.  Let’s say 8 hours later you have a second start time at 6 Pm.  Zone 1 comes on and runs and by 7pm all the zones have run again.  So, the controller has 2 start times which have caused the Sprinkler System to run start to finish twice in a 24-hour period.

Here is the big problem!  Some Homeowners believe the second start time is to start zone 2 running.  They also think that the 3rd start time is to start zone 3 and the 4-start time is to run zone 4.  No!!

So, this is how they program the controller.  At 9am they have a start time and zone 1 starts.  The homeowner programs a second start time at 9:10 am to mistakenly start zone 2.  Nope!  It starts zone 1 all over again.  At 9:2o they have a 3rd start time for zone 3.  Nope!  It starts zone 1 for a third time.  Now the controller is stuck in a loop and zone 1 runs constantly and won’t shut off.

If Sprinkler Controller Programming is confusing?  Make sure you only have One Start Time!

“Run Time,” is completed Next.  It determines how long each zone runs.  Zone One 10 Minutes,     Zone Two, 15 Minutes, Zone Three 8 Minutes.  You can set how long you want each zone to run.

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.

We started with the Valves

The Sprinkler Valves were located in the back yard near the pool.  Six valves were located in one place.  They were very tightly connected in one Manifold.  None of the Sprinkler Valves had worked in a long time.  They were Toro Valves that were over 20 years old.  They all had to be replaced.

Surprisingly there was no shut-off valve for the Sprinkler Water.  The water had to be shut off at the Meter so we could install a Manual Shut off valve.  Once installed, the water was turned back on that ran to the house.   The water that ran to the Sprinkler System was shut off with our New Shut Off Valve.

Rainbird Sprinkler Valve

Rainbird Sprinkler Valve

The Sprinkler Valves Were Removed

Now, the 6 valves had to replaced.  The valves that were used were made by Rain Bird.  Before we began, I had to talk to the Customer.  The previous valve design was a bad idea to repeat.

The original Sprinkler Valves were crammed into one large valve box in one very tight manifold.  This is bad because the valves were too close to the fittings.  Simply put, if one valve had to be replaced or worked on in the future, all 6 valves had to be taken out and replaced.   If one valve was bad and 5 worked fine, they all still had to be replaced.

That’s Stupid!

I recommended that an additional Valve Box be installed putting 3 valves in each Valve Box.  This would allow plenty of space between the valve fittings.  If one Sprinkler Valve had to be adjusted or replaced in the future, the other 5 valves need not be disturbed.  Simple Enough!

Check For Leaks

Once the valves were replaced and working, it was time to turn on each Sprinkler Zone, one at a time.  Water was shooting up from the ground in several places in zone 1.  Two broken Sprinkler Pipes and 5 bad Sprinkler Heads in zone 1 had to be fixed and replaced.  We went through each of the 6 zones in similar fashion fixing lots of leaks and replacing bad sprinkler heads.

The Sprinkler Repair Cost About Half of the Cost of Completely New System.

Rotor and Pop-Up Sprinkler Heads

Rotor and Pop-Up Sprinkler Heads

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.

Sprinkler Head Adjustment is a service provided by Oklahoma Drainage and Sprinkler Repair.  We have adjusted sprinkler heads since 1993.

Many times, Sprinkler heads get, “Out of Wack.”  Lawn mowers and weed eaters are notorious for this.  Sprinkler heads start spraying water in the wrong place.  It is frustrating to water concrete while plants and grass go without moisture.

Pop-Up Sprinkler Heads

Pop-Up Sprinkler Heads can be adjusted several ways.  How far water goes to the left or right can be increased or decreased.  The distance the water goes can also be increased or decreased.  Finally, how high a sprinkler head pops up can be increased or decreased by installing a taller or shorter head.

Sometimes sprinkler heads spray a reduced distance and don’t perform very well due to water scale.  Minerals in the water can completely clog a Pop-Up.  Usually, the sprinkler nozzle on top of the sprinkler head, need only be replaced without replacing the entire head.

Rotor Sprinkler Heads also can be adjusted to the left or right.  Spray Distance can be increased or decreased as well.

Needs Change

What’s going on in your yard can change.  This calls for Sprinkler Head Adjustment.  Adding or removing a swimming pool changes everything concerning sprinkler heads.  Any number of things can change the necessary sprinkler head coverage.

 

 

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

Providing Expert Sprinkler RepairBroken Sprinkler Pipes Sprinkler Head AdjustmentSprinkler 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

Check out Sprinkler System Check-Up

 

Channel Drain In Edmond Oklahoma,

 

Channel Drains are a type of Surface Drain.  They are long and thin with a composite or metal grate.  Most of the time a Channel Drain is set in concrete.

 

Oklahoma Drainage 405 203 9419 — We provide:

    French Drain Installation, Surface Drain Installation, Drainage System Installation

Oklahoma Drainage Installs Channel DrainsSurface Drains and French Drains.  Some times 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,       

Two Sizes of Sump Pumps

Pump Size refers to how powerful it is not how physically large it is.  For Home or Small Business use a 1/3 Horse or a 1/2 Horse Works Best.  Larger Pumps such as a 1 Horse Pump must be ordered by a supplier and must be Hard Wired to 220 voltage by an electrician.

 

 
Drain Definitions 

 

Water Standing in your yard can be tricky.

Designing a Drainage System to intercept the Surface Water is the first step, but many times is not the only step.  Often Sub-Surface Water( Water Running Under Ground ) is not accounted for by people with less experience in designing Drainage Systems.  They install A Drainage System that uses Surface Drains to Intercept the running surface water.  Sometimes that works if that is the only water source to the Problem Drainage Area.

Surface Drains drain surface water away only.  Sub Surface water runs right around them and into the same Problem Drainage Area.  There may be less water there than there was before but the problem still remains.

A French Drain is the solution when water is running into a problem area over the surface and under ground.  A French Drain solves both problems and the area will be dry.

French Drain Running Through Low Areas

French Drain with stepping stones and River Rock

French Drain With River Rock and Stepping Stones

 

Drain Definitions 

WHAT SIZE DRAIN PIPE FOR FRENCH DRAINS?

French Drains can be decorated with many types of stone 
French Drains can be decorated with many types of stone

French Drains can utilize  several types and sizes of French Drain Pipe.  An older type that is not commonly used any more is 4 inch PVC Pipe with large half inch holes drilled in the Pipe.  This doesn’t work very well,   Because the holes are too large and the number of holes in the French Drain Pipe are too few.  Also there is no filter or “Soc” around this particular French Drain Pipe.  If it is used in sandy or loose soil the holes will clog and the pipe will fill up with sand.  PVC French Drain Pipe should be avoided.

ADS French Drain Pipe is much better, the holes are smaller and much more numerous.  It also comes inside a soc that acts as a filter and helps keep sand and debris out of the French Drain Pipe.  It works very well.

 

For Small business and Residential French Drains, Four inch ADS Perf/Soc French Drain pipe is adequate and the most common.  It is used for the majority of all French Drains installed.  French Drains can be installed using 3 inch ADS Perf/Soc but many times it is too small and can be overwhelmed by a heavy rain or from a bad design.  (Too many gutter down spouts connected directly into the French Drain, For Example)  Three Inch French Drain Pipe should be avoided if possible.

Six inch  ADS Perf/Soc French Drain Pipe is usually a good idea when possible.  It carries a much larger volume of water.  Six Inch French Drains are rarely overwhelmed.

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.

Sump pump Installation in Oklahoma City and all of Central and Western Oklahoma.

Sump Pumps are the only way to get water out of a basement. We install Sump Pumps too.  A French Drain or A Surface Drain Needs a Sump Pump when it is up hill in all directions from the drain.  When water can’t flow downhill to the exit of a Channel Drain, a Sump Pump is needed.

Two Sizes of Sump Pumps

Pump Size refers to how powerful it is not how physically large it is.  For Home or Small Business use a 1/3 Horse or a 1/2 Horse Works Best.  Larger Pumps such as a 1 Horse Pump must be ordered by a supplier and must be Hard Wired to 220 voltage by an electrician.

 

 

 

Do you have water standing in your yard, on your driveway, on your sidewalk, in your basement, or leaking into your home?

Oklahoma Drainage and Sprinkler Repair – can help with the installation of a: French Drain, Surface Drain, Channel Drain, Basement Drain, Trench Drain, Basin Drain, or Sump Pump.  We will Diagnose your Drainage Problem and Design a Drainage System Just for your needs.

We also provide Expert Sprinkler RepairSprinkler Valves, Sprinkler Heads, Controllers, we service it all.

Oklahoma Drainage and Sprinkler Repair now also installs or repairs Frost Free Facets.

We service all of Central and Western Oklahoma. Sump Pumps can be connected to French Drains.  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)

Clean Water

A “Clean” pump must pump water that is relatively clean, or it will clog up after a while.  ” 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.

Installing concrete channel drain

Setting the concrete around the channel drain

Sump Pump Cavity connected to a Channel Drain

french drain near a fence
French Drain Installed in Edmond
 

Sump Pump connected to a French Drain.

 

 
Oklahoma Drainage and Sprinkler Repair install 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 27 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

 
 
  Drainage Systems and 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 underground (through sandy soil), A French Drain is the only Solution for draining away water flowing underground.
6 Inch French Drain

6 Inch French Drain

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!

Sump Pump Service

Oklahoma Drainage 405 203 9419 — We provide:

    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.

Two Sizes of Sump Pumps

Pump Size refers to how powerful it is not how physically large it is.  For Home or Small Business use a 1/3 Horse or a 1/2 Horse Works Best.  Larger Pumps such as a 1 Horse Pump must be ordered by a supplier and must be Hard Wired to 220 voltage by an electrician.

 

Sump Pump Installation
Sump Pump Installation

 

French Drain Running Through Low Areas

French Drain with stepping stones

WHAT SIZE DRAINPIPE FOR FRENCH DRAINS?

French Drains can be decorated with many types of stone
French Drains can be decorated with many types of stone

French Drains can utilize several types and sizes of French Drainpipe.  An older type that is not commonly used any more is 4 inch PVC Pipe with large half inch holes drilled in the Pipe.  This doesn’t work very well,   Because the holes are too large and the number of holes in the French Drainpipe are too few.

 Also there is no filter or “Soc” around this particular French Drainpipe.  If it is used in sandy or loose soil the holes will clog and the pipe will fill up with sand.  PVC French Drainpipe should be avoided.

ADS French Drainpipe 

is much better, the holes are smaller and much more numerous.  It also comes inside a soc that acts as a filter and helps keep sand and debris out of the French Drainpipe.  It works very well.

French Drain in flowerbed
French Drain in flowerbed

For Small business and Residential French Drains, four-inch ADS Perf/Soc French Drainpipe is adequate and the most common.  It is used for the majority of all French Drains installed.  French Drains can be installed using 3 inch ADS Perf/Soc but many times it is too small and can be overwhelmed by a heavy rain or from a bad design.  (Too many gutter down spouts connected directly into the French Drain, For Example) Three Inch French Drainpipe should be avoided if possible.

Six inch  ADS Perf/Soc French Drainpipe is usually a good idea when possible.  It carries a much larger volume of water.  Six Inch French Drains are rarely overwhelmed.

NDS Channel Drain Composite Grey Connected to 4 Inch ADS Solid Drain Pipe

Driveway Channel Drain

Sump Pump Connected to Channel Drain

 

Do you have water standing in your yard, on your driveway, on your sidewalk, in your basement, or leaking into your home?

Oklahoma Drainage – can help with the installation of a: French Drain, Surface Drain, Channel Drain, Basement Drain, Trench Drain, Basin Drain, or Sump Pump.  We will Diagnose your Drainage Problem and Design a Drainage System Just for your needs.

 

We service all of Central and Western Oklahoma.

 

Sump Pumps can be connected to French Drains.  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 Pump installation

Sump Pump Fed by a Driveway Channel Drain

Two Sizes of Sump Pumps

Pump Size refers to how powerful it is not how physically large it is.  For Home or Small Business use a 1/3 Horse or a 1/2 Horse Works Best.  Larger Pumps such as a 1 Horse Pump must be ordered by a supplier and must be Hard Wired to 220 voltage by an electrician.

 

Installing concrete channel drain

Setting the concrete around the channel drain

Sump Pump Drain Cavity Connected to Channel Drain

Sump Pump Connected to Channel Drain


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

Oklahoma Drainage   

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 32 years, we have installed French Drains to keep water away from home and business foundations. Surface Drains can keep water away from sidewalks and driveways. Trench Drains, and French Drains to keep standing water out of flowerbeds and yards. a

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. 

If water is running toward your home underground (through sandy soil), A French Drain is the only Solution  for draining away water flowing underground.

 

6 Inch French Drain

6 Inch French Drain

 

 

Sump Pump Experts

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.  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.   Once 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

Two Sizes of Sump Pumps

Pump Size refers to how powerful it is not how physically large it is.  For Home or Small Business use a 1/3 Horse or a 1/2 Horse Works Best.  Larger Pumps such as a 1 Horse Pump must be ordered by a supplier and must be Hard Wired to 220 voltage by an electrician.

 

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.

Building a large custom sump cavity.

 

Larger Sump Cavity

Larger Volume Sump Cavity

 

Large volume

custom sump cavities collect a large volume of water before the sump pump turns on.   Once on the Sump pump works for several minutes before turning off.  Once empty the larger sump cavity takes a longer time to refill again.  Which gives the pump a longer time to cool off and rest.

A sump pump in a large cavity will last much longer than one in a small cavity.

Installing Sump Pump

Oklahoma Drainage

recently diagnosed a Drainage Problem in South Oklahoma City.

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 Drainpipe.  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 Drain installed under walkway.

French Drain walk way

French Drain Installed along and under walk way to pool.

 

Finished French Drain

Completed French Drain under walkway

French Drains, 

           Surface Drains,

                        Channel Drains,

                                  Sump Pumps

Oklahoma Drainage and Sprinkler Repair

Installation Can Be Tricky

French Drain Installation can be tricky sometimes.  Recently we installed a French Drain in Norman with very little “Fall”.  This means that the “Intake” For the Drainage System is close to the same level as the “Exit.”  Simply Put, it is hard to make a Drain work if it isn’t ” Down Hill,” to where the water is going.

This was the Situation for the French Drain we installed last week in Norman.  The standing water was in the back yard.  There was only one direction that we could take the unwanted water to drain away.  In this case it was only slightly downhill.  The French Drain was installed at a shallow level in the back yard.  The solid drainpipe that was attached ran from the back yard, along the side of the house to a curb outlet at the street.

The Trench

As the trench for the Drainpipe was dug, it had to start shallow and slowly get slightly deeper as it approached the street.  This was an absolute Precision Job.  The trench could not be even an inch too deep or too shallow along its course.

At the street, a Pop-Up” Emitter could not be used.  It would cause the water to stop flowing.  Two Install a Pop-up Emitter at the Exit of any Drainage System, There must be at least 6 inches of “Fall” from the Drain to the Exit.

In Our Case, we only had 3 inches of fall to work with.

The solution was to Cut the curb and Install a Curb Outlet.

This process involves cutting the Curb with a concrete saw and placing a rectangular Curb outlet in the empty space.  We then put acrylic concrete around the outlet to make it look nice.

The fact that the outlet is square or rectangular is very important.

You Don’t Want a Round Outlet!

Many times I look at Round Curb outlets installed by my competitors and just shake my head!  This is a mistake.  Round Curb outlets are bad when the Drainage System is at Max Capacity and the pipe is completely full.  Air needs to be able to get into the pipe at the curb to ensure that the Drainage System can work at its Max.

The Drain will work with a Round Outlet, Just not very well.

Have you ever tried to Pour liquid out of a Jug or 2-liter bottle holding it completely upside down?

The Drain and Stops and Starts as the liquid comes out.  “It Chugs” and struggles to get air up inside the hole.  It doesn’t work very well.

A Square Outlet allows air to constantly flow into the top corners of the Curb Outlet.

As a result, Much more water is moved in the same size pipe.

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

Providing Expert Sprinkler RepairBroken Sprinkler PipesSprinkler Head AdjustmentSprinkler Valve Replacement

Servicing all of Central and Western Oklahoma since 1993.

channel drain driveway

Channel Drain set in Driveway

FRENCH DRAIN IN EDMOND OKLAHOMA

Oklahoma Drainage and Sprinkler RepairFrench Drain Installation, Drainage System Design, Expert Lawn Sprinkler Repair, Drain Repair 

Recently Oklahoma Drainage and Sprinkler Repair installed a large 6 inch French Drain in Edmond.  The customer had water running under his back porch step and into his basement.

We did a Free Drainage Diagnostic and Estimate.

The French Drain design that we proposed would intercept the surface water and subsurface water that was flowing under the steps.

The design called for a 6-inch French Drain to be installed above and several feet away from the steps.  It would run around the house parallel to the foundation and about 5 feet to the East.

It would run past the steps to a point where water must cross the French Drain or run up hill to the steps which in this case was not possible.

Once past the steps, the French Drain would transition to Solid 6-inch Drainpipe and continue on around the house to the Pop-Up Emitter downhill in the side yard.  Along the way we attached several Gutter Down Spouts into the French Drain.

 

Mustang Sump Pump Installation. Oklahoma Drainage and Sprinkler Installs and services Sump Pumps.  Our first sump pump installation was in Norman in 1993 on the West side in Brookhaven.

Recently we serviced a Sump Pump for a customer who lives off of Mustang Rd.  The Sump Pump Float was stuck on the side of the sump cavity.  The Sump Pump was turned to free up the float.  In this case the pump did not need to be replaced and continued to work just fine! Sump Pumps are the only way to get water out of a basement. 

A French Drain or A Surface Drain Needs a Sump Pump when it is up hill in all directions from the drain.  When water can’t flow downhill to the exit of a Channel Drain, a Sump Pump is needed.

Two Sizes of Sump Pumps

Pump Size refers to how powerful it is not how physically large it is.  For Home or Small Business use a 1/3 Horse or a 1/2 Horse Works Best.  Larger Pumps such as a 1 Horse Pump must be ordered by a supplier and must be Hard Wired to 220 voltage by an electrician.

 

Do you have water standing in your yard, on your driveway, on your sidewalk, in your basement, or leaking into your home?

Oklahoma Drainage and Sprinkler Repair – can help with the installation of a: French Drain, Surface Drain, Channel Drain, Basement Drain, Trench Drain, Basin Drain, or Sump Pump.  We will Diagnose your Drainage Problem and Design a Drainage System Just for your needs.

We also provide Expert Sprinkler RepairSprinkler Valves, Sprinkler Heads, Controllers, we service it all.

Oklahoma Drainage and Sprinkler Repair now also installs or repairs Frost Free Facets.

We service all of Central and Western Oklahoma. Sump Pumps can be connected to French Drains.  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)

Clean Water

A “Clean” pump must pump water that is relatively clean, or it will clog up after a while.  ” 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.

Installing concrete channel drain

Setting the concrete around the channel drain

Sump Pump Cavity connected to a Channel Drain

french drain near a fence
French Drain Installed in Edmond
 
Sump Pump connected to a French Drain.  
 
Oklahoma Drainage and Sprinkler Repair install 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 33 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

Steppingstones on a French Drain

 
 
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 underground (through sandy soil), A French Drain is the only Solution for draining away water flowing underground.
6 Inch French Drain

6 Inch French Drain

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 Installation, Oklahoma City, Norman, Edmond, Lawton

Oklahoma Drainage 405 203 9419 — We provide:

    French Drain Installation, Surface Drain Installation, Drainage System Installation

 

 

 FRENCH DRAIN IN EDMOND OKLAHOMA,

DRAINAGE CONTRACTOR Oklahoma Drainage and Recently installed a large 6 inch French Drain in Edmond.  The customer had water running under his back porch step and into his basement.  We did a Free Drainage Diagnostic and Estimate.  The French Drain design that we proposed would intercept the surface water and subsurface water that was flowing under the steps.  

The French Drain design called for a 6-inch French Drain to be installed above and several feet away from the steps.  It would run around the house parallel to the foundation and about 5 feet to the East.  The French Drain would run past the steps to a point where water must cross the French Drain or run up hill to the steps which in this case was not possible.  

Once past the steps, the French Drain would transition to Solid 6-inch Drainpipe and continue on around the house to the Pop-Up Emitter downhill in the side yard.  Along the way we attached several Gutter Down Spouts into the French Drain.

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.  I install a trench liner in a French Drain every time.  Most of the time a liner in not needed.

Large Water Volume

 
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.
Curb Outlet for French Drain in Edmond

Curb Outlet for French Drain in Edmond

Running French Drain Pipe Under Sidewalk

Running French Drainpipe Under Sidewalk

 

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 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.
 
 

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.   
 
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 steppingstones or landscaping rocks.  Many French Drains are hidden under rock walk ways.      

French Drain Running Through Low Areas in Yukon

French Drain Running Through Low Areas in Yukon

 

Installing a Drain Pipe For a French Drain that Releases water through a Pop-Up Emitter at the Street

Installing a Drainpipe for a French Drain that Releases water through a Pop-Up Emitter at the Street

 

Channel Drain in Oklahoma City

Channel Drain in Oklahoma City

 

Sump Pump Service

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.  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.   Once 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

Two Sizes of Sump Pumps

Pump Size refers to how powerful it is not how physically large it is.  For Home or Small Business use a 1/3 Horse or a 1/2 Horse Works Best.  Larger Pumps such as a 1 Horse Pump must be ordered by a supplier and must be Hard Wired to 220 voltage by an electrician.

 

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.

Building a large custom sump cavity.

 

Larger Sump Cavity

Larger Volume Sump Cavity

 

Large volume

custom sump cavities collect a large volume of water before the sump pump turns on.   Once on the Sump pump works for several minutes before turning off.  Once empty the larger sump cavity takes a longer time to refill again.  Which gives the pump a longer time to cool off and rest.

A sump pump in a large cavity will last much longer than one in a small cavity.

Installing Sump Pump

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.

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 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.

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 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.

 

 

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.

 

 

Moore Oklahoma French Drain Installation, French Drain Repair

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

Oklahoma Drainage 405 203 9419 — We provide:

    French Drain Installation, Surface Drain Installation, Drainage System Installation

Servicing all of Central and Western Oklahoma

A good place for a French Drain

 

FRENCH DRAIN CONNECTED TO GUTTERS

Many different types of Drains can be hooked together by one Drainpipe.  The Drainpipe 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.  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 Drainpipe 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.

Connecting Gutter into French Drain System

Connecting Gutter into French Drain System

 

One Problem

with connecting Gutter Down Spouts into a French Drain is overwhelming the Drainage System with too much water.  Three Gutter Down Spouts is usually OK to connect into a French Drain.  More than 3 Down Spouts can be too many.  The Drainage System Design should also take into account the size of the French Drain and the Gutters.  If you have a large, long French Drain or over-sized gutters, the number of Gutter Down Spouts connected into the French Drain Should be reduced.

This problem can usually be solved by increasing the size of the French Drainpipe.  This usually means moving up from a 4 inch French Drainpipe to a 6 inch French Drainpipe.  Four inch is the most common size of French Drainpipe.  If you have more than 3 gutter Down Spouts to connect, you should move up to a 6 inch French Drainpipe.

Gutter connected straight into 6 inch French Drain System

Gutter connected straight into 6 inch French Drain System

Sump Pump with French Drain

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.  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.  When 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

Two Sizes of Sump Pumps

Pump Size refers to how powerful it is not how physically large it is.  For Home or Small Business use a 1/3 Horse or a 1/2 Horse Works Best.  Larger Pumps such as a 1 Horse Pump must be ordered by a supplier and must be Hard Wired to 220 voltage by an electrician.

 

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.

Building a large custom sump cavity.

 

Larger Sump Cavity

Larger Volume Sump Cavity

 

Large volume

custom sump cavities collect a large volume of water before the sump pump turns on.   Once on the Sump pump works for several minutes before turning off.  Once empty the larger sump cavity takes a longer time to refill again.  Which gives the pump a longer time to cool off and rest.

A sump pump in a large cavity will last much longer than one in a small cavity.

Installing Sump Pump

 

French Drain under walk way

French Drain installed under walkway

drain under walkway

French Drain under walkway completed

IF YOU NEED WATER DRAINED AWAY FROM YOUR HOME OR BUSINESS CALL OKLAHOMA DRAINAGE   405-203 9419

 

Oklahoma Drainage and all types of Drainage Systems and French Drains.  French Drain Installation is a primary focus for us.

 

Oklahoma Drainage has been providing  French Drain Systems since 1993 for all of Central and Western Oklahoma.

If you would like to schedule an appointment or have a question, Call or Text to 405 203 9419

  

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.

A Trench Liner is sometimes used depending on the Drainage System Design and the type of soil.   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.

A trench is dug several inches wider than the French Drainpipe that is being used. This leaves space for the gravel or crushed limestone.

There are several sizes of French Drain Pipe.   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 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.

Trench Liner and Pipe Filter installed Below

french drain installation

French Drain Installation with trench liner and Pipe filter

A Trench liner should be placed in the trench before the perforated pipe is installed, and the gravel is filled in on top.  This will ensure that the gravel stays clean and the French Drain Does not clog.

The limestone or gravel is placed in the trench on top of the perforated Drain Pipe and filled all the way to the surface (ground level).

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.

What it is Designed For

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.

Grass Growing Over French Drain

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.

No 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

Basic Information

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.

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.

We install Many types of Drains

 We install   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 stepping stones

 

 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, giveus 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.

We install 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.   405 203 9419

Most Common Drain

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 downhill 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 Drainpipe.  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.

 

Yukon Sump Pump Installation

 

Yukon Oklahoma French Drain Installation.  We also Install Surface Drains and Channel Drains set in dirt or concrete.  Sump Pump Installation is also available.

Oklahoma Drainage – 405 203 9419

Sump pump Installation in Oklahoma City and all of Central and Western Oklahoma. Sump Pumps are the only way to get water out of a basement. We install Sump Pumps too.  A French Drain or A Surface Drain Needs a Sump Pump when it is up hill in all directions from the drain.  When water can’t flow downhill to the exit of a Channel Drain, a Sump Pump is needed.

Two Sizes of Sump Pumps

Pump Size refers to how powerful it is not how physically large it is.  For Home or Small Business use a 1/3 Horse or a 1/2 Horse Works Best.  Larger Pumps such as a 1 Horse Pump must be ordered by a supplier and must be Hard Wired to 220 voltage by an electrician.

 

    Do you have water standing in your yard, on your driveway, on your sidewalk, in your basement, or leaking into your home?

Oklahoma Drainage and Sprinkler Repair – can help with the installation of a: French Drain, Surface Drain, Channel Drain, Basement Drain, Trench Drain, Basin Drain, or Sump Pump.  We will Diagnose your Drainage Problem and Design a Drainage System Just for your needs.

We also provide Expert Sprinkler Repair.

Sprinkler Valves, Sprinkler Heads, Controllers, we service it all.

Oklahoma Drainage and Sprinkler Repair now also installs or repairs Frost Free Facets.

We service all of Central and Western Oklahoma. Sump Pumps can be connected to French Drains.  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

Edmond Sump Pump Installation

Clean Water

A “Clean” pump must pump water that is relatively clean, or it will clog up after a while.  ” 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.

Installing concrete channel drain

Setting the concrete around the channel drain

Making a Larger Sump Cavity

 

Building Large sump pump cavity

Building Large Sump Pump Cavity

Sump Pump Cavity connected to a Channel Drain

FRENCH DRAIN INSTALLATION IN EDMOND OKLAHOMA

 

 

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. 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.

Running Drain Pipe across Front Yard for a French Drain

Running Drainpipe across Front Yard for a French Drain

 

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 Drain Pipe or Solid Drain Pipe depending on the Drainage System Design.  Water will flow downhill 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.  

Cutting The Curb and Installing Curb Fitting for French Drain

Cutting The Curb and Installing Curb Fitting for French Drain

 

Installing Cement around Curb Fitting for French Drain

Installing Cement around Curb Fitting for French Drain