Posts Tagged ‘Edmond French Drain installation’

Gutter Connection to French Drain.  Oklahoma Drainage Recommends connection of Gutter Downspouts to French Drains where possible.

Water coming from the Gutter Downspout is moving faster than the water already in the French Drain.  It causes suction in the French Drain Behind the Gutter.  The additional suction causes the French Drain to work even better than normal, moving more water faster.  This is called the ” Bernoulli Principle.”

French Drains are Designed to protect foundations.

What is a French Drain? Click if you arent sure.

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.

Connecting Gutter into French Drain System

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.  Quotes are Free.

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

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

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

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

Servicing All of Central and Western Oklahoma Since 1993.

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.”

Sometimes, 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.

Gutter Downspouts

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

French Drain Installation

Gutter connected to French Drain.

French Drains Protect Foundations, Oklahoma City, Edmond, Norman, Lawton

Oklahoma Drainage 405 203 9419 — We provide:

    French Drain Installation, Surface Drain Installation, Drainage System Installation

FRENCH DRAINS PROTECT FOUNDATIONS

When homes are sold many times a “Structural Engineer” is required to inspect a home.  Many times, when water damage has occurred a Structural Engineer will recommend a French Drain Installation to protect foundations, Driveways, and Sidewalks.  It can protect them from further water damage.

A French Drain protects foundations, and anything else made of concrete when installed correctly.

 

Standing Water

Standing Water Needs a French Drain

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

French Drain With Colored Gravel in Oklahoma City

French Drain with Colored Gravel in Oklahoma City

 

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 DrainsChannel Drains and Sump Pumps. Are most commonly used.

Edmond Channel Drain

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

French Drain in Edmond Oklahoma

French Drain in Edmond Oklahoma

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.

 

French Drain or Surface 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.

Gravel Or Limestone

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.  Pipe running to street form French Drain in back yard.

Pipe running to street form French Drain in back yard.

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

Downfall of a French Drain

The main downfall of a French Drain is that they, for the most part 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 a French Drain with Dirt!

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

Installing a Curb Outlet for a French Drain in Oklahoma City

Installing a Curb Outlet for a French Drain in Oklahoma City

 

French Drains Protect Foundations

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 walkways.

 

French Drain with stepping stones

French Drain with steppingstones

Oklahoma Drainage Installs Drainage Systems,  and provides Expert Sprinkler System Repair.

Our Drainage Systems utilize French Drains, Surface Drains, Channel Drains, and Sump Pumps.  

We Service all of Central Oklahoma including: Norman, Moore, Edmond, Yukon, Mustang, Oklahoma City, Midwest City, Del City, Blanchard, Newcastle, Purcell and Chickasha.

Back-Flow-Valve Service, Sprinkler Repair

Oklahoma Drainage and Sprinkler Repair Provides Service for Back-Flow-Valves and all types of Lawn Sprinkler Repair and Service.  We have provided Expert Service for all of Central and Western Oklahoma Since 1993.

Back-Flow-Valves

There are two types of Back-Flow-Valves.

Above Ground

Above Ground Back-Flow-Valve

Above Ground Back-Flow-Valve.

 

Below Ground Back-Flow-Valve.

Below Ground Back-Flow-Valve

Below Ground Back-Flow-Valve

What is a Back-Flow-Valve?

A Back-Flow-Valve is a part of a Lawn Sprinkler System.  Water passes through it from the water source which can be a Water Meter or a Well Pump.  It forces water to travel in only one direction from the source to the sprinkler system.  It can’t travel backward back to the water source which again is a water meter or well pump.

A Back-Flow-Valve provides protection to the water source from back pressure and chemical contamination from lawn fertilizer.

Most Cities require a Back-Flow-Valve as “Code” for Sprinkler Installation.

Emergency Shut off

Back-Flow-Valves usually have an Emergency Shutoff valve on them that can shut off the water to the lawn sprinkler system but keep the water turned on to the home. Most Back-Flow-Valves have two Emergency Shut off Handles.  Either one will work.  Many times, they are hard to turn, however.

If there is a leak or water is shooting up in the air just turn the valve handle and give us a call.

In ground Back-Flow-Valve

Blue Emergency Shutoff handles for a Back-Flow-Valve.

Norman Sprinkler Checkup is a Central Focus for Oklahoma Drainage.  We Performed or first Sprinkler Repair in Norman in 1993.  It was in Brookhaven on the West side of Norman.

Recently we had a customer in Oklahoma City who wanted to move his Sprinkler Valves.  They were in a bad place in his flower bed.  He wanted to plant a tree where the valves were located.

We moved 4 Sprinkler Valves about feet out into the yard.  All the Sprinkler Pipes had to be redesigned and installed matching the new location and maintaining full functionality.

 

Water in Floor Vents.

 

French Drain, Dry Floor Vents, Keeps Water out of AC Ducts.

Heavy Rain seems to happen more and more.  When Surface Water and Sub Surface water runs toward a home it can move through the soil and into the floor vents.

Water in a home’s floor vents can be bad!  It causes rust and mold which leads to all kinds of other problems.

A FRENCH DRAIN CAN KEEP WATER OUT OF AIR CONDITIONING DUCTS.

 

It intercepts ground water and surface water before it reaches your home.

Structural Engineers recommend French Drain Installation to protect Foundations, Driveways and Sidewalks from water damage.

Fixing a Foundation or a Driveway cost more than installing a French Drain.

 

French Drain Installation can prevent water from getting into your air conditioner floor ducts.

 

 

A common Drainage Problem

for people in Central Oklahoma is ground water seeping into floor air conditioner  ducts.  This can cause very costly damage to a home or business.  Water-proofing Ducts, or even worse, trying to remove mold from duct work can cost big bucks.   Structural Engineers typically recommend French Drain Installation to keep water out of ducts.

French Drains catch and remove sub-surface water that is traveling underground toward a foundation. It is intercepted by the French Drain before it can seep under the building in question.   Because this water is not usually seen, it may not be taken into consideration when diagnosing drainage problems.  Surface Water traveling to a problem area is obvious as it flows on the surface in plain sight.

We have 32 years of experience Diagnosing Drainage Problems.  We always check for sub-surface water flow into any Problem Drainage Area.  Again, French Drains are intended to handle water moving both underground and above ground.

 

French Drains

can also be used to remove water that is standing in a large area such as up against a foundation or along a fence.  French Drains don’t do so well in tight small areas.  These areas are best suited for a Surface Drain with a grate.  Many times, we install French Drains along foundations after a homeowner has spent large amounts of money on foundation repair.

Several Foundation Repair companies and Duct waterproofing companies recommend Oklahoma Drainage.   Typically, we install a French Drain by itself or as part of a Drainage System  after they have completed their repairs to the foundation or duct work.

 

 

 

Drainage Problems occur in all types of places.

 

Water can stand along fences or driveways, or in yards and flowerbeds.   Damage can be done to sidewalks and in yards.  Finding a good Drainage Solution usually involves a French Drain.

 

French Drain Running Through Low Areas in Yukon

French Drain Running Through Low Areas in Yukon

Oklahoma Drainage provides quality service for central Oklahoma.  If you live in Norman and need a French Drain, or if you live in Oklahoma City and want a Channel Drain installed across your driveway, give us a call.

We have installed Drainage Systems and French Drains in:  Oklahoma City, Edmond, Moore, Midwest City, Norman, Yukon, Mustang, Del City, Blanchard, Newcastle and all surrounding areas.

Recently we installed a French Drain in Norman.

Our customer had water running down the hill from his neighbor’s Sprinkler System into the North wall of his house.  Over time the ground became saturated, and water seeped under the wall and into his floor air conditioning vents.

We installed a 4-inch French Drain along the North wall of his house to provide a barrier to the continuous water flow.  In a few days the moss that was growing on the side of his house began to die from lack of water.  A Duct company came in and cleaned out is vents.  The French Drain removed the surface and sub surface water that was flowing into his home.   Problem solved.

 

Sprinkler Repair

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.

 

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

 

 

French Drain Installation

French Drain Installation was the first job we ever completed back in 1993.

It all began for Oklahoma Drainage in 1993.  We installed our first French Drain South of HW 9 near the golf course.

Business Started Slowly.  There was no website or other forms of Advertisement.  Just Paper signs staked on the side of the road.

Since then, we have helped over 5000 customers in central and Western Oklahoma.

French Drain Under concrete

French Drain Under Concrete

French Drain in Norman

Recently Oklahoma Drainage installed a 6-inch French Drain for a customer in East Norman.  She had water coming down the hill in her back yard, on to her patio, and into her back door.  Also there was water standing on the side of her house.  Water was standing near the AC unit.  Water was standing by the South side garage door too.

We installed a 6 inch French Drain all the way around the house with 2 curb outlets, One on the North Side of the driveway, and one on the South.

We also connected 4 Gutter Down Spouts directly into the French Drain which made the Drainage System more efficient and caused suction in the French drain improving performance and preventing Vapor Lock during Flooding Situations.

This Design Solved all their water problems and was tested with a heavy rain the day after work was completed.

What Size French Drainpipe is Available

When installing a Drainage System of any type, a decision must be made on the size of Drain Pipe used.  Typically, 6-inch, 4 inch, and 3 inches are the most common in Residential Drainage Systems.

 

If you have one or two 6-inch Surface Drains or a stretch of French Drain that is less than 10 feet, then a 3 inch drain pipe can be used.   Three-inch drainpipe is used for low volume applications.

4 inch and 6 inch

4 inch and 6-inch Drain Pipe

If you have two or three 12 inch Surface Drains or a stretch of French Drain that is 60 feet or less, then 4-inch drainpipe should do the job.

If you have Six 12-inch Surface Drains or less or 100 Feet of French Drain, Then the use of 6 inch drain pipe becomes necessary.

two French Drain

100 feet of French drain

Drainage Limitations

These numbers can be exceeded.  More Surface Drains or French Drain can be added to the above listing.  As a result, the drainpipe will be overwhelmed at times of heavy rain.  If it is OK with you for your French Drains or Surface Drains to Stand Underwater for a while.  In most cases the Drainage System can catch up and clear the excess water away.  How long it stays underwater varies from one application to another.

Slope is a big consideration.  If your drainpipe runs downhill nicely and the water moves quickly, then you can exceed the above numbers.  If you have very little slope and your Drainpipe only runs downhill slightly, then installing fewer drains is definitely a good idea.

Connecting a gutter downspout to a drain that only has a small slope is always a good idea.  The water on the roof has nice velocity when it comes out the gutter and into the drainpipe.  It speeds up the water movement when the slope ins’t very good.  It also causes suction behind the gutter downspout in the French Drain or Surface Drain that you have installed.

Oklahoma Drainage provides top quality Sprinkler Repair Service.  If you live in Oklahoma City and need a Sprinkler Head moved, we can help.  You might have a Sprinkler Pipe leak that needs attention.  A Sprinkler Valve might we wore out as well.  You might just want a Sprinkler System Checkup for Spring.  For these problems and many others, Oklahoma Drainage can help.

We service Oklahoma City, Norman, Edmond and all of Central and Western Oklahoma.

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.

 

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

 

French Drain Expert Oklahoma

Oklahoma Drainage and Sprinkler Repair – 405 203 9419

Do You have water in a place in your home or business that is a Problem?

Do you need help?

Oklahoma Drainage – 405 203 9419

We Install Drainage Systems to fit various needs for home owners an businesses.  A Drainage System, can utilize French Drains, Surface Drains, Channel Drains or Sump Pumps as the intake part to the Drainage System.  The Drain or Sump Pump brings water into the Drainpipe.  The Drainpipe takes the water to the ” Exit.”  Which is Either a “Curb Outlet” or a “ Pop Up Emitter.”

The Three parts of A Drainage System are:

THE  INTAKE ( French Drain or Surface Drain ) etc.  The TRANSITION ( The Pipe) which can be many sizes or type. The EXIT ( A Curb Outlet or Pop Up Emitter )

new curb outlet

Curb outlet with more than 6 inches of fall

new curb outlet

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

The Drainage

part of our company name means that we solve water problems for people in Oklahoma.  Heavy rain is becoming more common.  Back in 1993 when I first started, a hard rain was considered to be about an Inch per/hour.  It was fairly rare but not too uncommon.  Today things are different.  A weather report of rain fall at or above 4 inches per/hour was not uncommon in 2019.  Excess water causes all types of damage to property both residential and commercial.

Our Drainage Systems drain water away from places you don’t want it to be.  You might have water standing along the foundation of your house, or inside your basement.  You might have water on your driveway or flowerbed too.

Designing a French Drain or a Drainage System

When I talk to a potential customer while doing a Drainage System estimate, I take a lot of things into consideration.  First I have the Customer show me where water is standing or where it is going that it shouldn’t.  This is part of defining the specific problem area.  Sometimes the Water Problem Area is larger and more involved than the customer realizes.  Once the Water Problem Area is clearly defined,  the next step is to determine how the water is getting to the problem area.  Many times there is more than one Water Source to the Water Problem area.

A big mistake

in Drainage System Design is to stop once the most obvious Water Source is found.  A Drainage System Designer must be a detective to some degree.  For Example:  Water running down the hill and onto the back patio might be the most obvious water source.  Sub-surface water or a neighbor’s new gutter downspout could also be contributing.  Most of the time water gets into the problem area from more than one source.

Next you must decide where to take the water.  This is determining an Exit Point for the Drainage System.  If possible, you want your exit point to be down hill from the problem area.  If it is up hill in all directions from the problem area, then the only solution is a Sump Pump.

Once an exit Point is determined, you must ask yourself if there is any way to install two exit points.  Usually this can only work when an exit point can work on both ends of a Drainage System.  The benefit of two Exit Points in a Drainage System is it greatly increases the water capacity for the Drainage System.  It can move much more water faster during a heavy rain than a system with just one Exit Point.  Most Drainage Systems can only utilize one Exit Point.  In 21 years of Drainage System Installation,  I would say 10% of our Drainage Systems have two Exit Points.

Popup Emitter to release water from a French Drain in Yukon

French Drain Ground Water, or Sub-Surface Water.

A “French Drain” Moves “surface water” away from a low-lying problem drainage area. What flows over the ground.  Sub surface water which runs underground is not considered when a drainage system is being installed.  People only think about what they can see and don’t think much about what they can’t see.

 

Installing Trench Liner for French Drain

Installing Trench Liner For French Drain

 

 

channel drain driveway

Channel Drain set in Driveway is one type of Surface Drain

 

Sub Surface water is water that is underground and saturated in the soil.  Just like water above ground (Surface Water) moves.  Water under ground moves too and is a very big part of any drainage problem.

Water flows over the surface into the area that floods and is a problem.  A big mistake that is made be the casual eye, is that all the water in a swampy problem area got there by running over the surface.  Yes, it probably did, but it also got there by moving there underground as well.  This is called SUB SURFACE WATER MOVEMENT, and it is important to any kind of Drainage System that might be installed.

If your problem water is partially Sub-Surface water, and you install a Drainage System that uses Surface Drains only, then you just wasted a lot of money!

Surface Drain install

Surface Drain Installed by sidewalk

Water can only be drained away that is on the surface.  It goes into the top of the Drain on the Surface.  It’s Name is ” A Surface Drain.”  It Drains Surface Water ONLY!

A French Drain can drain Surface water and Sub Surface water both.  It water is in the problem area by means of Sub – Surface movement, then it will enter the French Drain Laterally, under ground,  and be drained away along with the surface water.

New French Drain

French Drain with very little fall

 

Gutter to French Drain

Connecting Gutter to French Drain

Surface Drains look nice but they have limited applications.  They must be installed in situations that they are designed for.  Surface Water only in smaller volume applications.  Surface Drains don’t move as much water as French Drains.

New French Drain Installation is a Central Focus for Oklahoma Drainage and Sprinkler Repair.  We provide service for all of Central and Western Oklahoma.  In Business since 1993.

 

A NEW FRENCH DRAIN IN OKLAHOMA CITY

Grass typically will grow over the gravel in a French Drain.  This is a good thing.  In a few months you won’t even know its there.  Grass growing over a properly installed French Drain is called a ” Thatch Filter”.  This provides a 3rd filter for your French Drain to go along with the Neoprene filter around the pipe and the Trench Liner in the trench.  In most cases this makes the French Drain Maintenance Free.  I have installed French Drains with this combination that have been working great for over 20 Years!

YOU DON’T WANT TO PUT DIRT ON TOP OF THE GRAVEL OF A FRENCH DRAIN.  BE PATIENT AND LET THE GRASS GROW OVER IT ON ITS OWN.  PUTTING DIRT ON TOP PREVENTS SURFACE WATER FROM ENTERING THE DRAIN.

 

French Drain in the sun

Bermuda Grass will soon grow over this French Drain

 

grass growing over french drain

Grass Growing Over French Drain

Sprinkling Grass Seed in the Gravel Speeds up the process.

 

Shaded areas are more difficult to get grass to grow over a French Drain.  Decorative Stone can be placed over a French Drain to make it look nice or disguise it.

walk way drain

French Drain across walkway

 

French Drain under walkway

French Drain under walkway

 

Decorative French Drain

Decorative French Drain

If the appearance of a French Drain is not for you, you may want to try a Surface Drain.

Surface Drain Installation

Surface Drain Installation in Norman

 

Surface Drains work great in smaller focused area, but they move less water and do nothing to dry out saturated wet soil.  French Drains Drain away Surface Water and Sub- Surface water or ground water.   Surface Drains Drain only drain Surface Water.

 

Recently we installed a large Drainage System in OKC.  It was a 4-inch System using 4-inch ADS French Drainpipe with Soc and 4 inch ADS Solid Drainpipe.  The “Intake” of the Drainage System had two parts.  Water from the gutters on the house was fed into the Drainage System.  There were 7 gutter downspouts around the entire house that were connected straight into the Drainage System with Solid Drain Pipe and a Gutter connection.

French Drain Installation In Yukon

Oklahoma Drainage : Servicing all of Central and Western Oklahoma since 1993.

Standing Water on Your Driveway?  A Surface Drain set in concrete may be what you need. Or maybe you need a French Drain Running alongside your driveway instead.  Handling water problems is what we are good at.  If you need help, Oklahoma Drainage can provide the best solution for your unwanted water problems.

 

 

standing water

A good place for a French Drain

 

 

 

french drain on fence

French Drain Installed in Yukon

 

 Oklahoma Drainage –

Hey Oklahoma, we are expanding to service all of Western Oklahoma as well as Central Oklahoma.  If you live in Elk City, and need a French Drain, we can help.  If water is standing on your driveway in Clinton, Give us a call.  Duncan, Lawton, and Altus are all new areas of service for us.

Since 1993 Oklahoma Drainage and Sprinkler Repair has solved all types of standing water and drainage issues.  We install Drainage Systems that utilize French Drains, Surface, Drains, Channel Drains, and Sump Pumps depending on the customer’s needs.

If you have water in the wrong place, we can help!

house flood

This is a great place for a French Drain

We also have Decades of experience repairing all types of Lawn Sprinkler Problems.  Fixing broken sprinkler heads, sprinkler valve problems and controller trouble just to name a few things.

French Drains as part of a Drainage System – 

Many times, people use the term ” French Drain” as general name for a Drain used in or around your home.  French Drains are designed to move a lot of water over a large, flooded area.  They are also designed to take water in on the surface of the ground or below the surface of the ground.  This is very important if the water coming into the flooded area is moving through the ground or coming up from underneath.  ” Sub Surface Water Movement.”  The picture below is not a French Drain!

A French Drain looks like this

river rock french drain

A French Drain Can Handle Standing Water

A French Drain can take in water in a broad area.  It can move a much larger volume of water compared to a Surface Drain.  Also, it can move sub surface water moving into the area where a Surface Drain won’t move any water at all.

Surface Drains are designed to move surface water only on a smaller scale in confined areas.

 

Another way to beef up a French Drain is to connect gutter down spouts in front of the French Drain.  The water coming off the roof causes suction in the French Drain Behind it.  This greatly increases the French Drains ability to move water without increasing the size of the French Drainpipe.

gutter connection to drain

Gutter Connection to French Drain

 

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

Servicing all of Central and Western Oklahoma since 1993.

 

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

Drain Pipe for French Drain running under sidewalk

Drainpipe for French Drain running under sidewalk

We Installed a Double Six-inch French Drain in Edmond this week.  A Double Six-Inch French Drain is two six-inch French Drains laid side by side in one very wide and deep trench.  It is designed to move a huge amount of water away from a home.

Our customer had several different drainage problems in their back yard.  After a thunderstorm, water would run under their back fence and into their garage.  The back yard was on a steep hillside and the water would run very fast down the hill and into the garage.

Oklahoma Drainage and Sprinkler Repair installed 2 large six-inch French Drains across the water’s path.  This allowed the water to be diverted into the French Drain which then ran through drain pipe to a curb outlet at the street.

Three Gutter Down Spouts were connected into the French Drain.

The French Drain created a protective barrier for the garage.

A 12-inch Surface Drain was also included in the Drainage System.  It was placed up against the driveway and connected with 4-inch Solid drainpipe to the 6-inch French Drain.  Water was completely rerouted away from the home.  A French Drain and Surface Drain combination in this case was the best solution to this particular drainage problem.

Installing a Curb Outlet for a French Drain in Edmond
Installing a Curb Outlet for a French Drain in Edmond

 

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

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

FRENCH DRAIN IN EDMOND OKLAHOMA

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 Drainage 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  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.

French Drain trench sidewalk

Trench under sidewalk and through curb

Drainage Systems, Surface Drain, Sump pumps, – Oklahoma Drainage and Sprinkler Repair

Hard rain and flooding seem to be more common all the time.  When I started this business in 1993, having over an inch of rainfall in an hour was pretty extreme.  Now having over 4 inch an hour rainfall is not unheard of and is becoming more common.

Protecting our homes and businesses from unwanted water should be a goal for all of us.

Oklahoma Drainage and Sprinkler Repair has seen and dealt with virtually every possible Drainage and Standing water problem that can occur in or around your home.  With over 2000 Drainage Systems installed since 1993; we have amassed a great deal of experience.

This is help full in seeing underlying problems and secondary issues that may be hard to see at first for the ” Untrained Eye.”  This allows us to get things right the first time.  In this business EXPERIENCE TRULY COUNTS!

Hiring your brother-in-law to put in your Drainage System  is as bad as hiring a Lawn mowing company that does landscaping and drains too?  Water can cause a huge amount of damage.  How important is your money and your home?

Blane Callen, 405 203 9419

Drainage problem

This is a great place for a Drainage System

 

French Drain in the sun

Bermuda Grass will soon grow over the gravel

Grass typically will grow over the gravel in a Drain.  This is a good thing.  In a few months you won’t even know it’s there.  Grass growing over a properly installed Drainage System is called a ” Thatch Filter”.  This provides a 3rd filter for your French Drain to go along with the Neoprene filter around the pipe and the Trench Liner in the trench.  In most cases this makes the Drain Maintenance Free.  I have installed Drainage Systems with this combination that have been working great for over 20 Years!

Installing concrete around drain

Installing wet concrete around channel drain

 

Installing concrete channel drain

Setting the concrete around the channel drain

Curb Outlet for French Drain in Edmond

Curb Outlet

Next, our customer went online and found us by searching under, ” Oklahoma Drainage.”
The Gentleman gave us a call to set up an appointment.  We arrived on the agreed time and provided a (Free- No Obligation- Drainage Diagnostic and Quote) We came out and looked at his Drainage Problem and designed a Drainage System to solve his, Standing-Water Problem.”  We also recommended a surface drain in a corner where water was coming off a steep part of the roof and overwhelming the gutter.

 

Installing a Curb Outlet For a French Drain in Edmond

Installing a Curb Outlet for a Drainage System

The customer let us know that he was ready to move forward.  We scheduled the Drainage System Installation for the following week.  When the scheduled day arrived, we installed the Drainage System.

The Drain was made up of a 6-inch Drain running 30 feet along the East side of the house.  It curved around the corner of the house.  At that point a 12-inch Surface Drain was connected to the Drain with 4-inch pipe.  The 6-inch French Drain at that point changed to 6-inch Solid Drainpipe and continued underground 65 feet to a pop-up emitter at the curb in the front yard near the street.

Surface Drain System in Edmond

Surface Drain System in Edmond

Edmond Oklahoma has been the location for many Drainage System Installations.  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 Trench Liner needed to be installed.  This was necessary to maintain the integrity of the trench and to keep the drain from filling up with sand and getting clogged over the next few years. 

French Drain in Oklahoma City

Drainage System

 

 

The Drainage System we installed ran across the back yard in two places, then it connected to solid ADS Drainpipe and Ran to the street where a Curb Outlet was installed.

new curb outlet

Curb outlet for Drain

Installing a curb outlet takes experience and skill.  We cut the curb with a concrete saw.  Water is used with the saw to make better cuts and to keep the concrete dust to a minimum.

The cut in the curb will be at least two inches wider than the curb outlet that will be set in concrete.  This ensures strength and longevity.  When installing the cement, we use cement with Acrylic to further ensure the strength of the outlet.  It takes a while for the concrete to cure.  The new concrete will be darker than the surrounding curb for a while but eventually it will match up.

solid pipe installation

Solid Drainpipe running to the street

We cut the sod out by hand when installing Solid Drainpipe.  The sod is set to the side while the 4-inch pipe is installed.  Then some of the dirt is placed back on top of the drainpipe and the sod is placed back in its original position.  Some of the dirt is left over that is displaced by the new drainpipe.  That dirt is hauled away. 

 

While installing the drainage system, it was necessary to move two sprinkler heads that were in the way of the drainpipe installation.  This was no problem.  Installing drainage systems and French drains for folks who have a sprinkler system is very common.  Moving Sprinkler heads or pipes sometimes is necessary.  We always leave the sprinkler system in complete working order, and we discuss any changes in the sprinkler system with the customer before we do it to make sure that everyone is on the same page.  In most cases the customer can’t tell that we made any changes to the sprinkler system at all.

 

Edmond Oklahoma Surface Drain Installation

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

Providing Expert Sprinkler RepairBroken Sprinkler PipesSprinkler Head AdjustmentSprinkler Valve Replacement

Servicing all of Central and Western Oklahoma since 1993.

French Drain Installation and Surface 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 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.

Surface Drain Next to a French Drain with River Rock

Surface Drain Next to a French Drain

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.

 

 

 

river rock french drain install

A French Drain Can Handle Standing Water Oklahoma Drainage and Sprinkler Repair 405 203 9419 — 

All Drainage Systems and French Drains as well need a place to take the water to.  This is called an Exit Point.  We use two types of Exits.  The first is a curb outlet.  We cut the curb with a concrete saw and install a rectangular curb outlet set in acrylic concrete.

new curb outlet

Curb outlet with more than 6 inches of fall

A rectangular outlet is superior to a round one.  Air travels back up the pipe through the top two corners to allow a more continuous water flow.  If you have ever poured liquid out of a 2 liter bottle turning it completely upside down, you will see that it drains but not very well.

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 32 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.

Wow, Some Drainage Problems are tougher than others.  Had a customer in Chickasha with an unusual Drainage Problem.  She had a new Driveway installed.  The Cement work was nice enough, but they left out one major consideration when installing the new Driveway.

Even after a small rain the water would run right down the driveway, under the Garage Door and directly into the Garage.  This was a bad problem that was about to get worse.  The first big rain came and everything was magnified.  The Rushing water took out the garage door and the back wall of the garage.  Yikes!!

Hmm,  What to do?  The company that installed the Driveway was nowhere to be found.  No surprise.

The water volume was huge and the customer had no means to redo the driveway which was substantial.

The solution took a little “Out Of The Box Thinking”.

We Installed an 8 inch metal channel drain grate across the driveway.  But with no channel drain underneath.  A large channel drain could not handle the water volume that we were dealing with.  Instead of installing a channel drain underneath the grate, we cut completely through the driveway concrete and installed two 6 inch French Drains stacked on top of each other underneath the Channel Drain Grate.

This took place in July of 2017.  Since then not a drop of water has reached the garage.

We put two French Drains under a larger version of a drain that looks like the above picture.

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

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

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

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

French Drain with stepping stones

French Drain with stepping stones

 

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

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

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,

 

 

Cutting The Curb and Installing Curb Fitting for French Drain

Cutting The Curb and Installing Curb Fitting for French Drain

 

 

Edmond Oklahoma Drainage Contractor.
Oklahoma Drainage and Sprinkler Repair 405 203 9419 — We provide:
    French Drain Installation, Surface Drains, Drainage System Installation and Sump Pumps
    Sprinkler Repair for all aspects of Residential Sprinkler Systems

 

If you have water standing in your back yard after a hard rain, or If water stands on your driveway or sidewalk, we can help with all types or Residential Drainage and Standing Water problems.

Oklahoma Drainage and Sprinkler Repair has over 33 years of Experience Solving all types of Storm Water issues.

We utilize French Drains, Surface Drains and Channel Drains.  Our Drains are installed in Yards, Sidewalks, Driveways and Basements.

 

Some Drainage Systems are complex and incorporate several types of drains.  Most Drainage Systems, however, are basic and require just one type of Drain.

Oklahoma Drainage and Sprinkler Repair 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, we can help.

 

The term, “French Drain” gets thrown around a lot.  Many times, people say they need a “French Drain,” when they mean Surface Drain, or Channel Drain.  It is becoming a Catch-All Phrase that may refer to any type of drain.  French Drains provide specific benefits that are different from Surface Drains.

Just what is a “French Drain?” Many times, people incorrectly use the phrase, “French Drain,” when they mean “Surface Drain” or “Channel Drain.”

 

 

A basic French Drain

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

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 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 Downspouts 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.

 

 The French Drain Installation we did this week was a little more difficult than normal.  Many times, the route that a Perforated French Drainpipe must travel to its exit point is not very easy from an installation point of view.  French Drains may have to travel through tree roots, (big ones) under sidewalks, through retaining walls, around swing sets or dog kennels or Mom’s Prize Rose Bush.

The 4 inch French Drain we installed this week was in Oklahoma City south of 23rd in an old part of town where all the houses were old 2 or 3 story homes with lots of huge Elm Trees.  The Elm Tree in Question actually was just an old stump that had been topped out but not completely removed.  They left the roots just for us!  The roots were growing into the homes foundation and were right in the way of the path of the French Drain.  Forty feet of solid Elm Roots and 4 chain-saw blades later We were successful in running a new French Drain through a tree stump.  Yuck! “Well you gotta  do what you gotta do!”

 

French Drain with colored river rock

French Drain with colored river rock

A little info

about French Drainpipe and Tree Roots.  Normally tree roots don’t seek out and penetrate French Drainpipe.  Tree roots seek moisture and residual water that may stay inside Solid Drainpipe.

French Drainpipe is perforated.  Water that does not reach the exit point of the French Drain will seep out of the Pipe into the surrounding dirt.  Solid Drainpipe that is used with Surface Drains can be penetrated and eventually clogged by roots if the pipe does not have good slope or “Fall”.  If the solid pipe does not drain well and has residual water, tree roots will seek it out.

Drain Pipe running from French Drain to the street in Oklahoma City

Drainpipe running from French Drain to the street in Oklahoma City

Drainage Systems are designed to protect your home or business from standing water.  Storm-Water Runoff can cause damage in many ways.  Water from your gutters can seep down into your home’s foundation if it has no good way to drain off.  If the temperature then drops below freezing, the water around your foundation can freeze and cause serious damage to the home’s foundation.  Foundation repair can cost more than a Drainage System.

Drainage Systems typically make use of, French Drains, Surface Drains, or Channel Drains.  Depending on the Drainage Problem, A Drainage System may utilize one or several types of DrainsWe might install, for example, A Surface Drain in the middle of a driveway that runs to a gutter that is connected into the drainpipe.

The Drainpipe might continue to a French Drain running parallel to a home’s foundation.  Next the drainpipe might continue to a channel drain cutting across a sidewalk.  The Drainpipe might then reach its exit point running out through a curb fitting installed and cemented through the curb.

Surface Drain

A Surface Drain basically is a basin that has a grate on the top.  A drainpipe is connected to the basin below ground.  The water flows in through the grate and down into the basin.  The water then exits the Basin through the Drainpipe and move toward the exit point of the Drainage System.

Surface Drains are designed to handle water that accumulates in a low area.   These areas should not be too large or broad, and the water that drains into a surface drain should not be moving very fast.  Surface Drains can become overwhelmed if they are placed in an area that must move a large volume of water, quickly.

Selecting the correct drain for the specific drainage problem is a benefit that Oklahoma Drainage and Sprinkler Repair provide through 33 years of experience.

 

French Drain System Design

Oklahoma Drainage – 405 203 9419 — Servicing all of Central and Western Oklahoma

 

Our Drainage Systems utilize French Drains, Surface Drains, Channel Drains, and Sump Pumps.   With over 33 years of experience we provide top quality French Drains, Drainage Systems.

Installing Limestone in trench liner for French Drain

Installing limestone inside trench liner for French drain

Check Out Our Helpers!

Ducks Enjoying the new French Drain

Ducks Enjoying the New French Drain

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

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

 

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

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 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.

Surface Drain with French Drain

Surface Drain beside a French Drain with River Rock

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

Drain Pipe for French Drain running under sidewalk

Drainpipe for French Drain running under sidewalk