Posts Tagged ‘Edmond French Drain’

Grass Growing Over French Drain, Norman Sprinkler Repair

Posted: January 12, 2026 in french drain, French Drain Repair, French Drain Service, sprinkler repair, Sprinkler Repair, Sprinkler Service
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Grass Growing Over a French Drain can be a good thing.  Let Oklahoma Drainage and Sprinkler Repair tell you why!

French Drain Installation in sun or shade.  Oklahoma Drainage and Sprinkler Repair can show you the difference.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Servicing All of Central and Western Oklahoma Since 1993.

 

FRENCH DRAIN INSTALLATION IN SUN OR SHADE?

French Drain Running Through Low Areas

Rest Home French Drain Running Through Low Areas

 

French Drains are designed to cover large areas and move lots of water.  During a hard rain, water will seep down through the gravel and into the Perforated French Drainpipe that is buried under the gravel.  The water fills into the pipe and moves downhill to the desired Exit Point.  French Drains like the one in the picture above that are in the sun most of the day will have grass that overgrows the limestone.  The gravel will disappear over time.

Grass will Grow Over the Gravel

The French Drain will continue to work even after the grass has grown over it.  A “Thatch Filter ” is made up of the grass that covers the French Drain.  The French Drain then has two filters.

First is the Neo-Prene Soc that comes around the Perforated French Drainpipe.  Later when the grass grows over it, the French Drain then has a second Thatch Filter.  This ensures that the French Drainpipe won’t clog over time with dirt, sand, or debris.  This only works with grass that does well in the sun like Bermuda or Tift.

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

YOU DON’T WANT TO COVER THE FRENCH DRAIN WITH DIRT.  IT WILL GREATLY REDUCE THE DRAINAGE PERFORMANCE OF THE FRENCH DRAIN.  IT DEFEATS THE ENTIRE REASON FOR THE FRENCH DRAIN.  IF YOU DON’T LIKE THE WAY IT LOOKS AND CAN’T BE PATIENT ENOUGH TO WAIT UNTIL THE GRASS GROWS THROUGH IT IF IT IS IN THE SUN, THEN DON’T INSTALL IT AT ALL.

IF THE FRENCH DRAIN IS INSTALLED IN THE SHADE, YOU CAN USE DECORATIVE ROCK TO MAKE A FOOT PATH OR ROCK GARDEN ON TOP OF IT.  YOU ARE ONLY LIMITED BY YOUR IMAGINATION.

 

Lawn Sprinklers can have pipes that leak.   PVC Pipe is the most common Sprinkler System Pipe and leaks definitely are possible.

Leaking Sprinkler Pipes

Leaks can occur near Sprinkler Valves.  Water travels through Sprinkler Valves and can leak going in or coming out.

Many Cities require a back-flow valve to protect the City’s water supply.  It can also leak as water passes through the valve.

Leaks can also occur due to tree roots stressing Sprinkler Pipes.  The pipes can be twisted by roots and crack or break.

Water inside Sprinkler Pipes can freeze and break or crack the PVC Pipe.

Move sprinkler heads, Norman, Oklahoma City, Edmond

There are many reasons for moving Sprinkler Heads.

If you put in a new pool, most of the sprinkler heads will need to be moved.

Sprinkler Heads need to be moved if you have new landscaping installed.

Sometimes Sprinkler Heads weren’t in a good place to begin with.  They need to be moved!

Oklahoma Drainage and Sprinkler Repair can help.  We have been moving Sprinkler Heads since 1993.

In 32 years, we have moved a lot of Heads for Customers in Central and Western Oklahoma.

 

Oklahoma Drainage and Sprinkler Repair provide 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 Head Installation

Moving Sprinkler Head

Spraying Rotor Sprinkler Repair

Spraying Rotor Sprinkler Head

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.

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 Drains – Surface Drains – Channel Drains – Sump Pumps.

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

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

Central and Western Oklahoma is our Service Area since 1993.  

                                                           (405) 203-9419

Check out Sprinkler System Check-Up

 

 

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

 

 

Basic French Drain Installation, Sprinkler Repair, Sump Pump

Posted: November 21, 2025 in french drain, French Drain Installation, French Drain Repair, Sprinkler Checkup, sprinkler repair, Sump Pump
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Basic French Drain Installation

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.

 

muddy french drain installation

Installing a French Drain in the mud

Standing water

can cause a lot of damage to your yard.  The above picture was from a French Drain Installation in Oklahoma City.

Many times, we wait until things dry out a bit before beginning a French Drain Installation.  Sometimes the water never goes away.  So, we start digging in standing water and putting the mud in a wheelbarrow.   We then haul it to a dump trailer to be hauled away.  It isn’t the easiest thing to do.

Setting in the channel drain

Setting in the Channel Drain in the cut.

 

Installing concrete channel drain

Setting the concrete around the channel drain

 

Liner and French dran

Perforated Pipe, Filter, and Liner installed in a drainage trench.

The Initial Dig

The water started draining away as soon as we dug the Drainage Trench.  Once the Pipe and Limestone were installed, it drained away even faster.

The trench liner allows sub surface water to pass through it and reach the French Drainpipe.  The reason it is installed is to maintain the integrity of the drainage trench, so it doesn’t collapse over time.  It also helps protect the pipe from filling up with mud or sand, clogging the French Drain.

Below is a picture of a French Drain that we had to take out and replace because it had no liner or filter around the Pipe.

 

new french drain

French Drain Installation

The French Drainpipe shown above has a neo Preen soc around it to prevent sand and debris from clogging the French Drain.  The next step is to add the limestone on top.

Other types of stone can be used as well.

colored gravel french drain

French Drain with colored gravel.’

 

FD River roc

A French Drain with River Rock

The type of rock

that covers a perforated French Drainpipe can be just about any type of quality gravel or crushed stone.  Very small, crushed stone or sand is not a good idea, however.  The water must be able to flow through the stone to reach the perforated pipe.

Servicing Central Oklahoma including Oklahoma City, Norman, Edmond, Midwest City, Del City, Yukon, Mustang, Moore, Norman, Purcell, Newcastle, Blanchard and surrounding areas.

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

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

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

THIS IS NOT A FRENCH DRAIN!

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

Surface Drain and Drainpipe

 

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

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

The dirt that was taken out to make the trench is hauled away.  It is replaced by some type of small stone or gravel depending on what is desired or available.  I prefer crushed 1 inch limestone.  It is the most economical option in my area.  Pea Gravel or some other type of small stone can work just as well.

Crushed Limestone or Gravel

The limestone or gravel is placed in the trench on top of the perforated Drainpipe and filled all the way to the surface (ground level).   In some cases where the French Drain needs to be deep or is being placed in sandy soil, a special trench liner must be placed in the trench before the perforated Drainpipe or the Gravel are installed.  This helps maintain the integrity of the trench over time.  It also increases the cost of the French Drain and the amount of time to install it.  I install a trench liner in a French Drain Every time.

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

The main downfall of a French Drain

is that they, for the most part isn’t very pretty.  They don’t look very nice in a yard once they are completed.
Depending on the area the French Drain is installed and the type of grass around the French Drain, will dictate whether grass grows over the limestone.  Grass can grow up and through the gravel in the French Drain over time eventually covering the gravel.  This is Ok.  It won’t have a measurable effect on the performance of the drain.
DONT COVER THE GRAVEL IN THE FRENCH DRAIN WITH DIRT.  THE FRENCH DRAIN WON’T WORK IF THE TRENCH IS CLOGGED WITH DIRT.  DON’T EVEN INSTALL IT IF YOU ARE GOING TO COVER IT UP WITH DIRT.

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

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

Channel Drain

 

Drain Pipe running to street from French Drain

Drainpipe running to street from French Drain

 

French Drain in Oklahoma City

French Drain in Oklahoma City

 

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.

 

Oklahoma Drainage and Sprinkler Repair – Expert Sprinkler Repair for all Residential Lawn Sprinkler Systems

Emergency Service – After hours and Weekends

We service all of Central and Western Oklahoma

Since 1993 we have:

Fixed leaking sprinkler pipes in Edmond

Replaced Sprinkler Valves in Norman

Adjusted Sprinkler Heads In Oklahoma City

Installed A New Back Flow Valve in Lawton 

and over 2000 other Sprinkler Repairs in Central and Western Oklahoma.

Sprinkler Repair in Oklahoma City.

Recently we spent an afternoon checking out a Sprinkler System in Northwest Oklahoma City.  The customer told us that many of the heads in the System had a variety of problems.  Her Sprinkler System was fairly large so the Sprinkler System Checkup would take some time.

 

Sprinkler System Checkup

First, we had to run each Sprinkler Zone and look at each Sprinkler Head individually.  This took a while.   After that we fixed everything without a “Hitch.”

French Drain Help

Posted: November 5, 2025 in french drain, French Drain Help, French Drain Installation
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French Drain Help is a central focus for Oklahoma Drainage.  We have installed many French Drains, Surface Drains, Channel Drains and Sump Pumps there.

French Drain Installation is what we do!  OKLAHOMA DRAINAGE has been installing Drainage Systems in Central Oklahoma for over 30 years.  We solve all types of Drainage Problems for residential and commercial customers.

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

Servicing all of Central and Western Oklahoma since 1993.

Colored Gravel for a French Drain

French Drain Installation

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

Some drainage problems are easy to solve.  Typically, water enters the problem drainage area one way from one source.  The really tricky drainage problems occur when water enters the problem drainage area from multiple directions and from multiple sources.  Sometimes a secondary water source can’t be seen or identified until the primary water problem source is eliminated.

An example of this occurs when water is running into a problem area in an obvious way over the ground where you can see it.

Simple enough.

Drainage System

A drainage system is installed with a surface drain as the “intake” with drainage pipe running to an exit point.  Initially the water drains away and everything looks great.

The next day water is back and is all around the surface drain, but below the edge and it hasn’t rained at all, so no additional water ran over the surface of the ground to flood the area.

The primary water source was solved, (The surface water run off) but the secondary water source was not.  Which was sub-surface water, (ground water) running into the area.

A surface drain can’t drain “ground water.”  A French Drain should have initially been installed instead of a Surface Drain.  A French Drain can drain both Surface Water and Ground Water.

 

walk way drain

French Drain Under Walkway

Recent Installation

Oklahoma Drainage recently installed a French Drain along the edge and under a Steppingstone walkway.  The Work took place In Choctaw East of Choctaw Road.

Every time it rained, our customer had water standing on the walkway between the pool and the house.  Not only would the water stand there but it stayed there a long time.

To solve the problem, we took apart the walkway and dug a trench about 18 inches deep along the East side of the walkway.

Next, we put a trench liner in the trench which is white and maintains the integrity of the drainage trench.  It allows water to pass through it but keeps sand and debris out of the perforated French Drainpipe.

The French Drainpipe itself also has a neo preen soc and the perforated pipe as well.  This gives the French Drainpipe two levels of protections from sand and dirt getting into the pipe. This should provide additional French Drain Help.

clogged French Drain Pipe

result of French Drain Installed Incorrectly without a liner of filter

Solid Drainpipe

Next, we connected a solid drainpipe to the French Drain.  It ran from the center of the French Drain perpendicularly across the walkway, down the hill 70 feet to the pop-up emitter.

When digging the trench for the Drainpipe, we carefully cut the sod in the yard and replaced it back once the drainpipe had been installed.  In a couple of weeks, you won’t be able to tell that we ever dug a trench there.

 

cutting sod for trench

Installing Drainpipe and Replacing the sod

Next, it was time to put the walkway back together.  The pave stones were put back into place and a nice colored gravel was put in the cracks around the walkway stones.

New Edging was also installed around the walkway.

French Drain walk way

French Drain Installed along and under walkway to pool.

 

 

walk way french drain

Completed French Drain under walkway

 

French Drain In Moore with River Rock

 

 

DSC00690

Curb Outlet for French Drain

Drainage System in Moore

Recently we installed a Drainage System in Moore.  Our customer had a new home.  Originally their home was destroyed in Moore‘s last tornado.  Every time it rains their back yard turns into a pond.

 

DSC00680

Drainpipe running from French Drain to the street in Moore

6 Inch French Drain

WE installed a 6-inch French Drain in the back yard and connected the gutter down-spouts into the French Drain.  From that point we ran ADS solid Drain Pipe all the way to the street.  At that point the curb was cut, and a Curb Outlet was installed with acrylic concrete.  The French Drain did the trick.  Drainage Problem solved.

Complex Drainage System

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.

Channel Drain Installed by CMG In Yukon

Channel Drain Installed in Yukon

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

What is a 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.

Crushed Limestone

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.

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 Downspouts connected to it.

Additional French Drain Help

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.

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.

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

Drainage Systems French Drain Help

Drainage Systems can be made up of one drain or a combination of many drains.  Water Problems can be very complex.   Complex Drainage Problems may require a combination of several different types of drains all inter-connected and working together. Many times, a French Drain, might be connected to a Surface Drain, which then could be connected to another French Drain.

Other times the drainage problem may be simple and straight-forward requiring only one drain or several of the same type of drain connected together.

Cutting The Curb and Providing french drain help

French Drain Help

Cutting The Curb for French Drain Outlet

Complex Drainage System

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 French Drain in the front yard, which runs to a Curb Fitting that lets all the water drain out on to the street.

French Drain Help

A simple Drainage System might consist of a French 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.

Benefits of A Drainage System

1.  Keep water away from foundations — A French Drain is best because it can move Surface Water and Sub-Surface Water (water moving underground) away from the foundation.

Many times, less experienced companies install Surface Drains to keep water away from foundations.  This can be a big mistake.

Surface Drain Limitations

A Surface Drain can’t move or drain Sub-Surface Water.   Also, A Surface Drain often can’t move enough water fast enough and easily becomes overwhelmed during a heavy rain.

A Surface Drain also can’t cover or protect a broad enough area. Smaller areas and lower water volume is better for a Surface Drain. They can move moderate amounts of water at best.

Surface Drains look better than French Drains.  If, “appearance” is more important than Drainage Capacity, Go with the Surface Drain.  Just know what you are getting into and what your expectations should be. One side of a foundation alone, can be over 100 feet.  A 4 inch or 6-inch French Drain is best when protecting a large area such as a foundation.

What are the ways that water gets into the problem areas?

How does the water get to the problem area?  There may be one or many sources.

Water Sources:

1.  It falls from the sky directly

2.  It flows downhill over the surface (surface water)

3.  It flows underground under the surface (sub-surface water)

4.  It flows from the edge of a roof ( There may be many roofs near the problem area, neighbors etc.)

5.  It flows from a gutter downspout

6.  It flows over the edge of a gutter because the gutter is too small is is clogged

7.  It flows up from the ground (seeps and springs are common in Oklahoma)

8.  It flows from a sprinkler system use (yours or your neighbors)

9.  It flows from a leaking pipe (water mains, water meters, water lines, sprinkler pipes, sprinkler valves)

There are other reasons for Drainage Problems, the above reasons are just the most common.

Once the Water Source is Determined,

 A rough estimate of the amount of water that needs to be drained away on average must be estimated.  This can be simplified down to “SMALL, MEDIUM, OR LARGE AMOUNTS OF WATER TO BE DRAINED AWAY.  You don’t have to be an engineer trying to calculate fluid dynamics.

Experience at diagnosing drainage problems helps, however.  How much water needs to be moved will help determine the type and size of the Surface Drain or French Drain that needs to be installed.  It also helps to determine the size of Drainpipe required for the Drainage System.

A good rule to follow is, “If in doubt, install a larger Drain and Drainpipe.”  Unused Drainage Capacity is better than property damage caused by a Drain that is overwhelmed by too much water.

For home and small business use typical materials used are:

6 inch, 9 inch, and 12 inch Surface Drains –

3 inch, 4 inch, and 6 inch Drainpipes —

3 inch, 4 inch, and 6 inch French Drains —

French Drains move more water than Surface Drains —

French Drains move Surface Water and Sub-Surface Water

Surface Drains move Surface Water only

Surface Drains look nicer than French Drains in most cases

Select and Exit point once the number of drains has been determined. (Where is the Drainage System going to take the water to and release it?)

Curb Outlet

The Drainage Curb Fitting is installed when the desired exit point for the French Drain will release the Drainage Water into the Street.   Installed through the curb is a rectangle curb fitting.  A small section of Curb is cut out with a concrete saw.  The Section is a few inches wider than the Drainage Curb Fitting.  We then install new concrete around the curb fitting.  Connect the pipe from the drains to the curb outlet once the concrete has dried.  Above Information should provide additional French Drain Help.

DSC00701

Installing a Curb Outlet for a French Drain French Drain Help

Norman Oklahoma Drainage System, Oklahoma City, Edmond, Moore

Posted: November 2, 2025 in Channel Drain, Drainage System, french drain, Surface Drains
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1

Norman Oklahoma Drainage System, Oklahoma City, Edmond, Moore

Drainage Systems are made up of a French Drain or Surface Drain Connected to a Transition Pipe Leading to an Exit.

Sounds Simple.

Drainage Systems can be complicated too.  It is possible to have a Surface Drain and a Channel Drain, and a French Drain all connected to each other.  They are all then connected to a Larger Transition Pipe and require a larger Exit.

Consider Drainage Design.  How Much Water Do you have?  It can vary.   The water may be moving Fast or Slow.  Is the water moving above ground or below ground or both?  Do you have more than One Source?  What are their volumes?

There are other considerations as well.

If you need help, Call us!

Oklahoma City Drainage System. French Drain, Edmond, Norman, Oklahoma City

Oklahoma Drainage 405 203 9419 — We provide:

    French Drain Installation, Surface Drain Installation, Drainage System Installation

 OKLAHOMA CITY FRENCH DRAIN

 

Standing Water

Standing Water Needs a French Drain

We Install French Drains by themselves and as a part of Drainage Systems to protect Driveways, Sidewalks, Foundations all over Edmond.  French Drains may be installed in Flower Beds or grassy areas too.  French Drains when installed correctly can provide many years of property protection and Piece of Mind.

Understanding why a French Drain should be installed over a Surface Drain in particular situations is just one of many variables that must be considered when Diagnosing a Drainage Problem.

Many times, we are asked to look at Drainage Systems that aren’t working correctly.

 Here are a few common problems that we find:

French Drainpipe is too small for the Drainage Area.

No Exit for the French Drain.

French Drain is installed where a Surface Drain is needed.

Surface Drain is installed where a French Drain is needed.

Too many gutters connected to French Drain.

French Drain covered with dirt.

Exit Point Covered with Dirt.

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

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

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

Cutting The Curb and Installing Curb Fitting With Acrylic Cement

Norman Oklahoma Drainage System

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

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

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

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

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

Drainage Systems can:

1.  Keep water away from foundations — A French Drain is best because it can move Surface Water and Sub-Surface Water (water moving underground) away from the foundation.  Many times, less experienced companies install Surface Drains to keep water away from foundations.  This can be a big mistake.  A Surface Drain can’t move or drain Sub-Surface Water.   Also, A Surface Drain often can’t move enough water fast enough and easily becomes overwhelmed during a heavy rain.

A Surface Drain Can’t

A Surface Drain can’t cover or protect a broad enough area. Surface Drains should be designed in a Drainage System to be located in smaller Drainage Areas moving moderate amounts of water.  Surface Drains look better than French Drains.  If, “appearance” is more important than Drainage Capacity, Go with the Surface Drain.

Just know what you are getting into and what your expectations should be. One side of a foundation alone, can be over 100 feet.  A 4 inch or 6-inch French Drain is best when protecting a large area such as a foundation.

2.  Keep water away from small or in closed areas.  This might be a low area just through a gate on the side of a house, or the low area between a flowerbed and the wall of a house or standing water on or near a sidewalk or driveway.  These types of Drainage Problems are best served with Surface Drains.

A Surface Drain Can

A Surface Drain can move water away from a low area that is relatively small.  This can occur in yards, flowerbeds, sidewalks and driveways.  A surface Drain is designed to move Surface Water away from a problem area to a predetermined exit point.  Surface Drains are available in many sizes.  How quickly they remove standing water is usually determined by the size of the pipe that is connected to the drain.

Drainage System

Simply put, a Drainage System is one or a group of underground Drainpipes that take water away from a place that has water standing on it or flowing across it.  The water that is in the problem area, can be causing damage or may be inconvenient or both.  (Usually Both)

A simple Drainage System is a Drain for the water to enter, a Drainpipe to move the water away from the Drain, and an Exit Point for the water to be released out of the Drainpipe.

Norman Oklahoma Drainage System

Norman Oklahoma Drainage System

Drainage Systems quickly can become more complicated.

Considerations must include:

How does the water get to the problem area?  There may be one or many sources.

Water Sources:

1.  It falls from the sky directly

2.  It flows downhill over the surface (surface water)

3.  It flows underground under the surface (sub-surface water)

4.  It flows from the edge of a roof (There may be many roofs near the problem area, neighbors etc.)

5.  It flows from a gutter downspout

6.  It flows over the edge of a gutter because the gutter is too small or clogged

7.  It flows up from the ground (seeps and springs are common in Oklahoma)

8.  It flows from a sprinkler system use (yours or your neighbors)

9.  It flows from a leaking pipe (water mains, water meters, water lines, sprinkler pipes, sprinkler valves)

There are other reasons for Drainage Problems, the above reasons are just the most common.

Once the number of water sources is determined, a rough estimate of the amount of water that needs to be drained away on average must be estimated.  This can be simplified down to “SMALL, MEDIUM, OR LARGE AMOUNTS OF WATER TO BE DRAINED AWAY.

Diagnosing Drainage Problems

You don’t have to be an engineer trying to calculate fluid dynamics.  Experience at diagnosing drainage problems helps however.  How much water needs to be moved will help determine the type and size of the Surface Drain or French Drain that needs to be installed.

It also helps to determine the size of Drainpipe required for the Drainage System.  A good rule to follow is, “If in doubt, install a larger Drain and Drainpipe.”  Unused Drainage Capacity is better than property damage caused by a Drain that is overwhelmed by too much water.

 Typical materials used are:

6 inch, 9 inch, and 12 inch Surface Drains –

3 inch, 4 inch, and 6 inch Drainpipes —

3 inch, 4 inch, and 6 inch French Drains —

French Drains move more water than Surface Drains —

French Drains move Surface Water and Sub-Surface Water

Surface Drains move Surface Water only

Surface Drains look nicer than French Drains in most cases

Once the type and number of drains is determined and what size Drainpipe will connect them, an exit point must be selected.  (Where is the Drainage System going to take the water to and release it?)

Norman Oklahoma Drainage System

Norman Oklahoma Drainage System

The Drainage Curb Fitting

is installed when the desired exit point for the French Drain will release the Drainage Water into the Street.   The Drainage Curb Fitting is rectangular in shape and made to be installed through the curb.  A small section of Curb is cut out with a concrete saw.  The Section is a few inches wider than the Drainage Curb Fitting.  We then install new concrete around the curb fitting.  Once the concrete has dried, the Drainpipe coming from a French Drain or Surface Drain is connected to the Drainage Curb fitting and then covered with dirt.

 

 

 

Purcell French Drain as part of a Drainage System, Oklahoma City, Norman, Edmond, Sprinkler Repair

Posted: October 3, 2024 in Emergency Sprinkler Repair, french drain, French Drain Information, Purcell French Drain, sprinkler repair, Sprinkler Repair
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5

 Purcell French Drain as part of a Drainage System.

People think, “I need a French Drain along my driveway.”  Or they think, ” I need a Channel Drain set in my patio.”  There are lots of different drains to fill lots of different needs. A Drain however is only the “Intake” part of a Drainage System.  There is also the ” Transition.”  This takes the water where you want it to go once inside the Drainage System.  There is also the “Exit.”  This is the place where water leaves the Drainage System. A Drainage System can be complex or simple.  A complex Drainage System may utilize many types of Drains with Several Different Transitions.

Complex Drainage System

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 might be one drain connected to one drainpipe running to one Exit.

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. In Review, there are Simple and Complex Drainage Systems according to design. There are also 2 Categories of Drainage Systems based on Performance.  

  1. Standard Drainage Systems
  2. Flood Prevention Systems

A Standard Drainage System is a System that Drains away water after it enters the Problem Drainage Area. Once in the area the water is drained away over time. The better the Drainage System, the faster and more completely the water is removed.

Flood Prevention System

A Flood Prevention System is a Drainage System that intercepts water before it ever enters the Problem Drainage Area. Flood Prevention Systems typically are more robust.  They must have larger pipes or more pipes to handle extreme flooding. There may be situations where Drainage Systems or Flood Prevention Systems fail due to extreme flooding. 

A flood may put the Exit point of the Drainage System under water.  If your entire property is under water, nothing will drain until the flood goes away. With that being said, Your Drainage System may be in a location that it is impossible to flood or very unlikely. So, Step one is to decide,” Do I want a Standard Drainage System? OR Do I want a Flood Prevention System?”

WHERE WE HAVE WORKED!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here is a description of other recent work.

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

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

 

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

 

 

 

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.

Channel Drain Installation

French Drain Flood Control, Channel Drain, Sprinkler Repair,Oklahoma City, Edmond, Blanchard, Norman

Posted: October 1, 2024 in Emergency Sprinkler Repair, french drain, French Drain Contractor, French Drain Help, French Drain Information, French Drain Installation, French Drain Photos, sprinkler repair
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4

French Drain for Flood Control.  Sometimes French Drains are installed to control flooding.  Many times, areas can flood that have drains already installed.  As a general rule, a French Drain can take water into the drainpipe faster than a Surface Drain if installed correctly.

French Drain

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

If you have water causing damage to your home or business, we can help!  Oklahoma Drainage has been solving drainage and water problems since 1993.  If you have water standing in your yard or it’s leaking into your AC ducts, we can help.

 

Servicing all of Central and Western Oklahoma since 1993.

French Drain Installation

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

Typically, water enters the problem drainage area one way from one source.  The really tricky drainage problems occur when water enters the problem drainage area from multiple directions and from multiple sources.  Sometimes a secondary water source can’t be seen or identified until the primary water problem source is eliminated.

An example of this occurs when water is running into a problem area, in an obvious way, over the ground where you can see it.

Simple enough.

A drainage system is installed with a surface drain as the “intake” with drainage pipe running to an exit point.  Initially the water drains away and everything looks great.  The next day water is back and is all around the surface drain, but below the edge and it hasn’t rained at all, so no additional water ran over the surface of the ground to flood the area.  The primary water source was solved, ( The surface water run off ) but the secondary water source was not.  Which was sub-surface water, (ground water) running into the area.

Surface Drain Limitations

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 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.

decorative french drain

Decorative French Drain Running Across a Flower Bed

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 31 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.

Drainage Problems

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.

Church drain dig

Digging a Large Drainage System for a Church

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.

WHERE WE HAVE WORKED!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here is a description of other recent work.

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

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

Sprinkler Repair 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.

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

 

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 Drains – Surface Drains – Channel Drains – Sump Pumps.

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

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

Central and Western Oklahoma is our Service Area since 1993.  

                                                           (405) 203-9419

Check out Sprinkler System Check-Up

 

Decorative French Drain and Channel Drain

Oklahoma City French Drains, Sprinkler Repair

Posted: September 30, 2024 in Emergency Sprinkler Repair, french drain, French Drain Information, French Drain Photos, Oklahoma City French Drain, Oklahoma City French Drains, Sprinkler Repair, sprinkler repair
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67

Oklahoma City French Drain Installation Since 1993.

 

 

French Drain, Moore Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, Norman, Edmond, French Drain Repair

Oklahoma Drainage 405 203 9419

Check Out – Where We Have Worked

French Drain Installation

French drain Installation
with trench liner and pipe filter

Oklahoma City French Drain Installation has been a Central focus for Oklahoma Drainage since 1993.  We have served over 2000 customers.

We have installed a lot of French Drains in apartment complexes and businesses.  The majority of our business is with Homeowners.

Tell Your Friends about us!  Or just enter “OKLAHOMA CITY FRENCH DRAIN INSTALLATION,” into Google.

What is a French Drain?

Click the Link Above

1993 was a long time ago.  Oklahoma Drainage has installed French Drains, Surface Drains, Channel Drains and Sump Pumps for over 30 years.  We also provide Sprinkler Repair.  

Duck enjoying a French Drain

I should hire these guys to test French drains.

Check Out Our Drain Photo Library

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.

 

OKLAHOMA DRAINAGE AND SPRINKLER REPAIR.  405 203 9419

 

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.

Above Ground Back-Flow-Valve

Above Ground Back-Flow-Valve.

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

 

Installing 4 Inch French Drain with trench Liner and pipe filter

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

We Install Drainage Systems to fit various needs for homeowners 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

 

Need for a Drainage System

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 falls 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 downhill 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.  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.  With 30 years of Drainage Installation, I would say 10% of our Drainage Systems have two Exit Points.

Popup Emitter to release water from a French Drain in Yukon

Popup Emitter to release water from a French Drain in Yukon

Next we have to decide what type of drain to install in the problem area.  If it is a small area with one water source, or lots of sources.

Oh! we also solve water problems and provide Drainage.

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

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

Or,If you live in Norman and have water standing on your driveway, consider a Channel Drain Installation.

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

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

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

Installing Drain Pipe from French Drain in Back Yard

Installing Drainpipe from French Drain in Back Yard

Do you have water standing in your yard after a heavy rain? 

Do your gutters turn your sidewalk into a moat after a storm.  Worst of all, do you have water seeping into your home or business from Storm-Water runoff?

 

Installing Solid 4 Inch Drain Pipe Between French Drain and Curb

Installing Solid 4 Inch Drainpipe Between French Drain and Curb

Oklahoma Drainage can help with these and many other “standing water” and ” Drainage Problems. We can diagnose your drainage problem and design a drainage system to fit your specific needs.  In Business since 1993.  

We utilize: French Drains, Surface Drains, Channel Drains, Basin Drains, Trench Drains, Basement Drains, and Sump Pumps.

 

We service all of Central and Western Oklahoma

 

 

Oklahoma City French Drain Information, Sprinkler Repair

Posted: September 28, 2024 in french drain, French Drain Design, French Drain Information, Oklahoma City French Drain Information, sprinkler repair
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Oklahoma City French Drain Information

Oklahoma Drainage Installs French Drains, Surface Drains, Channel Drains and Sump Pumps for all of Central and Western Oklahoma

Do you have water in your basement?  Maybe it is standing on your driveway, or you have water pooling in your yard.  If water is causing problems, then a Drainage System may be the answer.

A French Drain or a Surface Drain is just part of a Drainage System.

A Drainage System has 3 parts, an Induction, a Transition, and an Exit.

A French Drain is an Induction for a Drainage System.  A Surface Drain is also an induction.  They take water into the Drainage System.

A Transition is just an underground pipe that takes water to the Exit.  There are many types of Transition Drainpipes and there are many types of Exits.

Transition Drainage Pipe

Transition Drainage Pipe Running from French Drain to Exit

Complex or Basic Drainage Systems

Some Drainage Systems are complex. They incorporate several types of drains.   An Example of a Complex Drainage System is:  A French Drain Connected to a Channel Drain with both Drain feeding into a Sump Pump.  There are many other possibilities.  The common aspect is that a Complex Drainage System has more than one type of Drain.

 

Other Drainage Systems are Basic. A Basic Drainage System uses only one type of Drain.  French Drains, Surface Drains and Channel Drains are the choices, but only one is 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.

Installing 4 Inch French Drain with trench Liner and pipe filter

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

French Drain Installation

French Drain Installation—   French Drains are designed to do a lot of things.  If you have an area that has unwanted water standing in it or running across it, a French Drain can be the answer.  A French Drain is a trench that runs across the Drainage Problem Area.  A French Drain Pipe is placed in the bottom of the trench.

The French Drain Pipe is perforated with thousands of small holes.  In most cases the Drain Pipe has a nylon soc around the pipe to act as a filter for the French Drain.  The French Drain trench is then filled with some type of small rock or stone.  We typically use crushed 1 inch Limestone to cover the French Drain Pipe.

The dirt that was dug out of the trench is taken away or spread out around the French Drain.  The Limestone replaces the dirt and fills the French Drain Trench all the way to the surface. Placing Decorative Stone on top of a French Drain is a good idea.  Just don’t put dirt back on top of the drain.

WHERE WE HAVE WORKED!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here is a description of other recent work.

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

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

French Drain Mistakes and Considerations, Sprinkler Repair

Posted: September 27, 2024 in Emergency Sprinkler Repair, french drain, French Drain Help, French Drain Information, French Drain mistakes, French Drain Problems, sprinkler repair
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French Drain Mistakes

French Drain mistakes are made by Homeowners and Contractors.  We will focus on mistakes made by Homeowners.

 

Oklahoma Drainage installs French Drains, Channel Drains, Surface Drains and Sump Pumps.  We also provide top quality Sprinkler Repair for all of Central and Western Oklahoma.

 

Trench Liner and Pipe Filter Installed on French Drain

Trench Liner and Pipe Filter Installed with French Drain

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

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

Cracking Driveways

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

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

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

Still Mistakes Are Made.

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

Typical Mistakes

Additional mistakes that relate to Unqualified Drainage Diagnosis are:

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

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

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

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

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

Drainage System VS Flood Prevention System

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bad Fall

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

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

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 Or Surface Drain, Which one do you need!

Posted: September 19, 2024 in french drain, French Drain Design, Surface Drains
Tags: , ,
9

French Drain or Surface Drain

French Drain Benefit That I Never Expected

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

Wow! Where to begin?

French Drain or Surface Drain can be a complicated decision.  Which one do you Need?

 

First you have to understand what they are and what they do.

Both have a similar initial purpose.  Their Job is to get water into a solid Drainpipe so it can flow underground to the place where you want it to go.  A French Drain and a Surface Drain are Both “INTAKES”.  They take standing or running water into a Drainage System.

Three Parts

A Drainage System has 3 Parts.  An INTAKE, A TRANSITION, and an EXIT.  An Intake is a French Drain or a Surface Drain that takes water into a Drainpipe as previously stated.   The Transition is the solid Drainpipe that takes the water where you want it to go.  And finally, an Exit is simply where the water leaves the pipe.

A French Drain Takes water in through a perforated pipe.  Typically for 4 or 6 ich pipe.  The pipe has thousands of little holes that allow water to enter the pipe and flow to the transition.  Some type of gravel or crushed stone surrounds the French Drainpipe.

French Drain Installation

French drain Installation
with trench liner and pipe filter

The French Drainpipe in the above picture has a Black cloth filter around the 4-inch pipe and a white trench liner.  They are both semi permeable allowing water to pass into the pipe without dirt or debris clogging the pipe.  The trench is then filled with crushed limestone filling the trench and covering the pipe.

Surface Drains

A Surface Drain has a grate that sits on top of a basin.  Water comes in through the grate and goes directly into the Transition Drainpipe.

 

Surface Drains and French Drains are not created equal.  There are benefits and drawbacks to both.

Surface Drain Benefits:

Surface Drains look better when installed.

Surface Drains work better in small areas where the water is standing or moving slowly.

Surface Drain Drawbacks:

Surace Drains Don’t handle fast moving surface water across a broad area.  They take in some water, but the majority of the water just runs right around them or over the top of them.

Surface Drains can’t drain away or remove any kind of “Ground Water.”  Ground water has no way to get into the top of a Surface Drain.  If its muddy around a surface drain you have to wait until the heat or wind dries out the area.

French Drain Benefits:

French Drains can handle a much higher volume of water than a surface drain.

French Drains can intercept water with a higher velocity covering a broader area than a surface drain.

French Drains can also intercept ground water.  Most people don’t think about ground water moving.  It moves underground just like surface water moves above ground.  It just moves much slower.  A French Drain that is downhill from a muddy area will intercept and take in ground water moving downhill.  It enters the perforated pipe laterally underground and slowly enters the transition pipe and slowly flows or drips toward the exit point.  As a result the soil dry’s out much faster.

French Drain Drawbacks:

When first installed, a French Drain is not nearly as pretty as a surface drain.  Gravel running across your yard in a trench may not be appealing.

In sunny areas grass will grow over the French Drain over time.  This is perfectly fine.  It produces what is called a “Thatch Filter.” A Thatch Filter helps keep a French Drain clean along with the Pipe Filter and Trench Liner which also are installed to keep the French Drain clean and working well for Decades.

Don’t Cover a French Drain with Dirt

HOWEVER! YOU ABSOLUTELY CAN’T PUT DIRT ON TOP OF THE GRAVEL TO MAKE IT LOOK BETTER.  EMAGINE GASSING UP YOUR CAR BY OPENING UP YOUR GAS CAP AND THEN POURING THE GAS ON THE ROOF OF YOUR CAR.  A DROP OR TWO MIGHT MAKE IT INTO YOUR GAS TANK.  IN THE SAME WAY A DROP OR TWO OF SURFACE WATER MIGHT MAKE IT INTO THE FRENCH DRAIN.  DIRT ON TOP OF A FRENCH DRAIN WILL ELIMATE ITS ABILITY TO DRAIN SURFACE WATER.  IF YOUR DRAINAGE PROBLEM ONLY STEMS FROM GROUND WATER THEN PUT DIRT ON IT.  THIS IS CALLED A “CAPPED” FRENCH DRAIN.

In shaded areas grass will never grow over the gravel of the French drain.  There are two options.  Get creative with stone work and landscaping or live with the ugly French drain.

Here are some fancy French Drains that we have installed.

 

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