French Drain Archives - Page 2 of 3 - Oklahoma Drainage and Sprinkler Repair

Posts Tagged ‘French Drain’

Sprinkler Repair Service, French Drain Install, Norman, Oklahoma City, Edmond, Yukon, Lawton /

Posted: November 28, 2019 in Drainage System, french drain, French Drain Contractor, French Drain Repair, Sprinkler Repair Service
Tags: Edmond Oklahoma French Drain, French Drain, Moore Oklahoma French Drain, Norman Oklahoma French Drain, Oklahoma City French Drain, sprinkler repair

Sprinkler Repair Service Provided by Oklahoma Drainage and Sprinkler Repair

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

Thousands of Sprinkler Heads have been adjusted.

Countless Sprinkler Controllers have been Reprogramed or Replaced.

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

I wonder how many? A lot!!!!

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

Oklahoma City Sprinkler Repair

Drainage Systems, French Drains, Surface Drains, Channel Drains, Sump Pumps, Sprinkler Repair, with 26 years of experience.

A French Drain Can Handle Standing Water

Oklahoma Drainage and Sprinkler Repair Recently installed a Drainage System in Nichols Hills. The Drainage System was made up of a 4-inch French Drain starting in the back yard. It ran between the garage and the pool. Several gutters were connected directly into the French Drain.

6 Inch French Drain

From this point, we expanded up to a larger 6-inch Drainpipe to handle the added water into the system from the gutters. In several places the French Drain had to run through areas where Sprinkler Pipes were in the way. We had to re-rout all the Sprinkler Pipes and Wires under the French Drain.

French Drain Installed in Yukon

Once the Sprinkler System had been redesigned and the gutters had been connected, we ran the 6 inch Drain Pipe from the end of the French Drain, around the house to release through the curb. We cut the curb and installed a 6 inch curb fitting with acrylic concrete. A few days later a major thunderstorm poured down on the property. The French Drain and the Drainage System Worked Perfectly.

A Channel Drain is a type of Surface Drain and many times is installed in concrete across sidewalks or driveways. It is long and narrow with a grate on top.

Installing Channel Drain Across Sidewalk in Norman

A French Drain is completely different from a Surface Drain. A basic French Drain consists of a Perforated Drain Pipe in the bottom of a trench.

Trench Liner

A Trench Liner is sometimes used depending on the Drainage System Design and the type of soil. The Drain Pipe should have a neoprene sock around the Perforated Drain Pipe. This is to ensure that the Drain Pipe does not become clogged. A trench is dug that is slightly wider than the French Drain Pipe that is being used.

There are several sizes of French Drain Pipe. Three Inch, Four Inch, and Six Inch are the most common sizes of French drain Pipe. The dirt that is taken out to make the trench is hauled away. It is replaced by some type of small stone or gravel depending on what is desired or available. I prefer crushed 1 inch limestone. It is the most economical option in my area. Pea Gravel or some other type of small stone can work just as well. The limestone or gravel is placed in the trench on top of the perforated Drain Pipe and filled all the way to the surface (ground level).

Surface Drain Installation

French Drain Parts

Posted: March 13, 2015 in french drain, French Drain Contractor, Norman Oklahoma, Norman Oklahoma French Drain, Oklahoma City French Drain, Parts of a French Drain
Tags: French Drain, Norman Oklahoma French Drain, Oklahoma City French Drain Installation

French Drain Parts

French Drain Parts are a Drainage Trench, French Drain Trench Liner, French Drainpipe, Gravel or Crushed Limestone, Transition Drainpipe and Drainage Exit.

Drainage Trench

A Drainage Trench is where a French Drainpipe is located. The Drainpipe is placed in the bottom of the Drainage Trench. It needs to be in a low area where the water is standing or flowing toward.

French Drain Trench Liner

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.

A liner is placed in the bottom of the Drainage Trench. This liner allows water to enter the French Drain from the dirt surrounding the French Drain. Underground water, AKA “Sub-Surface Water, “can be drained away.

French Drainpipe

French Drainpipe is perforated. It is full of thousands of little holes. The holes allow water to enter the French Drainpipe. This can be Surface Water or Sub-Surface water. A cloth filter is wrapped around the pipe.

Gravel or Crushed Limestone

Gravel or Crushed limestone is used to fill the French Drain Trench once the Perforated Pipe is installed.

Transition Drainpipe

A Transition Drainpipe is a Solid Pipe that is connected to the Downhill end of the French Drain. It takes water away from the French Drain.

Drainage Exit

A Drainage Exit is a release point. This is where water leaves the Solid Transition Drainpipe.

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

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

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

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

Central and Western Oklahoma is our Service Area since 1993.

(405) 203-9419

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

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

For Small business and Residential French Drains, four-inch ADS Perf/Soc French Drainpipe is adequate and the most common. It is used for the majority of all Drainage Systems.

French Drains can be installed using 3-inch ADS Perf/Soc but many times it is too small and can be overwhelmed by a heavy rain or from a bad design. (Too many gutters down spouts connected directly into the French Drain, For Example) Three Inch French Drainpipe should be avoided if possible.

6 Inch PIpe

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

Installing Gravel on top of a 6-inch French Drain

French Drain in Flower Bed in Edmond

A common Drainage Problem for people in Central Oklahoma is ground water seeping into floor air conditioner ducts. This can cause very costly damage to a home or business. Water-proofing Ducts, or even worse, trying to remove mold from duct work can cost big bucks.

Structural Engineer

Structural Engineers typically recommend French Drain Installation to keep water out of ducts.

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

Gutter connected straight into 6 inch French Drain System in Oklahoma City

Gutter Connection

Oklahoma Drainage has 30 years of experience Diagnosing Drainage Problems. We always check for sub-surface water flow into any Problem Drainage Area.

Installing Channel Drain Across Sidewalk in Norman

Don’t Do Well in Small Areas

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

Surface Drain Installation in Edmond

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

Curb Outlet

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

French Drain Running Through Low Areas in Yukon

Drainage System

Oklahoma Drainage provides quality service for central Oklahoma. If you live in Norman and need a French Drain, or if you live in Oklahoma City and want a Channel Drain installed across your driveway, give us a call. We have installed Drainage Systems and French Drains in: Oklahoma City, Edmond, Moore, Midwest City, Norman, Yukon, Mustang, Del City, Blanchard, Newcastle and all surrounding areas.

Yukon French Drain Installation, Oklahoma City, Norman, Edmond —

Posted: March 10, 2015 in Edmond Oklahoma French Drain, Lawton Oklahoma French Drain, Moore Oklahoma French Drain, Oklahoma City French Drain, Yukon French Drain Installation
Tags: Edmond Oklahoma French Drain, French Drain, Mustang Oklahoma French Drain, Yukon Oklahoma French Drain

Yukon French Drain Installation

Oklahoma Drainage has been installing French Drains, Surface Drains, Sump Pumps and Sod since 1993.

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

This is not a French Drain.

Channel Drain Installation

This is a Channel Drain which is a type of Surface Drain but is not a French Drain.

French drain Installation
with trench liner and pipe filter

Above is a picture of a French drain

Installing Decorative French Drain

Completed Decorative French 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 Drain Pipe is perforated (Full of Small Holes) and has Neo-Prene Soc around the pipe. This soc helps prevent debris from clogging the French Drain Pipe.

The dirt that was taken out to make the trench is hauled away. It is replaced by some type of small stone or gravel depending on what is desired or available. I prefer crushed 1 inch limestone. It is the most economical option in my area. Pea Gravel or some other type of small stone can work just as well. The limestone or gravel is placed in the trench on top of the perforated Drain Pipe 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 Drain Pipe 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 about 20% of the time. Most of the time a liner in not needed.

: French Drain March 2011

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 aren’t very pretty. They don’t look very nice in a yard once they are completed.

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.

Sod installed next to French Drain

The French Drain Installation we did this week was a little more difficult than normal. Many times, the route that a Perforated French Drainpipe must travel to its exit point is not very easy from an installation point of view. French Drains may have to travel through tree roots, (big ones) under sidewalks, through retaining walls, around swing sets or dog kennels or Mom’s Prize Rose Bush. The 4 inch French Drain we installed this week was in Oklahoma City south of 23rd in an old part of town where all the houses were old 2 or 3 story homes with lots of huge Elm Trees. The Elm Tree in Question actually was just an old stump that had been topped out but not completely removed. They left the roots just for us! The roots were growing into the homes foundation and were right in the way of the path of the French Drain. Forty feet of solid Elm Roots and 4 chain-saw blades later We were successful in running a new French Drain through a tree stump. Yuck! “Well, you gotta do what you gotta do!”

French Drain with colored river rock

A little info about French Drain Pipe and Tree Roots. Normally tree roots don’t seek out and penetrate French Drain Pipe. Tree roots seek moisture and residual water that may stay inside Solid Drain Pipe. French Drain Pipe is perforated. Water that does not reach the exit point of the French Drain will seep out of the Pipe into the surrounding dirt. Solid Drain Pipe that is used with Surface Drains can be penetrated and eventually clogged by roots if the pipe does not have good slope or “Fall”. If the solid pipe does not drain well and has residual water, tree roots will seek it out.

Drainpipe running from French Drain to the street in Oklahoma City

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

Drainage Systems typically make use of, French Drains, Surface Drains, or Channel Drains. Depending on the Drainage Problem, A Drainage System may utilize one or several types of Drains. We might install, for example, A Surface Drain in the middle of a driveway that runs to a gutter that is connected into the drain pipe. The Drain Pipe might continue to a French Drain running parallel to a home’s foundation. Next the drain pipe might continue to a channel drain cutting across a sidewalk. The Drainpipe might then reach its exit point running out through a curb fitting installed and cemented through the curb.

A Surface Drain basically is a basin that has a grate on the top. A drainpipe is connected to the basin below ground. The water flows in through the grate and down into the basin. The water then exits the Basin through the Drainpipe and move toward the exit point of the Drainage System. Surface Drains are designed to handle water that accumulates in a low area. These areas should not be too large or broad, and the water that drains into a surface drain should not be moving very fast. Surface Drains can become overwhelmed if they are placed in an area that must move a large volume of water, quickly. Selecting the correct drain for the specific drainage problem is a benefit that Oklahoma Drainage and provides through 30 years of experience.

French Drain Contractor Norman, – Drainage Systems – Sump Pump Installation – Oklahoma City, Norman, Edmond

Posted: February 24, 2015 in Drain Repair, Edmond Oklahoma French Drain, french drain, French Drain Contractor, French Drain Information, Oklahoma City French Drain
Tags: Edmond Oklahoma French Drain, French Drain, Oklahoma City French Drain Contractor

French Drain Contractor Norman.

Oklahoma Drainage 405 203 9419 — We provide:

French Drain Installation, Surface Drain Installation, Drainage System Installation

Back Yard French Drain

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.

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.

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!

FRENCH DRAIN IN EDMOND OKLAHOMA, DRAINAGE CONTRACTOR

Oklahoma Drainage and Sprinkler Repair Recently installed a large 6 inch French Drain in Edmond. The customer had water running under his back porch step and into his basement. We did a Free Drainage Diagnostic and Estimate. The French Drain design that we proposed would intercept the surface water and subsurface water that was flowing under the steps. The French Drain design called for a 6 inch French Drain to be installed above and several feet away from the steps. It would run around the house parallel to the foundation and about 5 feet to the East. The French Drain would run past the steps to a point where water must cross the French Drain or run up hill to the steps which in this case was not possible. Once past the steps, the French Drain would transition to Solid 6 inch Drain Pipe and continue on around the house to the Pop-Up Emitter down hill in the side yard. Along the way we attached several Gutter Down Spouts into the French Drain.

Back Yard French Drain

A French Drain is completely different from a Surface Drain. A basic French Drain consists of a Perforated Drain Pipe in the bottom of a trench. A Trench Liner is sometimes used depending on the Drainage System Design and the type of soil. The Drain Pipe should have a neoprene sock around the Perforated Drain Pipe. This is to ensure that the Drain Pipe does not become clogged. A trench is dug that is slightly wider than the French Drain Pipe that is being used. There are several sizes of French Drain Pipe. Three Inch, Four Inch, and Six Inch are the most common sizes of French drain Pipe. The dirt that is taken out to make the trench is hauled away. It is replaced by some type of small stone or gravel depending on what is desired or available. I prefer crushed 1 inch lime stone. It is the most economical option in my area. Pea Gravel or some other type of small stone can work just as well. The lime-stone or gravel is placed in the trench on top of the perforated Drain Pipe 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 Drain Pipe or the Gravel are installed. This helps maintain the integrity of the trench over time. It also increases the cost of the French Drain and the amount of time to install it. I install a trench liner in a French Drain most of the time.

Curb Outlet for French Drain in Edmond

Running French Drain Pipe Under Sidewalk

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

Depending on the area the French Drain is installed and the type of grass around the French Drain, will dictate whether grass grows over the lime stone. Grass can grow up and through the gravel in the French Drain over time eventually covering the gravel. This is OK. It won’t have a measurable effect on the performance of the French Drain. In some cases thick grass growing up through the French Drain will create a natural “Thatch” filter. This makes the French Drain invisible. The trick is to allow the grass to grow over the French Drain Gravel without covering it up with dirt. Grasses such as Bermuda which grow well in the sun will put out runners and new roots and will grow up and through the French Drain. This will not affect the performance of the French Drain. The problem is that some times depending on the type of soil involved, it may take a long time to completely cover up the French Drain. Sprinkling grass seed down in the gravel will speed up the process.

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

If you install a French Drain in a sunny area, you can:

A. Leave the French Drain as-is and allow grass to grow over it in time.

B. Add grass seed directly to the French Drain gravel with (Light Hand Watering) to speed the growth process

C. Leave the French Drain as-is but decorate it with stepping stones and landscaping rocks ( leaving large cracks between stones to allow water to get into the French Drain,

If you install a French Drain in a shady area you can:

A. Leave the French Drain as-is, it will work well and look as it did for many years.

B. Leave the French Drain as-is, but decorate it with stepping stones or landscaping rocks. Many French Drains are hidden under rock walk ways.

French Drain Running Through Low Areas in Yukon

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

Channel Drain in Oklahoma City

Sump Pump with French Drain Information, Locations, Norman, Oklahoma City

Posted: February 17, 2015 in oklahoma city, Sump Pump with French Drain
Tags: French Drain, Sump Pump Information, Sump Pump Installation

Sump Pump with French Drain

Sump Pump Installation

Sump Pumps are used when water can’t be drained away by gravity. You might have water standing in an area and it is up hill in all directions. A gravity flow French Drain or Surface Drain System will not work so you must pump the water to the Exit Point. The Same holds true if you have water standing in a basement. Pumping out the water is the only way.

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

Sump Pump Inside Sump Pump Cavity

Two Sizes of Sump Pumps

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

A Sump Pump Cavity

looks like a trash can. When water drains into the sump cavity it raises the float and turns on the pump. Once empty it falls down and turns off the Pump.

The larger the sump cavity the less often the sump turns on and off. A small sump cavity wears out the sump pump faster because it turns on and off more making it less efficient.

Building a large custom sump cavity.

Larger Volume Sump Cavity

Large volume

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

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

French Drain installed under walkway

French Drain under walkway completed

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

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

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

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

A French Drain is completely different from a Surface Drain. A basic French Drain consists of a Perforated Drain Pipe in the bottom of a trench.

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

There are several sizes of French Drain Pipe. Three Inch, Four Inch, and Six Inch are the most common sizes of French drainpipe.

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

Trench Liner and Pipe Filter installed Below

French Drain Installation with trench liner and Pipe filter

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

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

Pipe running to street form French Drain in back yard.

When we run Drainpipe across yards to an Exit Point, the sod usually can be put back into place and in a few days you can’t tell a French Drain was ever Installed.

What it is Designed For

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

Grass Growing Over French Drain

This is OK. It won’t have a measurable effect on the performance of the French Drain. In some cases thick grass growing up through the French Drain will create a natural “Thatch” filter. This makes the French Drain invisible. The trick is to allow the grass to grow over the French Drain Gravel without covering it up with dirt.

Grasses such as Bermuda which grow well in the sun will put out runners and new roots and will grow up and through the French Drain. This will not affect the performance of the French Drain. The problem is that some times depending on the type of soil involved, it may take a long time to completely cover up the French Drain. Sprinkling grass seed down in the gravel will speed up the process.

No Dirt!

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

Installing a Curb Outlet for a French Drain in Oklahoma City

Basic Information

If you install a French Drain in a sunny area, you can:

A. Leave the French Drain as-is and allow grass to grow over it in time.

B. Add grass seed directly to the French Drain gravel with (Light Hand Watering) to speed the growth process

C. Leave the French Drain as-is but decorate it with steppingstones and landscaping rocks (leaving large cracks between stones to allow water to get into the French Drain,

If you install a French Drain in a shady area, you can:

A. Leave the French Drain as-is, it will work well and look as it did for many years.

B. Leave the French Drain as-is, but decorate it with stepping stones or landscaping rocks. Many French Drains are hidden under rock walk ways.

French Drain in Oklahoma City

Installing Surface Drain System in Edmond Oklahoma

Sometimes Surface Drains make more sense when the Drainage Problem area is fairly small with Surface Water Flowing into it.

We install Many types of Drains

We install a variety of other types of Drains. Our Drainage Systems may utilize: French Drains, Surface Drains, Channel Drains, Trench Drains, Basin Drains, and Sump Pumps. In the past 21 years, we have installed French Drains to keep water away from home and business foundations, Surface Drains to keep water away from sidewalks and driveways, Trench Drains, and French Drains to keep standing water out of flowerbeds and yards, and Sump Pumps to remove water from basements and outdoor low-lying areas.

French Drain with stepping stones

Standing water

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

French Drain With Colored Gravel in Oklahoma City

Installing Cement around Curb Fitting for French Drain in Norman

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

We install a variety of drains to solve a variety of problems. French Drains, Surface Drains, and Channel Drains are most commonly used. If you live in Edmond and need a Channel Drain installed across your driveway, or if you live in Norman and need a French Drain in your backyard, or if you live in Oklahoma City and need a Surface drain installed next to your sidewalk, give us a call. 405 203 9419

Most Common Drain

The most common Drain that we install is the French Drain. This is because the French Drain is versatile. It can handle Surface Water Problems or Underground Water Problems (sub-surface). A huge mistake that many people make is assuming that water gets to a Problem Drainage Area by flowing over the surface only. For example, if water is flowing downhill underground toward your home’s foundation, the only way to stop or intercept it is with a French Drain. Water can flow laterally into a perforated French Drainpipe. It is then diverted away from the Problem Drainage Area to an Exit Point.

Popup Emitter to release water from a French Drain in Yukon

Pop Up Emitters can release water from Surface Drains or French Drains. They can release water on to sidewalks or driveways, or out in the middle of yards.

French Drain Installation in Oklahoma City, Blanchard, Newcastle

Posted: February 3, 2015 in french drain, French Drain Contractor, Oklahoma City French Drain
Tags: Edmond Oklahoma French Drain, French Drain, French Drain Blanchard, French Drain Newcastle, Oklahoma City French Drain Contractor

Drainage Systems, French Drains, Surface Drains, Channel Drains, Sump Pumps,

Patio Channel Drain Installation

A Channel Drain is a type of Surface Drain and many times is installed in concrete across sidewalks or driveways. It is long and narrow with a grate on top.

Installing Channel Drain Across Sidewalk in Norman

A French Drain is completely different from a Surface Drain. A basic French Drain consists of a Perforated Drainpipe in the bottom of a trench. A Trench Liner is sometimes used depending on the Drainage System Design and the type of soil. The Drainpipe should have a neoprene sock around the Perforated Drainpipe. This is to ensure that the Drainpipe does not become clogged. A trench is dug that is slightly wider than the French Drainpipe that is being used. There are several sizes of French Drainpipe. Three Inch, Four Inch, and Six Inch are the most common sizes of French drainpipe. The dirt that is taken out to make the trench is hauled away. It is replaced by some type of small stone or gravel depending on what is desired or available. I prefer crushed 1 inch limestone. It is the most economical option in my area. Pea Gravel or some other type of small stone can work just as well. The limestone or gravel is placed in the trench on top of the perforated Drainpipe and filled all the way to the surface (ground level). In some cases where the French Drain needs to be deep or is being placed in sandy soil, a special trench liner must be placed in the trench before the perforated Drainpipe, or the Gravel are installed. This helps maintain the integrity of the trench over time. It also increases the cost of the French Drain and the amount of time to install it. I install a trench liner in a French Drain about 20% of the time. Most of the time a liner in not needed.

French Drain in Edmond Oklahoma

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

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.

French Drain Utilization, Lawton, Norman, Altus, Oklahoma City, Edmond

Posted: January 30, 2015 in french drain, French Drain Contractor, French Drain Information, French Drain Photos
Tags: Edmond Oklahoma French Drain, French Drain, Moore Oklahoma French Drain, Oklahoma City French Drain

French Drain Utilization

Oklahoma Drainage and Sprinkler Repair 405 203 9419 — We provide:

French Drain Installation, Surface Drain Installation, Drainage System Installation

Drainage Systems, French Drains, Surface Drains, Channel Drains, Sump Pumps, with 33 years of experience.

Driveway Drain Installation

This is to ensure that the Drainpipe does not become clogged. A trench is dug that is slightly wider than the French Drainpipe that is being used. There are several sizes of French Drainpipe. Three Inch, Four Inch, and Six Inch are the most common sizes of French drainpipe. The dirt that is taken out to make the trench is hauled away. It is replaced by some type of small stone or gravel depending on what is desired or available. I prefer crushed 1 inch lime stone. It is the most economical option in my area. Pea Gravel or some other type of small stone can work just as well.

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

FRENCH DRAIN INSTALLATION IN EDMOND OKLAHOMA

French Drain running along foundation

Edmond Oklahoma has been the location for many French Drain Installations for us in the past several years. Recently we ripped out an old Surface Drain that was under a deck. The Surface Drain was too small for the job and did not Protect the Foundation from Standing Water.

The First step was to take out part of the deck along the wall. Next we took out the Surface Drain and the Three Inch Pipe which was too small. Digging a trench along the foundation came next. We had to ensure the, “Fall” to make sure the water would run from left to right.

Next a French Drain Liner needed to be installed. This was necessary to maintain the integrity of the trench and to keep the French Drainpipe from filling up with sand and getting clogged over the next few years. We then installed 4 inch ADS Perf/Soc French Drain Pipe along the course of the French Drain. Next we connected the end of the French Drain Pipe to Solid 4 Inch ADS Drain pipe to continue along the trench to the Pop-Up Emitter at the Exit Point.

A good Drainage System has a point where water enters the System. This is usually through a French Drain, Surface Drain, or a Gutter Down Spout that is connected into a Drainpipe. Water will run through either Perforated French Drainpipe or Solid Drainpipe depending on the Drainage System Design. Water will flow downhill to an Exit Point where the water will be released out of the Drainage System. This is a done through a Pop-Up Emitter or a Curb Fitting.

Cutting The Curb and Installing Curb Fitting for French Drain

Installing Cement around Curb Fitting for French Drain

A French Drain is a long perforated pipe in the bottom of a trench. The trench runs through the problem drainage area. The trench is filled with gravel or crushed lime stone. The French Drain takes in water any place that water runs into the trench.

A French Drain will move large amounts of water from the Drainage Problem Area to the Exit point.

A French Drain will Drain away water that gets to the Drainage Problem Area in 3 ways.

1. Water gets to the problem area by falling from the sky.

2. Water gets to the problem area by flowing down hill over the ground.

3. Water gets to the problem area by flowing underground. (Sub-Surface water flow)

French Drain Running Through Low Areas in Yukon

Number 3, Sub-Surface water flow is the big consideration. When doing a Drainage Diagnostic, this is the area that is many times missed or not considered by less experienced companies. Many Times it is cheaper and more effective to install a French Drain over a Surface Drain. A Surface Drain can’t move as much water as a French Drain, and a Surface Drain can’t Drain away Sub-Surface water. Surface Drains should be installed in areas where the Drainage Problem area is smaller and is not affected by sub-surface water.

The drawback to a French Drain, is that it is not a pretty as a Surface Drain.

6 Inch French Drain

French Drains do a great job running along foundations and driveways. A French Drain will keep water away from cement and prevent damage to concrete if water should freeze up against it. A French Drain can keep your foundation Dry.

We just finished a 4-inch Drainage System in Yukon. It was a complicated system to install. It utilized 4 inch French Drain in the flower beds, 12 inch Surface Drains on the side of the house, 6 inch French Drain along the garage foundation with 2 Pop – Up Emitters in the back yard and 3 Curb Fittings in the front. First, we installed 4 inch French Drain in the flowerbeds on both sides of the front door. We connected 4-inch solid Drainpipe into the French Drain and ran them underside walk to the curb. Next we cut the curb with a concrete saw and installed 3 curb outlets for 3 separate French Drains.

Installing a Curb Outlet for a French Drain in Oklahoma City

Next we installed 4 12 Inch Drain Basins with grates along both sides of the house continuing with Solid Drainpipe to the Pop-Up Emitters on the back fence. Finally we completed the Drainage System by installing a long run of 6-inch French Drain down the side of the garage foundation. Installing the French Drains in the flower beds was the most difficult and took the most time. Each French Drain took over a ton of crushed limestone to fill the French Drain trench. The Six-inch French Drain took even more limestone.

French Drain in Oklahoma City

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

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

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

Connecting Gutter into French Drain System in Moore

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

The Drawbacks to 6-inch French Drain installation are: 1. The Materials Cost is higher for six-inch French Drain Compared to Four Inch Pipe.

2. Many times, 6 Inch French Drain Pipe is too large for many applications, such as going under a fence or sidewalk.

3. The trench for a 6-inch French Drain must be much larger than a 4 Inch

4. The amount of gravel or limestone or River Rock used to Cover the 6-inch French Drain is Much larger

All things being considered, the performance and longevity of a 6 inch French Drain is well worth it if you are trying to protect something of value to you! If the higher cost and the additional labor and materials are not a problem and 6 inch French Drainpipe is not too big for what you want to do then a 6 inch French Drain would be the best.

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

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

Rainbird Sprinkler 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

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

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

French Drain In Edmond

Oklahoma Drainage Installed 4 Inch French Drain with trench liner and pipe filter about one foot away from the wall where all the water was standing and penetrating the Duct Work. The French Drain ran parallel to the house for 60 Feet. At that point the French Drain transitioned to 4 Inch solid ADS Drainpipe and continued South an additional 80 feet to a Curb Outlet installed at the street.

We cut the curb and installed a Curb Outlet with Acrylic Concrete to make it look nice and last without chipping.

Along the course of the French Drain, we also connected 2 Gutter Down Spouts Directly into the French Drain.

This provides more efficient movement of the storm water to the exit but also creates suction in the French Drain behind it.

This is called the “Bernoulli Effect.” If you remember your High School Science Class.

Oklahoma Drainage has used these simple concepts many times to provide a solution to the above problem.

Water still had to be vacuumed out of the Duct Work. But Future water was and is kept out of the Duct Work and Floor Vents. Also, the Foundation Stays Dry. No mold or foundation Break Down.

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

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

Water may be standing on your driveway. Channel Drain Installation is a Solution.

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

Flooding in your flowerbed can be solved with a Surface Drain.

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

Check Out Parts of a French Drain

French Drain and Dirt Work

Installing Channel Drain Across Driveway

The Drainpipe should have a neoprene sock around the Perforated Drainpipe. This is to ensure that the Drainpipe does not become clogged. A trench is dug that is slightly wider than the French Drainpipe that is being used.

Drainpipe Sizes

There are several sizes of French Drainpipe. Three Inch, Four Inch, and Six Inch are the most common sizes of French drainpipe.

The dirt that is taken out to make the trench is hauled away. It is replaced by some type of small stone or gravel depending on what is desired or available.

I prefer crushed 1 inch limestone. It is the most economical option in my area. Pea Gravel or some other type of small stone can work just as well.

Installing Trench Liner for French Drain

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.

French Drain in Oklahoma City

French Drain Design must take into account many variables. One consideration for a French Drain that many times is missed, is the type of soil. French Drain Design must take into account the type of soil that the French Drain runs through.

If the soil is “Tight or made up of Clay, A French Drain Liner may not be necessary. The Gravel or Limestone that is used to fill the French Drain trench may be all that is needed to maintain the integrity of the trench over time. This means that dirt will not mix in with the French Drain Gravel and clog it up over time.

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

Installation of a French Drain in Edmond Oklahoma

Drainage System

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.

Good Information about French Drain Design, Sprinkler Repair, Oklahoma City, Norman, Edmond

Posted: January 28, 2015 in french drain, French Drain Contractor, Sprinkler Repair Service
Tags: French Drain, Oklahoma City Drainage solutions, Oklahoma City French Drain Contractor

Some Simple rules about French Drains and Surface Drains. A French Drain should be installed when there is a large volume of water to be drained over a large area. Surface Drains are needed when the water volume is smaller, and the Drainage Area is small and focused. French Drains move away Surface Water and Sub-Surface water. Surface Drains move only surface water.

Installing Channel Drain Across Driveway

French Drain in Oklahoma City

French Drain Design must take into account many variables. One consideration for a French Drain that many times is missed, is the type of soil. French Drain Design must take into account the type of soil that the French Drain runs through. If the soil is “Tight or made up of Clay, A French Drain Liner may not be necessary.

Gravel Or Limestone

The Gravel or Limestone that is used to fill the French Drain trench may be all that is needed to maintain the integrity of the trench over time. This means that dirt will not mix in with the French Drain Gravel and clog it up over time. This is not the case however if your soil is sandy or loose. A Trench Liner should be used to prevent this type of soil from moving into the gravel of the French Drain. Trench Liners are relatively inexpensive and are not hard to install. If you are not sure what to do then install the Trench Liner in the French Drain.

Installation of a French Drain in Edmond Oklahoma

Drainage System

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

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.

Popup Emitter to release water from a French Drain in Yukon

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.

What We Do

Oklahoma Drainage Installs all types of Drainage Systems in Oklahoma.

Today we installed a 6 Inch French Drain at an apartment complex near Lake Heffner. The French Drain started in the back yard of one unit. The Drainpipe went under the fence and into the adjoining unit’s back yard. The French Drain then looped around their patio and out under their fence to the west.

To get the 6-inch Drainpipe to the correct Exit Point, we had to cut out 30 feet of sidewalk and run the French Drainpipe under the sidewalk. Next, we replaced the sidewalk with new concrete.

Drainage Ditch

Finally, we dug a drainage ditch across the front yard to the parking lot. We covered the Drainpipe with sod that we carefully removed when digging the trench. At the edge of the parking lot a 6-inch Pop-Up Emitter was installed to release the Storm water. Seven Gutters were connected directly into the Drainage System along the way.

Installing Gravel on top of a 6-inch French Drain

Dimensions

This particular Drainage System was made up of 55 Feet of 6-inch French Drain, 78 Feet of Solid ADS Solid Drainpipe, Seven Gutter Connections, and one 6-inch Pop-Up Emitter.

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.

Rainbird Sprinkler Controller

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