Posts Tagged ‘Moore Sprinkler Repair’

Oklahoma Drainage and Sprinkler Repair –  Servicing all of Central and Western Oklahoma since 1993.

We service and install French Drains, Surface Drains, Channel Drains and Sump PumpsExpert Lawn Sprinkler Repair is also Available.

What Is a French Drain?

It is a trench with a perforated pipe placed in the bottom.  That sounds simple enough!

Gravel is then placed on top of the pipe.  In most cases the trench is filled to ground level.

French Drain

Look at the Picture above.

The perforated pipe has thousands of holes in it.  Not just a few. It has a lot.

The Drainage Pipe has a black Neo-preen cloth around it.  This is a “Pipe Filter.”  Its purpose is to keep debris from clogging the French Drainpipe.  As a result, the French Drain will last a long time.

Notice the white cloth in the picture.  This is “Trench Liner.”  Its purpose is to keep the gravel clean and to maintain the integrity of the trench.  Dirt or sand will soak into the sides of the French Drain if no Trench Liner is used.  This occurs underground.   On the surface everything will look fine, but over time the Drain will stop working if no Trench Liner is used.

Trench Liner and Pip Filter are very important.   They ensure that your French Drain will work well and last a long time.

I Installed a French Drain with trench liner and pipe filter in Norman in 1993.  It still works!

 

Trench Liner is essential for functionality and longevity!

 

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

NDS Grey Channel Drain Running Across Driveway

This is also Not a French Drain, this is a Surface Drain

This Is a French Drain

French Drain Near Driveway

The French drain along the driveway keeps water from standing on the concrete.

This Is Decorative French Drain being installed

Installing Decorative French Drain

Installing Decorative Drain

 

Completed Decorative Drain

 

High Water Volume

French Drains are Designed to handle a higher volume of water than Surface Drains.  They can handle broad problem drainage areas that are irregular and would be impossible for a Surface Drain to handle just because water just runs around them and keeps going.  French Drains can handle a broad water flow.

They also Intercept Sub-Surface water too!

People don’t realize or think about water flowing across their yard underground.  This happens in every yard to some degree.  It moves much slower than surface water.   Sub-Surface water causes damage to foundations, driveways, and roads.   Concrete deteriorates when it stays wet for long periods of time.  Even more damage occurs when the water freezes.
French Drains are many times placed across areas that stay wet all the time.  Water flows into the gravel of the French Drain laterally underground and are taken to the exit out of the problem area.    This keeps foundations and driveways dry.  THEY DO A GREAT JOB DRYING OUT THE ENTIRE AREA!

Surface Drains do nothing for Ground Water

A Surface Drain Does absolutely nothing for Sub – Surface water.  Wet soil and water below ground are not affected by a surface drain.  If you put a Drain Basin with a Grate in the middle of a muddy area with ground water issues, it is a total waste of time and money.
Surface Drain next to sidewalk

Drain Grate

Below is a Combination Drainage System.

Initially We have a 6 Inch ADS French Drain with Trench Liner and Pipe Filter Connected to a NDS 4 Inch Channel Drain.  Actually, they are not connected.  The 6 Inch French Drain Runs under the Driveway and the 4 Inch Channel Drain is Installed on top of It.  So, you have a total of 10 Inches of in Drainpipe Diameter.  This was necessary because of the huge volume of water running across their yard.  The two drains have their own separate outlet pipes.  Together they can handle the “River” that runs across their driveway every time it rains hard.

4 Inch NDS Channel Drain With Grey Grate Connected to 6 Inch ADS French Drain With Trench Liner and Pipe Filter Making a Duel Intake Drainage System

French Drain and Channel Drain Independently running across the Driveway

 

French Drain Under Gravel Flower Bed

Gravel Flower Bed with French Drain underneath

French Drain under walkway

French Drain under walkway

 

French Drains can look great!
 Drains can look great!

 

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

 

THIS IS NOT A FRENCH DRAIN!

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

surface drain install
Surface Drain and Drainpipe

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

Channel Drain Installation

Channel Drain installed in Driveway

 

Installing concrete channel drain

Finished Channel Drain From the previous picture

channel Drain driveway
Channel Drain

 

Installed French Drain

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).    Surface water falls through the gravel and enters the perforated pipe underneath.  Sub-Surface water enters the drain underground laterally, flowing into the drainpipe.  Water above ground and water below ground is drained away and taken to the exit.

gutter connected to french drain

 Drainpipe Installation in Edmond

 

Connecting Gutter to french Drain

The main downfall of a French Drain is, that they, for the most part isn’t very pretty.  They don’t look very nice in a yard once they are completed.
Its ok to let grass grow over the drain.  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 THE GRAVEL IN THE FRENCH DRAIN WITH DIRT. 

THE 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.  PUTTING DIRT OVER A FRENCH DRAIN IS LIKE PUTTING A CORK BACK IN A BOTTLE.

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

Oklahoma Drainage and Sprinkler RepairExpert Sprinkler Repair for all Residential Lawn Sprinkler Systems.  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 Sprinkler System had a variety of problems.  Her Sprinkler System was fairly large so the Sprinkler System Checkup would take some time.

 

 

First, we had to run each Sprinkler Zone and look at each Sprinkler Head individually.  This took a while considering that there were 18 zones and 5 to 10 Sprinkler Heads in Each Zone.

 

First, we looked to see if each Sprinkler Head was functioning correctly.  Many of the heads were leaking at the base. Other Sprinkler Heads were not spraying correctly and needed to have their Sprinkler Nozzles Replaced.  Some of the Sprinklers were just worn out and needed to be replaced.

 

As we went through the Sprinkler System, we placed a flag by each head that needed some type or Sprinkler Repair or Replacement.  Along the way we also checked Sprinkler Coverage.  Some Sprinkler Heads needed to be moved because some areas were either too dry or too wet.  Several Sprinkler Heads needed to be moved.

 

Before the end of the day, we replaced 12 Sprinkler Heads, Changed Out 35 Sprinkler Nozzles, and moved 11 sprinkler heads to new locations.

Norman Sprinkler Repair 

Recently we had a customer in Norman who had some trouble with a sprinkler head that was leaking at the base.  There was mulch all around the sprinkler head and when the system ran it blew mulch all over the sidewalk.  This is a typical Sprinkler Repair and occurs quite often.  It took us about 15 minutes to fix.  We also moved several Sprinkler Heads that weren’t in the best places.  Moving sprinkler heads is a common practice for Oklahoma Drainage and Sprinkler Repair.

 

Sprinkler Repair is an ongoing issue for any sprinkler system.

Moving sprinkler valves also is a service that we provide.  It takes a lot more expertise and experience to move sprinkler valves.  There are many reasons that sprinkler valves and sprinkler heads may need to me moved.  Driveways can be added or new landscaping may be installed.  We can redesign any residential sprinkler system Moving Sprinkler Valves, Sprinkler Heads, Sprinkler Pipes, and Sprinkler Wiring is what it takes.

Just like a home or a car

a Sprinkler System requires repair or adjustment from time to time.  We at Oklahoma Drainage and Sprinkler Repair, take great pride in the Sprinkler Repair Services that we provide.  In almost 27 years of service, we have solved virtually every Sprinkler Repair Problem possible

We solve Sprinkler Repair Problems that other companies can’t handle.  If you live in Oklahoma City and have Broken Sprinkler Heads, or if you live in Norman and have Leaking Sprinkler Valves, or if you live in Edmond and your Sprinkler Controller quit working, give us a call or send us an

Lawn Sprinkler Repair is one of our business focuses.

We can help with:

1. Sprinkler Controller Problems

2. Leaking Back-Flow Valves

3. Leaking Sprinkler Pipes

4.  Shorted or disconnected valve wires

5. Sprinkler Zones or Sprinkler Stations that won’t work

6. Broken Sprinkler Heads

The above are the most common problems that we deal with.

 

 

Sprinkler System Repair — Broken Sprinkler Heads — Sprinkler Controllers — Sprinkler Valves — All Brands

Servicing:  Oklahoma City — Norman — Moore — Edmond — Mustang — Yukon — Midwest City — Del City — Blanchard — Newcastle 

AND ALL CENTRAL OKLAHOMA.

Now Servicing Western Oklahoma including Lawton and Altus.

 

 

Fixing Leaking Sprinkler Pipes

is a common occurrence for Oklahoma Drainage and Sprinkler Repair.  Most recently we had a service call in Lawton.  We got a call from a lady who had water pouring out from under the edge of her driveway.  After shutting off the water at the back-flow valve, we were able to determine that the leak definitely was coming from the sprinkler system.  A cracked sprinkler pipe was the problem and to make matters worse, the sprinkler pipe ran under the driveway.

Oklahoma Drainage and Sprinkler Repair had the solution.  Instead of trying to fix the broken sprinkler pipe, it was a much better idea to replace the entire pipe.  The Sprinkler Repair took about three hours.

Oklahoma City Sprinkler Repair

Recently we helped some folks with their sprinkler controller.  They had a lightning strike melting their sprinkler controller and all the connecting wires.

Changing the Sprinkler Controller took a little time, but the larger problem was changing out all the sprinkler wires that ran underground form the controller to the sprinkler valves.  This part took a while and required quite a bit of attention to detail.

Oklahoma Drainage and Sprinkler Repair – 405 203 9419

Do you need Sprinkler Repair?

Winter is a time when a lot can go wrong with a Sprinkler System.   Sprinkler Pipes can freeze and break.  Sprinkler heads can crack or bust.  Above Ground Back-Flow Valves can crack or leak even during a warm winter.  Oklahoma Drainage and Sprinkler Repair can help.  Give us a call at:

Sprinkler Controller Trouble Shooting

Having Installed Several Thousand Sprinkler Systems over the past several years, here are the most common mistakes made by homeowners who are not comfortable with their Sprinkler Controller.

Sprinkler Controller

Installing New Sprinkler Controller

Most Sprinkler Controllers have a knob or a digital touch screen.  Either way, the basic functions are the same.

1.  Sometimes some brands of Sprinkler Controllers won’t work because the ” Time and Date,” have not been set correctly.  If you select time/date and the screen is blank with no time or date then you have a problem.

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2.  The most common reason

that a Sprinkler Controller won’t work is because the breaker has been tripped for the electrical plug that the controller is plugged into.  People assume that because the LED screen on the controller has power that the controller is receiving power.  THIS IS NOT THE CASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  ALL CONTROLLERS HAVE BACKUP BATTERIES IN THEM TO MAINTAIN THE CONTROLLERS PROGRAMMING IF YOUR ELECTRICITY GOES OFF.  THE BREAKER CAN BE TRIPPED TO THE ELECTRICAL OUTLET AND THE DIGITAL DISPLAY WILL STILL RUN OFF THE BATTERY MAKING IT LOOK LIKE IT HAS POWER WHEN IT DOES NOT.

TEST YOUR OUTLET BY CHECKING YOUR BREAKERS OR PLUGGING SOMETHING INTO THE SOCKET SUCH AS A LIGHT OR A POWER TOOL.

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Another very common

mistake is that people confuse “Start Times,” with “Run Times” on the controller.

A Run Time is how long you program each Sprinkler Zone to run.

(Zone 1  5 minutes, Zone 2 8 minutes, Zone 3 25 minutes and so on.)  You program how long you want each Sprinkler Zone to run.

A Start Time is a time that you set on the controller to start zone one running.  All other zones automatically follow zone one in order lowest to highest.  Zone 2 knows to always follow zone 1 when it is done.  Zone 3 knows to follow Zone 2 and so on.  Let me repeat this.  Start Times are only for zone 1.  Again, a “Start Time,” is a time that you would like your Sprinkler System to come and run through all the zones.

Sprinkler Controllers

have the ability to run more than one start time.  This is to allow your entire Sprinkler System to run more than once in a 24-hour period.  You can have a Start Time of 1 PM.  Zone 1 comes on and runs until its programmed time elapses.

Zone 2 automatically comes on next and runs.  Then zone 3 and so on.  You might have a 2nd Start Time several hours later to start and run your entire system again.  (2nd start time at 8 PM)

The Sprinkler System has had plenty of time to run through all the zones when it started at 1 PM.  At 8 PM the controller turns zone 1 on again and all the zones run their programmed amount of time.  THE MISTAKE PEOPLE MAKE IS THINKING THAT YOU MUST PROGRAM A START TIME FOR EACH ZONE. (YOU CAN NOT PROGRAM A START TIME FOR ZONE 2,3,4 etc.)

This is also apparent by the fact that most Sprinkler Controllers have a limit of 4 start times but can run more zones than 4.  Most Sprinkler Controllers can run 10 zones or more.

What causes a big problem

is a when person programs a Start Time at 1Pm.  Thinking incorrectly that they need to program a Start Time for zone 2.  They enter a second Start Time for 1:15pm, and a third start time for zone 3 at 1:30 PM.  So here is what happens.  Say each zone is programmed to run for 10 minutes each.(Run Time)  Zone 1 comes on and runs at 1 PM.  At 1:10 PM Zone 1 stops and zone 2 comes on.

At 1:15 PM the second start time kicks in and tries to turn on zone 1 again while zone 2 has only been running for five minutes and the other subsequent zones have not run at all.  This is called an “Overlapping Start Time.”  With an Overlapping Start Time, Different brands of controllers do different things.  They are all bad regardless.  Some will run zone one over and over and over causing a flood.  Others will not run at all.

Most people only use or need one Start Time.

********************************************************************************************************************************

The “Water Budget Feature,

” found on most controllers can cause problems with your Sprinkler Run Times.  Water Budget is a quick way to quickly change all your Run Times for all your zones at once.  Example — Out of the box, your new Sprinkler Controller will be set to 100%.

If you program zone 1 to run 10 minutes and zone 2 to run 15 minutes, then if your water budget is 100% then that is exactly what they will run.  If you change your water budget from 100% to 200% now zone 1 will run 20 minutes and zone 2 will run 30 minutes and any other zone’s run time will run double of what it was programmed at 100%.  This is a great feature until you accidentally change your water budget to 900% and don’t realize it.  (or 5%)

IF YOUR RUN TIMES ARE RUNNING MORE OR LESS THAN WHAT YOU PROGRAMMED THEM FOR THEN CHECK THE WATER BUDGET.

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Some of the older digital Sprinkler Controllers have an “Enter” button.  Any programming you do must be followed by hitting the Enter Button.  If you don’t hit it then programming that you think you keyed in is lost.  This is why the newer controllers don’t have an Enter Button.

 

 

Yukon French Drain.  Oklahoma Drainage and Sprinkler Repair Services and Installs French Drains in Yukon Oklahoma.

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

Installing Decorative French Drain

Installing Decorative French Drain the Right Way

 

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.

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!

Servicing all of Central and Western Oklahoma since 1993.

French Drain Installation

French drain Installation
with trench liner and pipe filter

 

Oklahoma Drainage and 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.  From this point, we expanded up to a larger 6 inch Drainpipe to handle the added water into the system from the gutters.

Moving Sprinkler Pipes

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.

 

Once the Sprinkler System had been redesigned and the gutters had been connected, we ran the 6 inch Drainpipe 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

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.

Drainage System Trench

Drainage System Trench

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).

Sandy Soil

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.

Surface Drain Installation in Edmond

Surface Drain Installation

 

Hard rain in Oklahoma is common.  Many homes and businesses have drainage problems.   Standing water from storm water runoff can cause damage to grass, trees and shrubs, not to mention foundations, sidewalks and driveways. WE can design and install a drainage system that may be complex using several types of drains, or basic using just a French Drain or a Surface Drain.  It depends on the customer’s needs.

Oklahoma Drainage and Sprinkler Repair utilizes:

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

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

We now also service all of Western Oklahoma including Lawton, Altus, Duncan, Elk City, Chickasha, Duncan and El Reno.

 

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.

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

Providing Expert Sprinkler Repair – Broken Sprinkler PipesSprinkler Head AdjustmentSprinkler Valve Replacement

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

Central and Western Oklahoma is our Service Area since 1993.  

                                                           (405) 203-9419

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 Information is provided by Oklahoma Drainage in many different Blog Posts.  Providing information to our customers and DIY folks is important.  If we can help, we will!

 

Oklahoma Drainage Installs and Services French Drains, Channel Drains, Surface Drains, and Sump Pumps.  We also provide Dirt Work, Lawn Leveling and Sod Installation.

What kind of Drain Do you need?  There are different kinds of Drains which solve Different kinds of problems.

Consider the basic French Drain.

French Drains solve many types of water problems.

They are more versatile than a Surface Drain or a Channel Drain.

Large Areas or Small can be handled by a French Drain.

Surface Water can be handeled by a French Drain.

French Drains Move Sub Surface Water Flowing Below Ground too!

Large Water Volume can be handled by a French Drain.

Channel Drain Across Driveway

French Drain Connected to a Channel Drain across the Driveway

In The Picture Above is a Channel Drain and a French Drain.  Do you know which one is which?

Many different types of Drains can be hooked together by one Drain Pipe.  The Drain Pipe then running to an Exit Point makes up a Drainage System.

One common type of Drain used in a Drainage System is A “French Drain.”  Many times a French Drain is installed close to a building foundation or in a low area next to a home or business.

Gutter Downspouts

This puts the French Drain in close proximity to Gutter Down Spouts.  Rather than have water come off the roof and out the Down Spout and on to the ground below, many times it is much better to tie a Gutter Down Spout Directly into a French Drain or near by Drain Pipe depending on the Drainage System Design.

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

FRENCH DRAIN DESIGN

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.

French Drain going through wall

French Drain running through wall

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 Drainage and Sprinkler Repair has fixed Sprinkler Leaks in Edmond since 1993.

Sprinkler Repair is also very popular this time of year.  Folks in Central Oklahoma are turning on their Sprinkler Systems and discovering problems.

No PVC Primer Used.  Yikes!!!

We fixed several leaks in a Sprinkler System in Edmond.  The sprinkler pipes were leaking in several places.  Each leak had to be cut out and replaced.

The Sprinkler System was fairly new.  It was installed last summer by a Pool Company that also installs cheap sprinkler systems.

All the joints in the sprinkler pipes were glued together with clear PVC Cement.  That part is OK, but they cut some corners and didn’t use PVC Primer with the glue.  As a result, the joints didn’t bond very well and many of them blew apart this spring when the sprinkler systems were turned on.  (Thus, all the leaks)

I suspect we will have to go back several times to fix additional leaks.  We can only warranty the PVC joints that we have replaced.   Cheaper isn’t always better.

 

Sprinkler pipes may leak for many reasons.  Pipes that are too shallow can freeze and break during the cold of winter.  Repair of PVC Sprinkler pipe in cold temperatures can be difficult.  Frozen Ground is difficult to dig up to get to the damaged pipe.  PVC Glue and Primer don’t bond very well in temperatures that are low.  Even using “Hot Glue,” which is designed to be used in cold temperatures doesn’t always produce the best results.

Oklahoma Drainage and Sprinkler Repair can provide the necessary expertise to handle difficult sprinkler repairs.

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.

One Common Problem

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

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

405 203 9419

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

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.

 

 

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

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

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

A trench is dug that is slightly wider than the French Drainpipe that is being used.

There are several sizes of French Drainpipe. Three Inch, Four Inch, and Six Inch are the most common sizes of French drainpipe. The dirt that is taken out to make the trench is hauled away. It is replaced by some type of small stone or gravel depending on what is desired or available.

I prefer crushed 1 inch limestone. It is the most economical option in my area. Pea Gravel or some other type of small stone can work just as well. The limestone or gravel is placed in the trench on top of the perforated Drainpipe and filled all the way to the surface (ground level).

In some cases where the French Drain needs to be deep or is being placed in sandy soil, a special trench liner must be placed in the trench before the perforated Drainpipe or the Gravel are installed. This helps maintain the integrity of the trench over time. It also increases the cost of the French Drain and the amount of time to install it. I install a trench liner in a French Drain every time.