Posts Tagged ‘Oklahoma City French Drain Installation’

Oklahoma Drainage had a customer in Lawton with water in their floor vents.  Every time the heater would run, it would spit water out of the vents.  Water was seeping through the foundation and into the ducts.  Cold water and warm air can cause mold to develop.  After a good duct cleaning company got all the water out, we went to work.  We installed a 6 inch French Drain three feet from of the foundation across the entire width of the house.  It intercepted all the surface water running down the hill.  More importantly it caught and stopped all the sub surface water traveling underground through the sandy soil.  The floor ducts stayed dry!

Oklahoma Drainage also installs a variety of other types of Drains.  Our Drainage Systems may utilize: French Drains, Surface Drains, Channel Drains, Trench Drains, Basin Drains, and Sump Pumps.  In the past 26 years, we have installed French Drains to keep water away from home and business foundations, Surface Drains to keep water away from sidewalks and driveways,  Trench Drains, and French Drains to keep standing water out of flowerbeds and yards, and Sump Pumps to remove water from basements and outdoor low lying areas.

French Drain with stepping stones

French Drain with steppingstones

 

French Drains can be installed by themselves, or as part of a Drainage System that uses other French Drains, Surface Drains, or other Drain combinations.  Typically, a French Drain is used to protect a broad area that has a lot of standing water.  A French Drain might run alongside a home’s foundation, or beside a driveway, or on any Drainage Project where Sub-Surface water is the primary problem.  If water is running toward your home underground (through sandy soil), A French Drain is the only Solution for draining away water flowing underground.

 

If you live in Oklahoma City and need a French Drain installed in your yard, or along your driveway, or near your foundation, give CMG a call.  If you live in Edmond or Norman and need a Surface Drain installed in the concrete in your sidewalk or driveway, we can help.  If you live in Mustang or Yukon and would like to protect your trees or flower beds from standing water with a French Drain, We specialize in just that!

 

 

For most of us our home or business is our most important investment.  Standing Water can cause damage to what is important to us.  High Water from Storm-Water Runoff deteriorates concrete and cement.  This means that our driveways, sidewalks, and foundations need protection from prolonged exposure to Standing Water.  (Not to mention damage to plants, trees, and grass) WE have have been solving Drainage Problems since 1993.  If you live in Central Oklahoma we can quickly provide a free estimate.

Norman French Drain Service

Hard rain and Flooding are becoming more common.

Protect your home or business with a French Drain or Drainage System from Oklahoma Drainage.

Surface Drain with French Drain

Surface Drain beside a French Drain with River Rock

Drainage System Installation is becoming one of the areas of business for us.  In 33 years, we have become more accomplished at solving Drainage Problems for our customers.  Water can cause damage in all kinds of places.  A Drainage System, simply put, is a Drain with a Drainpipe leading underground to an exit point.

Installing Surface Drain System in Edmond Oklahoma
Installing Surface Drain System in Edmond Oklahoma

A Drainage Diagnostic

is a scheduled appointment where we come out and look at your Drainage Problem and get your input on the situation.  We look at all the variables that are causing your Water-Runoff Problems and design a Drainage System to solve it.

Oklahoma Drainage and Sprinkler Repair – 405 203 9419

 

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

 

French Drain in Oklahoma City

 

We Service all of Central Oklahoma including Norman, Moore, Edmond, Yukon, Mustang, Oklahoma City, Midwest City, Del City, Blanchard, Newcastle, Purcell and Chickasha.  Now we provide service to Lawton and Altus as well.

 

Water can cause damage in all kinds of places.  A Drainage System, simply put, is a Drain with a Drainpipe leading underground to an exit point.  Most Drainage Systems utilize a French Drain or a Surface Drain, or both.

Oklahoma Drainage provides Drainage Diagnostics.  A Drainage Diagnostic is a scheduled appointment where we come out and look at your Drainage Problem and get your input on the situation.

We look at all the variables that are causing your Water-Runoff Problems and design a Drainage System to solve it.  French Drains and Surface Drains are used to make up the Drainage System.

Typically, many things must be considered

when completing a Drainage Diagnostic.

1.  Identify the areas being damaged by water and determine if there are any hidden areas.

2.  Identify the sources of water causing the damage.  Most Drainage Problems have more than one source.  A water source can fall from the sky as rain or can flow down the hill as stormwater runoff or can flow from a gutter down-spout (yours or your neighbor’s), or flow underground as sub-surface water flow, or water can flow off a sidewalk, driveway, or street.  (These are the most common)

3.  Identify the Exit Point by determining where we want to take the unwanted water.

4.  Determine what type of Drains can best solve the Drainage Problem.  We utilize: French Drains, Surface Drains, Channel Drains, Trench Drains, and Sump Pumps.

5.  Determine what type and size of Drainpipe is needed to accommodate the volume of water to be drained.  Larger is always better!  Big Drains with Small Drainpipes never work!

If you have problems with Standing Water

after a hard rain, or your driveway or sidewalk turns into a moat after a thunderstorm, or worst of all, you have water standing against your foundation and seeping into your house and vents, Give CMG a Call!  TYPICALLY, A DRAINAGE SYSTEM IS MUCH LESS EXPENSIVE THAN FOUNDATION REPAIR OR REMOVING MOLD FROM YOUR HOME OR BUSINESS!!

 

Leaking Sprinkler Pipes.

 

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

Emergency Sprinkler Repair

Sometimes things go wrong with sprinkler systems.

 

IF YOU NEED HELP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT OR ON A WEEKEND WITH YOUR SPRINKLER SYSTEM, GIVE US A CALL.

OKLAHOMA DRAINAGE AND SPRINKLER REPAIR.  405 203 9419

IT MAY TAKE A FEW HOURS FOR US TO GET THERE BUT WE WILL COME TO HELP.

 

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

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

405 203 9419

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

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

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

Start Time Programming

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We started with the Valves

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

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

The Sprinkler Valves Were Removed

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

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

That’s Stupid!

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

Check For Leaks

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

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

Sprinkler Repair Service Provided by Oklahoma Drainage and Sprinkler Repair

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

Thousands of Sprinkler Heads have been adjusted.

Countless Sprinkler Controllers have been Reprogramed or Replaced.

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

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

Pop-Up Sprinkler Heads

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

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

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

Needs Change

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

 

 

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

Providing Expert Sprinkler RepairBroken Sprinkler Pipes Sprinkler Head AdjustmentSprinkler Valve Replacement

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

Central and Western Oklahoma is our Service Area since 1993.  

                                                           (405) 203-9419

Check out Sprinkler System Check-Up

 

 

French Drain Connected to Gutter.

 

Do you have standing water in a large area in your yard?  Typically, this calls for a French Drain.  A French Drain is a great way to control standing water in a large grassy area.  It can also protect areas from flooding to a certain degree.  As long as the French Drains capacity to move water is not exceeded.  If the French Drains capacity is exceeded then water will stand in the drainage area until the rain stops, and the drain has time to catch up.  A good way to prevent this is to install a bigger French Drain with a larger pipe.  The difference between a 3-inch French Drain and a 6 inch French Drain is huge.

 

 

French Drain Installation and Repair

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

Providing Expert Sprinkler RepairBroken Sprinkler Pipes Sprinkler Head AdjustmentSprinkler Valve Replacement

Servicing all of Central and Western Oklahoma since 1993.

French Drain Installation In Downtown Oklahoma City

French Drain

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

French Drain connected to gutter

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

Curb Outlet for French Drain

The French Drain had a Double Exit Point.  This means that once water entered the French Drain Pipe, it could run South to the street or it could run North to the alley.  To exit points greatly increases the water capacity for any French Drain.

Along the course of the French Drain, we connected two large gutters directly into the Drain Pipe.

Once in place, the French Drain eliminated all the water that was leaking into the two buildings.

Drainage Problem Solved!

French Drain Installation

Oklahoma Drainage and Sprinkler Repair has been diagnosing and solving Drainage Problems since 1993.  Water has the ability to get into places around your home where you really don’t want it to be.  Some drainage problems are easy to solve.  Typically water enters the problem drainage area one way from one source.  The really tricky drainage problems occur when water enters the problem drainage area from multiple directions and from multiple sources.  Sometimes a secondary water source can’t be seen or identified until the primary water problem source is eliminated.

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

Simple enough.

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

 

A French Drain Can Handle Standing Water

 

Oklahoma Drainage and Sprinkler Repair Services all of Central Oklahoma including: Norman, Moore, Edmond, Yukon, Mustang, Oklahoma City, Midwest City, Del City, Blanchard, Newcastle, Purcell and Chickasha.

Now we are expanding our service area to include : Lawton, Altus, Duncan, Chickasha, Elk City, and all of Western Oklahoma.

 

 

 

Drains, French Drain Installation, French Drain Repair.  These are all areas of Expertise provided by Oklahoma Drainage and Sprinkler Repair.

 

 

new curb outlet

Curb outlet with more than 6 inches of fall

 

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

Providing Expert Sprinkler RepairBroken 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

sump pump cavity install

Sump Pump Drain Cavity installation

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

    French Drain Installation, Surface Drain Installation, Drainage System Installation

    Sprinkler Repair for all aspects of Residential Sprinkler Systems

Oklahoma Drainage and Sprinkler Repair has installed French Drains and Drainage Systems in Central Oklahoma for 32 years.

muddy french drain installation

Installing a French Drain in the mud

Drains can protect your home and property from water damage.   installs a wide variety of Drains in many different places.  A Drain or Group of Drains with Drainpipe going to an exit point is a “Drainage System.”

Drainage System Installation
Drainage System / French Drain Installation
IF YOU NEED WATER DRAINED AWAY FROM YOUR HOME OR BUSINESS CALL OKLAHOMA DRAINAGE AND SPRINKLER REPAIR – 405-203 9419

We install all types of Drainage Systems and French Drains.

French Drain Installation is a primary focus for us.

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

A French Drain can protect your foundation!

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

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

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

The limestone or gravel is placed in the trench on top of the perforated Drainpipe and filled all the way to the surface (ground level). In some cases where the French Drain needs to be deep or is being placed in sandy soil, a special trench liner must be placed in the trench before the perforated Drainpipe or the Gravel are installed. This helps maintain the integrity of the trench over time. It also increases the cost of the French Drain and the amount of time to install it. I install a trench liner in a French Drain about 20% of the time. Most of the time a liner in not needed. 

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

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

Depending on the area the French Drain is installed and the type of grass around the French Drain, will dictate whether grass grows over the limestone. Grass can grow up and through the gravel in the French Drain over time eventually covering the gravel. This is Ok. It won’t have a measurable effect on the performance of the drain.

6 Inch French Drain

6 Inch French Drain Installation

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

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

Drainage Systems can be made up of one drain or a combination of many drainsDrainage problems can be very complex.   Complex Drainage Problems may require a combination of several different types of drains all inter-connected and working together. Many times a French Drain, might be connected to a Surface Drain, which then could be connected to another French Drain.   Other times the drainage problem may be simple and straight-forward requiring only one drain or several of the same type of drain connected together.

Cutting The Curb and Installing Curb Fitting With Acrylic Cement
Cutting The Curb for French Drain Outlet

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

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

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

Drainage Systems can:

1.  Keep water away from foundations — A French Drain is best because it can move Surface Water and Sub-Surface Water (water moving under ground) away from the foundation.  Many times less experienced companies install Surface Drains to keep water away from foundations.  This can be a big mistake.  A Surface Drain can’t move or drain Sub-Surface Water.   Also A Surface Drain often can’t move enough water fast enough and easily becomes overwhelmed during a heavy rain.  A Surface Drain also can’t cover or protect a broad enough area. Surface Drains should be designed in a Drainage System to be located in smaller Drainage Areas moving moderate amounts of water.  Surface Drains look better than French Drains.  If ,”appearance” is more important than Drainage Capacity, Go with the Surface Drain.  Just know what you are getting into and what your expectations should be. One side of a foundation alone, can be over 100 feet.  A 4 inch or 6 inch French Drain is best when protecting a large area such as a foundation.

Surface Drains

2.  Keep water away from small or enclosed areas.  This might be a low area just through a gate on the side of a house, or the low area between a flowerbed and the wall of a house or standing water on or near a sidewalk or driveway.  These types of Drainage Problems are best served with Surface Drains.  A Surface Drain can move water away from a low area that is relatively small.  This can occur in yards, flowerbeds, sidewalks and driveways.  A surface Drain is designed to move Surface Water away from a problem area to a predetermined exit point.  Surface Drains are available in many sizes.  How quickly they remove standing water is usually determined by the size of the pipe that is connected to the drain.

Simply put, a Drainage System is one or a group of underground Drainpipes that take water away from a place that has water standing on it or flowing across it.  The water that is in the problem area, can be causing damage or may be inconvenient or both.  (Usually Both) A simple Drainage System is a Drain for the water to enter, a Drainpipe to move the water away from the Drain, and an Exit Point for the water to be released out of the Drain Pipe.

Drainage Systems quickly can become more complicated.  Considerations must include:

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

Water Sources:

1.  It falls from the sky directly

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

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

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

5.  It flows from a gutter downspout

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

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

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

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

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

Once the number of water sources is determined, a rough estimate of the amount of water that needs to be drained away on average must be estimated.  This can be simplified down to “SMALL, MEDIUM, OR LARGE AMOUNTS OF WATER TO BE DRAINED AWAY.  You don’t have to be an engineer trying to calculate fluid dynamics.  Experience at diagnosing drainage problems helps, however.  How much water needs to be moved will help determine the type and size of the Surface Drain or French Drain that needs to be installed.  It also helps to determine the size of Drainpipe required for the Drainage System.  A good rule to follow is, “If in doubt, install a larger Drain and Drain Pipe.”  Unused Drainage Capacity is better than property damage caused by a Drain that is overwhelmed by too much water.

For home and small business use typical materials used are:

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

3-inch, 4 inch, and 6-inch Drainpipes

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

French Drains move more water than Surface Drains —

French Drains move Surface Water and Sub-Surface Water

Surface Drains move Surface Water only

Surface Drains look nicer than French Drains in most cases

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

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

French Drain Inspection is a primary focus for Oklahoma Drainage. We have been Inspecting and servicing French Drains as part of Drainage Systems since 1993.   We also install Surface Drains, Channel Drains, and Sump Pumps to fit our customer’s needs.

Installing concrete channel drain

Setting the concrete around the channel drain

A Drainage System is made up of three parts.  An Intake, a transition, and an Exit.

An intake is a Drain or a group of Drains that brings water into the Drainage System.  It can be a French Drain, Surface Drains, Channel Drain, or Sump Pump.

A Drainage System can have one intake or several.  If more than one, it can be any combination of French Drains, Surface Drains, Etc.

For Example: You might have a Surface Drain set in your sidewalk and a Channel Drain next to your driveway and a French Drain in your yard.  They all connect to each other through drainpipe and feed water into the Drainage System.

The Transition is the Drainpipe that takes the water to the exit point.  It can be a large pipe or small depending on how much water needs to be moved and how fast it needs to drain.  More than one Drainage Exit Point.  This increases the amount of water that the Drainage System can move.

There are other things to take into account and consider as well.

french drain walk way

French Drain installed under walkway

 

 

Oklahoma Drainage and Sprinkler Repair

installs French Drains and Surface Drains in lawns, flower beds and many other places.  We also install Surface Drains and Channel Drains Set in concrete in sidewalks and driveways.  Wherever you need a Drain to help protect your home or property, we are there to help.  Experience Counts, going on 27 years now.

A French Drain Can Handle Surface and Sub-Surface Water

Drainage Systems can:

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

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

A Surface Drain can’t move or drain Sub-Surface Water.   Also, A Surface Drain often can’t move enough water fast enough and easily becomes overwhelmed during a heavy rain.  A Surface Drain also can’t cover or protect a broad enough area. Surface Drains should be designed in a Drainage System to be located in smaller Drainage Areas moving moderate amounts of water.  Surface Drains look better than French Drains.

Appearance

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

2.  Keep water away from small or enclosed areas.  This might be a low area just through a gate on the side of a house, or the low area between a flowerbed and the wall of a house or standing water on or near a sidewalk or driveway.  These types of Drainage Problems are best served with Surface Drains.  A Surface Drain can move water away from a low area that is relatively small.  This can occur in yards, flowerbeds, sidewalks and driveways.

A surface Drain is designed to move Surface Water away from a problem area to a predetermined exit point.  Surface Drains are available in many sizes.  How quickly they remove standing water is usually determined by the size of the pipe that is connected to the drain.

Simply put,

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

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

Setting in the channel drain

Setting in the Channel Drain in the cut.

Drainage Systems quickly can become more complicated.  Considerations must include:

How does the water get to the problem area?

There may be one or many sources.

Water Sources:

1.  It falls from the sky directly

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

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

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

5.  It flows from a gutter downspout

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

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

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

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

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

Once the number of water sources is determined,

a rough estimate of the amount of water that needs to be drained away on average must be estimated.

This can be simplified down to “SMALL, MEDIUM, OR LARGE AMOUNTS OF WATER TO BE DRAINED AWAY.  You don’t have to be an engineer trying to calculate fluid dynamics.

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

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

For home and small business use typical materials used are:

6 inch, 9 inch, and 12 inch Surface Drains

3 inch, 4 inch, and 6 inch Drainpipes

3 inch, 4 inch, and 6 inch French Drains

French Drains move more water than Surface Drains —

French Drains move Surface Water and Sub-Surface Water

Surface Drains move Surface Water only

Surface Drains look nicer than French Drains in most cases

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

The Drainage Curb Fitting

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

 

Another Storm is headed our way.  It looks like a WET FALL.  Every time it rains, Do you have water standing in the wrong place?  Even worse!  Do you have water seeping into your home or business?  If you have water standing in your yard, on your sidewalk, or dripping into your basement, Oklahoma Drainage and Sprinkler Repair can help.  We have been designing Drainage Systems for Homes or Business since 1993.

cement channel drain

Channel Drain in Sidewalk

Today we installed a Drain Basin and a Sump Pump in front of a recessed basement door.  Problem solved!  

We can deal with a wide variety of Drainage Problems, Specializing in: French Drains, Surface Drains, Channel Drains, Trench Drains, Basement Drains, and Sump Pumps.

WHAT DRAINAGE PROBLEM CAN WE SOLVE FOR YOU?

 

 

standing water

A good place for a French Drain 

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

Servicing all of Central and Western Oklahoma since 1993.

 

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

Drain Pipe for French Drain running under sidewalk

French Drain Pipe running to exit

Oklahoma Drainage –  Installing French Drains and providing Expert Sprinkler Repair since 1993.

FRENCH DRAIN AS PART OF A 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.

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

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

Oklahoma Drainage Installs all types of Drainage Systems.

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 Drain Pipe 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 Drain Pipe to the correct Exit Point, we had to cut out 30 feet of sidewalk and run the French Drain Pipe under the sidewalk.  Next, we replaced the sidewalk with new concrete.  Finally, we dug a drainage ditch across the front yard to the parking lot.  We covered the Drain Pipe 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.

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

Surface Drain in Low Area in the Corner

Surface Drain in Low Area in the Corner

 

 

Sprinkler Service Oklahoma City.  Oklahoma Drainage and Sprinkler Repair has provided Expert Sprinkler Repair and Service in Oklahoma City Since 1993.

 

Recently we fixed a broken Sprinkler Pipe under a driveway in Norman.  It was leaking out onto the street every time the sprinkler system ran.   The pipe had to be removed and a new PVC pipe put in its place.

It was located on the west side of Norman in Brookhaven.

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

 

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

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

Start Time Programming

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We started with the Valves

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

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

Rainbird Sprinkler Valve

Rainbird Sprinkler Valve

The Sprinkler Valves Were Removed

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

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

That’s Stupid!

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

Check For Leaks

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

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

Sprinkler Repair Service Provided by Oklahoma Drainage and Sprinkler Repair

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

Thousands of Sprinkler Heads have been adjusted.

Countless Sprinkler Controllers have been Reprogramed or Replaced.

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

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

Pop-Up Sprinkler Heads

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

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

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

Needs Change

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

 

 

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

Providing Expert Sprinkler RepairBroken Sprinkler Pipes Sprinkler Head AdjustmentSprinkler Valve Replacement

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

Central and Western Oklahoma is our Service Area since 1993.  

                                                           (405) 203-9419

Check out Sprinkler System Check-Up

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.

 

Sprinkler Repair Facts

 

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

 

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

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

Start Time Programming

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We started with the Valves

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

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

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.

 

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!

Servicing all of Central and Western Oklahoma since 1993.

 

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

Drain Pipe for French Drain running under sidewalk

Drainpipe for French Drain running under sidewalk

We Installed a Double Six-inch French Drain in Edmond this week.  A Double Six-Inch French Drain is two six inch French Drains laid side by side in one very wide and deep trench.  It is designed to move a huge amount of water away from a home.   Our customer had several different drainage problems in their back yard.  After a thunderstorm, water would run under their back fence and into their garage.  The back yard was on a steep hillside, and the water would run very fast down the hill and into the garage.

6-Inch French Drain

Oklahoma Drainage and Sprinkler Repair installed 2 large six-inch French Drains across the water’s path.  This allowed the water to be diverted into the French Drain which then ran through drainpipe to a curb outlet at the street.  Three Gutter Down Spouts were connected into the French Drain.  The French Drain created a protective barrier for the garage.  A 12 inch Surface Drain was also included in the Drainage System.  It was placed up against the driveway and connected with 4 inch Solid drain pipe to the 6 inch French Drain.  Water was completely rerouted away from the home.  A French Drain and Surface Drain combination in this case was the best solution to this particular drainage problem.

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

 

Oklahoma Drainage installed

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

Installing Surface Drains In Norman

Installing Surface Drains in Norman

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

 

Next,

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

 

Installing a Curb Outlet For a French Drain in Edmond

Installing a Curb Outlet for a French Drain in Edmond

The customer let us know that he was ready to move forward.  We scheduled the Drainage System Installation for the following week.

When the scheduled day arrived,

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

Surface Drain System in Edmond

Surface Drain System in Edmond

Edmond Oklahoma has been the location for many 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.  Oklahoma Drainage then installed 4-inch ADS Perf/Soc French Drainpipe along the course of the French Drain.  Next, we connected the end of the French Drainpipe to Solid 4 Inch ADS Drainpipe to continue along the trench to the Pop-Up Emitter at the Exit Point.

Running Drain Pipe to the Curb From French Drain in Back Yard

Running Drainpipe to the Curb from French Drain in Back Yard

 

 

 

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

We install all types of Drainage Systems and French Drains.

French Drain Installation is a primary focus for us.

A French Drain Can Handle Standing Water

Since 1993 we have gained a lot of experience addressing drainage problems Drainage problems can be complicated.  The solution is not always clear to the untrained eye. We have repaired or overhauled many French drains and drainage systems that were installed by, “weekend warriors, a brother-in-law, or a landscaping company that also installs drains.”  They all can install Drainage Systems, just not very well.

French Drain Installed in Lawton

Oklahoma Drainage and Sprinkler Repair has over 26 years of experience Diagnosing Drainage Problems.  This ensures that a Drainage System that we install won’t have Drainpipes that are too small, or Surface Drains installed where French Drains Should be placed or Exit Points that allow water to Stand and become stagnant.  The above examples are just three of many “Pit – Falls” that our experienced Drainage System Experts can easily avoid.

Surface Drain installed in Oklahoma City

Surface Drain installed in Oklahoma City

 

Our Drainage Systems utilize:

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

Surface Drains, 4 inch, 6 inch, and 12 inch

Channel Drains, 2 inch, and 4 inch

Sump Pumps 3/4 horse to two horse

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

Connecting Gutter into French Drain

Connecting Gutter into French Drain

 

French Drains can be installed by themselves, or as part of a Drainage System that uses other French Drains, Surface Drains, or other Drain combinations.  Typically, a French Drain is used to protect a broad area that has a lot of standing water.  A French Drain might run alongside a home’s foundation, or beside a driveway, or on any Drainage Project where Sub-Surface water is the primary problem.  If water is running toward your home underground (through sandy soil), A French Drain is the only Solution for draining away water flowing underground.

 

 

 

If you live in Oklahoma City and need a French Drain installed in your yard, or along your driveway, or near your foundation, give us a call.  If you live in Edmond or Norman and need a Surface Drain installed in the concrete in your sidewalk or driveway, we can help.  If you live in Mustang or Yukon and would like to protect your trees or flower beds from standing water with a French Drain, we specialize in just that!

Oklahoma Drainage and Sprinkler Repair Drainage System Installation, French Drain Installation, Lawn Sprinkler Repair, Since 1993.

Servicing: Oklahoma City, Norman, Edmond, Lawton, Duncan, and all of Central and Western Oklahoma

A good place for a French Drain

 

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

French Drain can protect your foundation!

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

A basic French Drain consists of a Perforated Drain Pipe 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 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 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.

French Drain with Colored Gravel

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 drain.

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

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

French Drain Information and Installation

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

Providing Expert Sprinkler RepairBroken Sprinkler Pipes Sprinkler Head AdjustmentSprinkler Valve Replacement

Servicing all of Central and Western Oklahoma since 1993.

FRENCH DRAIN, SURFACE DRAIN, DRAINAGE SYSTEM, OKLAHOMA CITY, EDMOND, NORMAN, LAWTON, DUNCAN, WEATHERFORD

Sump Pump installation

Sump Pump Fed by a Driveway Channel Drain

 

Its very frustrating to have water standing in your basement.  Getting out of your car and stepping immediately into water that goes over the top of your shoe isn’t pleasant. Having an area in your yard that looks like a pond on a regular basis can be very expensive and time consuming.

Oklahoma Drainage and Sprinkler Repair specializes in solving these problems and many more unwanted water problems.   We utilize French Drains, Surface Drains, Channel Drains and Sump Pumps.  Since 1993 we have installed over 2000 drains.  We have learned along the way, how to handle Drainage Issues that can be basic and Simple or Complex and very difficult to handle.  Give us a call for a Free Estimate.

French Drain Installed in Edmond

 

Hard rain in Oklahoma is common.  Many homes and businesses have drainage problems.  Standing water from storm water run-off  can cause damage to grass, trees and shrubs, not to mention foundations, sidewalks and driveways. Oklahoma Drainage and Sprinkler Repair 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.

Today was a good day!  We installed a Channel Drain in Norman.   Channel Drains are a big part of our business.  It takes a lot of attention to detail.  Channel Drain installation takes several specific steps.  It is a slow process that takes confidence and experience.  I was able to train a couple of our guys on the complete process.  They learned a lot but are nowhere near ready to solo yet.

Installing Channel Drain Across Sidewalk in Norman

Installing Channel Drain Across Sidewalk in Norman

If you live in Central Oklahoma and need a French Drain to protect your home’s foundation, Give us a call.  A French Drain is a great way to keep water away from cement such as a home foundation or driveway.  When water is left standing near a driveway or sidewalk, it can cause deterioration and cracking.  A French Drain is a Good way to keep water away from problem drainage areas.  We also install Surface Drains of most types and sizes depending on our customer’s needs.

French Drain under walk way

French Drain installed under walkway

 

Oklahoma Drainage and Sprinkler Repair can schedule a free estimate for a drainage system.  A French Drain can be an important part of a Drainage System.  A Drainage System is one or several types of drains connected to an exit point, were the unwanted water is to be released.   A French Drain may be connected to a Surface Drain which in turn may be connected to a gutter down-spout, or Channel Drain.  All the different drains are connected under ground by drain pipe to a Pop-Up Emitter or a Curb fitting to release the water.

Installing French Drain and curb fitting through curb

Installing French Drain and curb fitting through curb

What goes into a Drainage System depends on the individual Drainage Problem.  Some Drainage Problems are Simple and need only one type of Drain Connected to an exit point.  Other Drainage problems require  a more complex solution.