Drainage Solutions

Regrade

French Drain

A French Drain is a system of perforated pipe installed in the ground, covered by cloth, surrounded by drainage rock, and protected by dirt and sod or by rock. When using dirt, we can make use of the material extracted from the ditch to fill and cover the drain, it is then tamped to remove air pockets, once sod is added the work is virtually invisible. The less compacted area (rock) wicks out the water from the saturated soil. The water flows into the pipe and moves to an outlet at a lower point. As with any drain installation, before the pipe is covered up, we do a "flow check" to insure the water flows in the correct direction. If necessary, any adjustments would be made at that time.

Drain Boxes & Gutter Outlets

This system of small boxes is installed in low-lying areas or areas where concentrated water flow occurs, i.e., the river flowing through your yard when it rains. The boxes are tied together with a solid drainpipe adding any downspout connections from the existing gutter system. This system is likened to the storm drain system in a typical subdivision. It is most effective when there are several low spots over a large area because it would cost more to regrade and sod than to install the drain system. It also works when you have raised beds, hardscape, or other drainage obstacles acting as a dam for the water.

Hybrid Systems

Pump System

This is when we need to install a pump to move the water because any reasonable outlet point is at the same level as the drainage problem or higher. It consists of a 12" or larger catch basin and a float-actuated pump, installed at a central low point including a back check valve and solid PVC pipe outlet to an area where water will drain away (ditch, curb, etc.). This system requires a power source and is often used in combination with other drainage solutions.