What is a French Drain? *

CMG Sprinkler and Drain -- Servicing all of Central Oklahoma

Many people confuse a Surface Drain with a French Drain.

Angie's List Customer Service Award Winner for French Drain Installation.

CMG installs French Drains and all types of Drainage Systems in Oklahoma City, Yukon, Edmond, Norman, Moore and Mustang.

Drainage Pipe Running to Street from French Drain in Back Yard

French Drain going through low areas In Norman

A Surface Drain can remove standing water!

The picture above is a Surface Drain.

A French Drain is completely different from a Surface Drain.  A basic French Drain consists of a Perforated Drain Pipe in the bottom of a trench.  The Drain Pipe should have a neoprene sock around the Perforated Drain Pipe.   This is to ensure that the Drain Pipe does not become clogged.

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.

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 Drains Can Look Great!
Angie's List has awarded CMG Sprinklers and Drains  their top rating for customer service and lists CMG with an "A" rating.  CMG Installs Drainage Systems, Lawn Sprinkler Systems and provides Expert Sprinkler System Repair.   Our Drainage Systems utilize French Drains, Surface Drains, Channel Drains, and Sump Pumps.  Sprinkler Systems installed by CMG use Rain Bird or Hunter Sprinkler Parts.  With over 20 years of experience we provide top quality Sprinkler Systems, French Drains, Drainage Systems, and Sprinkler Repair.

French Drain Pipe running to curb outlet in Oklahoma City.

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

Drainage System Installation in Norman

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.  CMG has redone or overhauled many 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.  CMG has over 20 years of experience Diagnosing Drainage Problems.  This ensures that a Drainage System that we install won't have Drain Pipes 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

CMG Sprinkler and Drain, -- Over 20 years of keeping water away from foundations,  Keeping water off of driveways, and Keeping Water  from standing on sidewalks every time it rains.  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

Its spring again and already its hot and dry.  If you have been thinking of installing a new Lawn Sprinkler System, CMG can help.  We have installed Sprinkler Systems since 1993.  CMG designed Sprinkler Systems are self draining and fully automatic.  We can install any brand of sprinkler parts available, but we prefer "Rain Bird or Hunter."    CMG can also install Rain/Freeze Sensors on new or existing Sprinkler Systems.

French Drain March 2011

Drainage System Installation is a big part of our business.  If you have trouble with standing water after a thunderstorm, or if your sidewalk turns into a moat every time it rains, or worst of all you have water seeping into your home, Give CMG a call.  We can quickly diagnose your Drainage problems and design a Drainage System to solve your Drainage Problems. CMG utilizes French Drains, Surface Drains, Channel Drains, Basement Drains, Trench Drains, Basin Drains, and Sump Pumps.

Keep water off your driveway with a channel drain by CMG.

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

Drainage System Installed in Oklahoma City

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