4" Rain Tested 350 ft of French Drain in Royal Oak Michigan 

4" Rain Tested 350 ft of French Drain in Royal Oak Michigan
Michigan French Drain Conquers 4-Inch Rainstorm: Proof Your Yard Can Withstand Anything!
Have you ever watched in horror as your yard transforms into a lake after a heavy downpour? Do you dread the damage and inconvenience that flooding brings? If you're nodding along, especially if you live in an area with unpredictable weather like Michigan, this video is a must-watch. We're not just showcasing a drainage solution; we're demonstrating how a meticulously installed French drain system can laugh in the face of extreme weather.
The Challenge: A Flat, Flood-Prone Michigan Backyard
Let's set the scene: a beautiful backyard in Royal Oak, Michigan, with lush green grass and a spacious patio. Sounds idyllic, right? But there's a catch: the yard is flat, with no natural slope for water to drain. Add to that a walkout basement, and you've got a recipe for a drainage nightmare.
This is precisely the challenge we faced on this project. The homeowners were tired of battling a swampy yard after every rain shower. Water would pool around the patio, making it unusable, and the lawn would become saturated, creating a muddy mess.
They had even tried adding more dirt to the low areas, hoping to raise the ground level and improve drainage. Unfortunately, this common DIY mistake only worsened the problem, as the added dirt compacted the soil and made it even less permeable.
The Solution: A 350-Foot French Drain and Sump Pump System
It was clear that a professional solution was needed, and that's where French Drain Man stepped in. We designed and installed a comprehensive drainage system, consisting of a 350-foot French drain and a powerful sump pump, to tackle this flooding challenge head-on.
The centerpiece of this system is an open French drain, a design that maximizes surface water absorption by leaving the trench exposed. It acts like a giant channel, capturing water quickly and directing it towards the sump pump.
To ensure efficient water flow, even on this flat property, we meticulously sloped the trench using a laser transit, ensuring a consistent downward gradient towards the sump pump.
Speaking of the sump pump, we installed a robust model with a 2-inch discharge to handle the large volume of water collected by the French drain. This ensures rapid removal of water, even during intense rainfall events.
The Michigan-Made Difference: Building for Extreme Weather
While this project is in Michigan, we built this system to the same standards we'd use in hurricane-prone areas like Florida. We know Michigan weather can throw curveballs, from heavy rainstorms to rapid snowmelt. That's why we use only the highest quality materials and prioritize meticulous installation techniques.
Key Features That Set This System Apart:
Quad Pack Pipe System: Three perforated pipes and one solid pipe provide ample capacity and resistance to clogging, even with heavy debris and sediment.
Erosion Control: We used riprap and cobblestones to stabilize the soil and prevent erosion, ensuring the system's longevity.
Critter Guards: We installed critter guards to prevent rodents from nesting in the pipes and causing blockages.
Elevated Discharge Line: The discharge line runs along the fence, keeping it above potential flood levels and preventing freeze-ups in winter.
The Proof is in the Pudding: 4 Inches of Rain and a Dry Yard
A few months after installation, Mother Nature put the system to the test with a 4-inch rainstorm. And guess what? The yard stayed dry! The French drain and sump pump worked seamlessly together, capturing and removing the water before it could cause any damage.
Conclusion
This project is a testament to the effectiveness of a well-designed and expertly installed French drain system. It shows that even in areas not typically associated with hurricanes, building a drainage system with the same principles and standards used in hurricane-prone regions can result in a truly resilient and flood-proof yard. If you're struggling with drainage issues, don't give up hope. With the right approach and expert guidance, you can transform your yard into a beautiful, functional space that can handle any weather.
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French Drain Man - Michigan’s Yard Water Drainage Experts. Masters in the art of constructing contained French drain systems & curtain drain systems that and fix your yard drainage problems for years to come. Over 30 years’ experience in solving yard water drainage problems in Oakland, Macomb, Lapeer, and St. Clair Counties.
French Drain Man / Sherwood Landscape Construction, LLC
P.O. Box 777
Almont, MI 48003
248-505-3065
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