From Standpipes to Critter Guards: Building a Complete Drainage Solution
Double B Excavations & Grade LLC
Every Detail Matters
WHY PROPER DRAINAGE IS MORE THAN JUST CONNECTING PIPES
When we showed up at this Pickerington property, we found a situation we see all too often.
The drainage pipes weren't failing because they were bad - they were failing because they weren't installed correctly.
It's a frustrating reality in our industry: good materials don't guarantee good results.
Think about it this way: you can buy the best pipes money can buy, but if your standpipe isn't tall enough to reach the gutter or your slope isn't right, you're still going to have problems.
That's exactly what we found here - water sitting in pipes that should have been flowing freely.
Welcome to Double B!
Understanding the Components
Let's break down what really matters in a drainage system. First up: standpipes. These are the vertical pipes that connect to your gutters, and height matters more than you might think. At our Pickerington project, the standpipes weren't even tall enough to properly connect with the gutters. That's like having a basketball hoop that's too short - sure, you can still play, but you're not going to get the results you want.
Then we have sweep tees - these are special fittings that help water flow smoothly through direction changes. We use these instead of standard tees because they reduce backup and keep things moving. On this job, we installed sanitary sweep tees to connect two downspouts together. It's not just about joining pipes; it's about joining them in a way that works with water's natural flow.
The thing about drainage components is that they all work together. Miss one detail, and you can compromise the whole system. That's why we pay so much attention to every connection, every slope, and every fitting. When water backs up in your pipes, it's usually not because one thing went terribly wrong - it's because several small details weren't quite right.
The Importance of Property Assessment
Sometimes the best solutions aren't obvious from your first look at a property. Take our Pickerington project - from the front yard, everything looked flat and straightforward. But when we walked beyond the fence line, we discovered a huge ravine that changed everything about our approach.
This is why we never just glance at a property and start digging. That ravine wasn't just a challenge - it was actually the perfect natural solution for our drainage needs. With plenty of fall (that's what we call the downward slope that helps water flow), we knew we could use this feature to our advantage. It's like nature gave us a head start on solving the problem.
Smart Solutions for Long-Term Success
When you're investing in a drainage solution, you want it to last. That's where details like critter guards come in. Now, some folks might think these are just extra bells and whistles, but let me explain why they're so important.
Think about what happens during a heavy rain. Leaves, twigs, and debris can wash through your gutters and into your drainage system. A good critter guard does two smart things: First, it keeps animals from turning your pipes into their new home (trust me, it happens more than you'd think). Second, it's designed to flip open when water flow is strong, letting debris pass through instead of causing a backup.
But it's not just about keeping critters out. When a homeowner invests good money in a drainage solution, we want to make sure every part of the system is protected. That's why we think of critter guards as the icing on the cake - they're that final touch that helps ensure everything works exactly as it should, season after season.
One thing we've learned over the years: it's a lot cheaper to prevent problems than to fix them later. So while some contractors might skip these "extra" protective measures, we know they're actually saving our customers money and headaches in the long run.
Common Installation Mistakes to Avoid
Let's talk about what can go wrong with drainage installations - because knowing these issues helps you understand why proper installation matters so much. That Pickerington job showed us some classic examples of what not to do.
First up is height issues. When your standpipe isn't tall enough to properly connect with your gutter, you're asking for trouble. It's like trying to pour water into a funnel that's too short - you're going to get spillage. We see this mistake all the time, and it's usually because someone was trying to save time or materials.
Then there's the slope problem. On our Pickerington project, we found sections of pipe that were actually trapping water because they weren't installed with enough fall. Water needs a path to follow - give it the wrong path, and it'll just sit there, potentially causing bigger problems down the line.
Closing
Every drainage project tells us the same story: details matter. Whether it's making sure your standpipes are the right height, installing proper sweep tees, or adding those crucial critter guards, every component plays a part in creating a system that actually works.
What we did in Pickerington isn't just about moving water from point A to point B. It's about creating a solution that works with the property's natural features, protects itself from common problems, and keeps working year after year. That's what proper drainage is all about.
Looking Forward
If you're dealing with drainage issues around your property, remember this: good materials are important, but proper installation is crucial. And sometimes, the best solution might be hiding just beyond your fence line. It's worth taking the time to do it right - because when it comes to drainage, you don't want to do the same job twice.
When it's done right, a good drainage system is something you shouldn't have to think about. It should just work, quietly doing its job through every rainstorm, through every season. That's what we aim for with every project we take on.
