Our Services
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I need drainage work?
Common signs you may need drainage improvements include:
- Standing water in the yard
- Water pooling near the foundation
- Soil erosion or washed-out mulch
- Soggy lawn areas that never dry
- Water stains or moisture in crawl spaces or basements
Do drainage systems require maintenance?
Yes. Periodic maintenance such as cleaning catch basins, checking outlets, and flushing lines helps ensure proper performance.
Why does my catch basin overflow?
Overflowing catch basins are usually caused by:
- Debris buildup (leaves, mulch, sediment)
- Insufficient pipe size
- Heavy rainfall exceeding system capacity
Regular maintenance helps prevent this.
Can weather affect my low voltage lighting system?
Extreme weather, heavy rain, and freezing temperatures can sometimes affect connections or fixtures, especially if the system is older or was improperly installed.
Why did my lights stop working after landscaping or digging?
Underground wiring can be damaged during:
- Mulching
- Planting
- Edging
- Drainage or irrigation work
We recommend having lighting lines marked before any digging.
What is a catch basin?
A catch basin is a surface drain that collects water from low areas and channels it into underground piping to help prevent flooding and standing water.
What can I do to protect my controller from lightning damage?
The best way is to ensure that the controller is grounded properly. Unfortunately, like all electrical devices, controllers are susceptible to lightning strikes and little can be done to prevent damage.
Will drainage damage my lawn or plants?
Temporary disturbance may occur during installation, but we work carefully to minimize impact and avoid unnecessary damage to roots, trees, and existing landscaping.
When should I call for professional service?
You should contact a professional if:
- Multiple lights stop working
- Breakers or GFCIs keep tripping
- Wiring damage is suspected
- Adjustments no longer fix the issue
What should I do before digging in my yard?
Always have utilities marked before digging. If drainage or irrigation lines may be present, it’s best to contact a professional to avoid damage.
Why do my lights look dim?
Dim lighting is often caused by:
- Voltage drop from improper wiring layout
- Too many fixtures on one circuit
- Long wire runs
- Aging bulbs
Proper system design and transformer sizing help prevent this.
Can drainage lines clog?
Yes. Drainage lines can clog over time due to sediment, roots, or debris, especially without routine maintenance.
What do I do if my controller shows no display?
Check to see if you have power going to the controller. If not, check circuit breakers & GFI outlets in your home to see if they have been tripped. If you have power, but no display, unplug controller for 2 minutes then plug back in. If still no display, see if there is a reset button on your controller - hold for 10 seconds. Still no display? Controller may have gone bad.
Why won’t my landscape lights turn on?
Common causes include:
- Tripped GFCI outlet or breaker
- Timer or photocell set incorrectly
- Transformer turned off or unplugged
- Loose wire connections
- Break in the wire
If these items check out and the lights still don’t work, professional service may be needed.
Can drainage help protect my foundation?
Yes. Proper drainage helps move water away from the foundation, reducing the risk of erosion, moisture intrusion, and long-term structural issues.
How long do drainage systems last?
When properly installed, drainage systems can last many years, depending on soil conditions, water volume, and maintenance.
Why do my lights turn off randomly at night?
Possible causes include:
- Overloaded transformer
- Timer or photocell malfunction
- Loose wiring connections
A professional inspection ensures safe and reliable operation.
Why is my pop-up emitter not popping up?
This is often caused by:
- Debris buildup
- Blocked outlet
- Crushed or damaged pipe
Cleaning or repairing the outlet usually resolves the issue.
Why do I still have standing water after rain?
Possible reasons include:
- Inadequate drainage capacity
- Blocked or clogged pipes
- Improper slope or grading
- Soil conditions that drain poorly
A site evaluation can determine the cause.
What drainage services do you offer?
We install and service a variety of drainage solutions, including:
- Downspout drainage and extensions
- Catch basins
- Area drains
- Yard and landscape drains
- Pop-up emitters
- Underground piping systems
Can drainage be installed in an existing yard?
Yes. Drainage systems can be installed in existing landscapes with minimal disturbance, and we take care to restore affected areas as much as possible.
I want to run my system three times per week. How long should each zone run?
Individual circumstances will vary, but as a general rule, depending on the season, spray heads should run between 5 - 15 minutes, rotors should run 15 - 30 minutes, and drip lines should run 30 minutes to 1 hour.
What do I do if my system is running when it isn’t supposed to?
First, check to see if the current date & time is correct. Second, check to see if there is more than one start time on any of your running programs.
How do I know if my rain sensor is working?
Make sure sensor switch on controller is in active position. Start a manual cycle on your system, push down on center tab on top of sensor. If system shuts off, the sensor is working.
What is a downspout drain?
A downspout drain connects to your gutter downspouts and carries roof runoff underground away from the foundation to a safe discharge point.