Drainage Done Right: Inside Our Pickerington Swale and Culvert Project

Double B Excavations & Grade LLC

Chipping Away at This Driveway Project

working ON FINALIZING THESE Crucial CULVERTS

Water's funny - it always finds somewhere to go.


The trick is making sure it goes where you want it to, not where it decides to go on its own.


That's exactly what we're working on right now in Pickerington, creating smart drainage solutions that work with nature instead of against it.


When it comes to protecting your property, good drainage isn't just nice to have - it's essential.


Standing water can damage foundations, kill grass, and create all sorts of headaches for homeowners.


That's why we take such care in planning and installing proper drainage systems that'll keep working year after year.

(380) 205-0115

Welcome to Double B!

  • A lush green field with trees and bushes on a sunny day.

Project Overview

We're into day two of this Pickerington project, and things are coming together nicely. Our main focus here is installing two drainage swales - think of them like carefully engineered channels that guide water exactly where it needs to go. Every drop of water needs a path to follow, and that's what we're creating.


The tricky part? We're working around several underground utilities. You've probably seen those colored flags marking utilities before - in our case, we've got red flags marking power lines and orange ones showing where Spectrum's cables run. This means every dig has to be planned and executed with extra care. It's like putting together a puzzle, but instead of pieces, we're working with water flow, underground pipes, and utility lines.


Our goal is simple: create a drainage system that handles water effectively while keeping all those important utilities safe and sound. It takes careful planning, but doing it right means peace of mind for everyone involved.

  • A yellow excavator is digging a path in a backyard.

The Drainage System Components

Let me break down what we're actually building here. First up are the swales - these aren't just random ditches. Think of them as nature's gutters, carefully shaped to move water in exactly the right direction. We've put in two of them because that's what this property needs for proper drainage. They work together like teammates, making sure water flows exactly where it should.

The real star of the show is the culvert we're installing. If swales are like gutters, think of a culvert as an underground water highway. We've placed it at what we call the "low point" - that's exactly where it needs to be to collect all the water from those swales. Easton's working on backfilling it now, making sure everything's set just right. When we're done, this system will handle water flow smoothly, even during heavy rains.

Working Around Utilities

Here's something most folks don't think about until they start digging: there's a whole world of important stuff running underground. Those colored flags you see aren't just decoration - they're like a map of what's beneath our feet. Red flags mean power lines (definitely don't want to mess with those!), and those orange ones mark Spectrum's internet cables.

Working around utilities takes extra patience and care. We can't just dig in with the machines like we normally would. Sometimes it means getting out there with hand tools, taking it slow, and making absolutely sure we know where everything is. Might take a little longer, but it's worth it to keep everyone's power and internet running smoothly. Plus, it's just the right way to do things - no shortcuts when it comes to safety.

  • A black house is sitting in the middle of a lush green field.

Why Details Matter

You might wonder why we're so particular about all this - the exact placement of swales, the careful work around utilities, the precise grading to that low point. Here's the thing: water damage is one of those problems that starts small but can turn into a huge headache if not handled right. A poorly planned drainage system might work fine during a light rain, but what about during those heavy spring storms?

That's why we take our time getting everything just right. The grade has to be perfect so water actually flows where it should. The culvert needs proper backfilling so it stays put for years to come. And of course, those utilities need to stay safe and undisturbed. It's all connected, and doing it right the first time saves everyone trouble down the road.

Double B Excavations & Grade LLC

Wrapping it Up

Projects like this one in Pickerington show why proper drainage work matters so much. Sure, it might not be the most exciting part of property improvement, but it's definitely one of the most important. When we're done here, this property will handle water the way it should - quietly and efficiently, without causing problems for the homeowner.

If you've got standing water issues or you're noticing drainage problems on your property, don't wait until it becomes a bigger problem. Water always finds somewhere to go - let's make sure it's going to the right place.


We're happy to take a look and figure out the best solution for your specific situation. After all, every property is different, but they all need proper drainage to stay healthy and problem-free.

(380) 205-0115
By Tanner Burdette April 10, 2025
Double B Excavations & Grade LLC
A man wearing a hat and sunglasses is standing in front of a truck.
By Tanner Burdette April 10, 2025
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