Drainage Done Right: Installing Swales on a 2,200-Foot Pickerington Driveway

Double B Excavations & Grade LLC

Longer the driveway, more water to deal with!

When you've got a driveway that stretches nearly half a mile, water management isn't just a good idea - it's absolutely crucial.

That's exactly what we're tackling in our latest Pickerington project, where proper drainage can mean the difference between a lasting driveway and a costly headache.

Every drop of rain that hits a 2,200-foot driveway needs somewhere to go.

Without the right drainage system, that water can turn into your worst enemy, causing erosion, washouts, and damage that gets worse with every storm.

That's why we're not just digging ditches - we're engineering a complete water management solution.

Let me break down what we're doing with these swales. Think of them like mini-rivers we're creating to guide water where we want it to go. Every white mark you see on the ground is part of our master plan - we're basically creating a network of channels that will keep water moving away from the driveway instead of letting it pool up or cause damage.

The real trick here is working with what nature already gave us. We noticed there's a nice swale system already running through those woods at the edge of the property. So instead of fighting against natural water flow, we're designing our new swales to connect right into that existing system. It's like adding new branches to a tree - everything flows together naturally.

Those three culverts we're putting under the driveway? They're not just random pipes. Each one is positioned exactly where it needs to be to keep water flowing smoothly, even during heavy rains. When you're dealing with a 2,200-foot driveway, you can't afford to guess - every piece has to work together perfectly.

This kind of precision work requires the right tools. We use a laser level to make sure every swale has just the right slope - too steep and you get erosion, too shallow and water won't flow properly. Actually, had a bit of excitement today when our old laser level decided to quit on us. But in this business, you can't let equipment problems slow you down. We grabbed a new one and got right back to work.

Easton's out there right now setting up the laser to shoot the perfect grade for these swales. We're measuring everything down to the inch because that's what it takes to get water flowing exactly right. You might think water just runs downhill, but when you're managing drainage for a property this size, every degree of slope matters.

This Pickerington project is a perfect example of why we take drainage so seriously. When you're investing in a 2,200-foot driveway, you want it to last. The swale system we're installing today will protect that investment for years to come, directing water safely away from the driveway and into natural drainage areas where it belongs.

If you've got water management concerns on your property, don't wait for problems to get worse. Whether you're dealing with a long driveway like this one or just noticing some drainage issues around your home, we're happy to take a look. Every property is different, but the principle stays the same - water needs somewhere to go, and we make sure it goes to the right place.