Culvert Installation

Culvert Installation: Things You Need to Know

At most construction and home sites there are ditches and paths of seasonal or permanent streams. The culverts job typically is to a allow for water drainage underneath a gravel driveway, road or walking path. It allows for the water flow not to be disturbed and move forward in its natural path. A culvert refers to an enclosed underground tunnel for passing water. The culvert is very important at designated areas to help prevent erosion, reduce pooling of water and preventing property damage.

Types of Culverts

Many different types of culverts can be used. The most common type of culvert that is used for general drainage is the pipe culvert. The pipe culvert is round and typically constructed of galvanized steel. The galvanized steel culvert when installed correctly can support a distributed weight of 80,000 pounds or more.

What to consider when selecting a culvert for installation

Installing culverts requires careful consideration. The width and height of a ditch is very important. A small ditch with a small stream may only require a small culvert. A large ditch that is capable of flowing large volumes of water may require a large culvert of multiple culverts.

The activities that will take place above the culvert is important when selecting the culvert type. If the culvert is to be installed under a road or gravel driveway a steel culvert is probably preferred. If the culvert is needed for a path or a low weight bearing crossing a plastic culvert could be used.

Before any digging takes place, contact must be made with local utility companies to locate any underground utilities.

Will you need a culvert permit?

The State of Texas, North Texas Counties and Local Municipalities require a permit before you can install a culvert. The permit is usually only required is you are using the State, County or Cities easement (ditch) to cross from State, County or City road onto your property. If your needing a culvert installed on your personal property a culvert permit should not be required.

Links for Collin County and Grayson County culvert permits.

http://www.collincountytx.gov/development_services/Pages/culvert_forms.aspx

http://www.co.grayson.tx.us/default.aspx?name=tre.payment_culverts