How Do Basement Drain Tiles Work?


A basement drain tile system can prevent basement water intrusion by keeping moisture at bay around and under your home’s foundation. Installation can either take place indoors or outdoors; indoor systems tend to be preferred since they don’t necessitate major excavation of existing landscaping. A drainage system is especially beneficial if your soil contains high clay content – when clay expands and contracts when wet, cracks can form due to hydrostatic pressure that builds up when there’s too much moisture for its absorbency.

Drain tile systems can help prevent this by taking advantage of excess moisture in the soil around your basement’s foundation and redirecting it toward a sump pump or drainage ditch for removal from your home, protecting both it and its contents from costly flood damages. They ensure your basement and crawl space won’t flood during heavy rainfall or snowfall and protecting it against costly repairs.

Basement drain tiles aren’t literal tiles; rather they’re perforated pipes made of crush-resistant plastic such as PVC or corrugated flexible pipe with holes cut out to allow groundwater in. The system is typically installed after concrete has been laid for a new home’s foundation slab.

An exterior drain tile system can be installed above or below footings, in a trench filled with washed gravel that slopes towards a basin, or as part of an interior waterproofing contract installation after construction has already taken place. A french drain or weeping tile consists of perforated pipe placed in a bed of washed gravel that directs moisture towards its drainage pipe system. A sump pump then empties any excess water out from underneath this system so your basement and crawl space don’t become vulnerable to flooding during heavy rainfall/snowfall events.

If your basement is experiencing moisture issues, such as salt-like residue on walls (efflorescence) or puddles around its floor, a drain tile system could provide an effective and permanent solution to these water-related issues. When combined with a vapor barrier and sump pump, this combination system can offer lasting relief to water issues in your space.

Installing a basement drain tile system is a complex and costly endeavor that should only be attempted with professional assistance. While installing such systems may be expensive, they provide an affordable permanent solution to moisture issues in your basement and protect other parts of your home from costly water damage. When not properly installed they can leak, clog, or stop working altogether, thus necessitating professional installation of any system within your home; DIY attempts could cause serious foundational or structural damage so contact a reliable waterproofing contractor today for this important task!