Drain tile systems help prevent water intrusion into basements by providing groundwater with an efficient route through which it can pass. Paired with waterproofing membranes and sump pumps, drain tile systems offer an effective permanent solution for leaking basement walls. Furthermore, new homebuilders should consider installing one to avoid costly water damage repairs later.
A basement drain tile system consists of perforated pipes installed under your home to collect groundwater that seeps into the soil around your house and channel it either downward through drainage outlets or sump pits into sump pits where pumps can expel it outdoors – effectively keeping moisture at bay away from foundation and surrounding yard areas. This method has proven very successful at keeping moisture away.
Drain tile installation is typically part of a new home’s construction. However, existing homes can benefit from retrofitting drain tile as well. Installing drain tile can either fix an old leaky basement or prevent future problems altogether; one of the best investments you can make for your property.
Contractors working on new homes typically dig a trench that’s approximately a foot wide before installing drain tile pipe underneath the concrete floor slab. The pipe typically made of corrugated crush-resistant plastic that’s perforated to allow ground water to enter and exit freely, before being covered with gravel to protect it from being blocked by dirt and other debris.
Contractors will then cover the pipe and gravel with landscaping fabric or another material that allows moisture through but blocks out dirt. After this material has been installed, they’ll fill in the trench with more gravel until it meets with the bottom of the basement wall before installing piping that is centered over both concrete floor slabs and is at an equal level with their basement walls.
Once the installation process is complete, a sump pump will be installed in the basement to clear away any water that gathers within the basin. Next, any areas flooded by this water should be graded so that it flows away from structures and into other parts of your property.
When undertaking any home project, it’s wise to have all the materials needed lined up ahead of time. This will save time and frustration once work commences; having tools like jackhammers and leather gloves at your disposal will make this even more efficient.
If your basement walls have cracks that allow water to seep in through cracks, this could be caused by hydrostatic pressure exerted against them by excess soil moisture that cannot be absorbed by foundation and soil, pushing against them and eventually leading to them cracking or bowing inward.