Drain tile systems are an effective foundation waterproofing solution, particularly when used in combination with sump pumps and vapor barriers. Although they’re most often installed during new construction projects, drain tiles can also be added onto existing homes as an upgrade option.
Perforated pipes that collect ground water and channel it away from foundation footers or basement slab floors help prevent hydrostatic pressure from building up around basement walls, which helps avoid hydrostatic pressure build-up.
What is a Basement Drain Tile?
Basement drain tiles are perforated pipes designed to channel water away from your home’s foundation and away from its walls, preventing groundwater from pooling against them and causing major structural damage. If you have noticed cracks in the walls of your basement or crawl space, salty residue (efflorescence), or pools of standing water in the floor area it could be caused by hydrostatic pressure from ground water accumulating behind.
If your gutters and soil grading are in good shape and ground water is entering your basement and crawl space without being managed, a drain tile system might not be necessary. But if ground water issues continue, installing drain tiles could provide the solution.
An interior basement drain tile system collects water beneath and around the foundation and directs it towards a sump pit where a sump pump disperses it outdoors. This method of water management is often chosen when building new homes; it can also be retrofitted into older properties.
Installation of interior drain tiles in existing homes can be more difficult, as sections of the basement floor must be broken up with jackhammers before removal. At Epp, we have never witnessed an interior basement drain tile clog, yet this project can only be accomplished using appropriate tools.
How Does a Basement Drain Tile Work?
A basement drain tile system is a highly effective waterproofing solution designed to stop foundation leaks by channeling excess moisture away from your home. Carefully constructed, its design guarantees any water entering through cracks will quickly be directed away from living spaces. Sometimes known as French drains, weeping tiles, or footing drains; its 4-inch perforated pipe design enables installation either outside along foundation perimeter or inside under basement floor.
Installation is most beneficial during new construction, although retrofitting to existing homes may also be feasible. The exterior system works by excavating a trench around foundation footings and installing perforated pipe with an incline to help direct moisture outward to either a sump pit or discharge point and be expelled from your home.
Drain tiles may seem misleading at first, since no actual tiles are involved. Instead, their name comes from being traditionally made out of clay material with holes about an inch apart spaced along its length. Today contractors usually opt for plastic or PVC perforated pipe instead; usually installed alongside concrete basement floors slabs.
What are the Benefits of a Basement Drain Tile?
A basement drain tile system provides the ultimate waterproofing solution for your home. Serving as a protective shield, this solution ensures any water that penetrates foundation walls is quickly managed and diverted away from living spaces, typically into a sump pump system.
Interior basement drain tile systems don’t expose themselves to the elements like exterior systems do, reducing their susceptibility to clogs caused by fine soil particles or tree roots that might infiltrate and hinder their function. Furthermore, this means your landscaping remains undisturbed preserving its beauty as you enjoy outdoor living areas.
Installing a basement drain tile system is a labor-intensive task that should be handled by professional contractors.
However, regardless of its complexity, an efficient basement drain tile system can make the difference between having a dry foundation and one full of crumbling and flooding walls – an invaluable investment that provides your family with safe living quarters for years. When selecting a waterproofing company to work with, look for industry leaders with experience who pride themselves on customer satisfaction and quality workmanship; Crawl Space Brothers are such leaders.
Why Should I Have a Basement Drain Tile Installed?
Drain tile systems help safeguard a home’s foundation against water damage even if its gutter system has become damaged, or improper soil grading has been performed. Basement drainage systems should ideally be installed during construction to alleviate hydrostatic pressure below the foundation and prevent bowing and buckleing inward; alternatively they may alleviate cracks caused by hydrostatic pressure by installing drain tiles systems into walls that face hydrostatic pressure.
A basement drain tile system consists of a series of 4-inch perforated pipes which may be rigid or corrugated flexible pipes, installed either around the house’s perimeter or inside at footing level in either of its two locations – such as inside at footing level for in-house installations – connected by perforations that measure 4″ wide, each one ending in either a sump pit or dry well located away from its foundations to collect any collected moisture.
Water that would normally seep into the basement can now be diverted away by drainage tile and sump pump systems, providing an effective yet relatively cost-effective way of dealing with foundation moisture issues. If you experience wet basement conditions or spot any other signs of moisture intrusion, please reach out to us immediately so we can arrange for a complimentary inspection and estimate.