A foundation drainage system plays a vital part in your home’s waterproofing system. It manages the flow of rainwater and groundwater and protects your foundation from water buildup and hydrostatic pressure. Let’s explore the different types of foundation drainage systems for your home.
What is a Foundation Drainage System?
A foundation drainage system removes excess and runoff water from around a home’s foundation. Its components collect, move, and discharge water using gravity, pipes, or pumps.
How Does a Foundation Drainage System Work?
Normally, water accumulates around your home through rain, melting snow, or rising groundwater. A foundation drainage system works by collecting the water around the home’s foundation. Once the water is collected, it is carried away from the structure to a drainage area.
Types of Foundation Drainage Systems
Here are the most common foundation drainage systems that can move water away from your home’s foundation:
Exterior Foundation Drainage System
An exterior drainage system is installed around the exterior of your home’s foundation so water does not pool around it. These systems intercept rainwater and groundwater and direct them away from the foundation.
Here are some common types of exterior drainage systems:
- French Drain: Also known as a weeping drain, a French drain pipe consists of pipes with tiny perforations. These pipes are installed in a trench and covered by gravel. The drain is installed with a slope that directs water away from the home.
- Surface Drain: These systems are installed at ground level to collect and divert surface water. They drain water from areas around your home, including driveways or lawns, preventing it from reaching the foundation.
- Gutter Systems: Properly installed gutters and downspouts channel roof runoff away from the foundation, preventing water from pooling around your home and seeping into the soil.
Interior Foundation Drainage System
Similarly, interior drainage systems are installed beneath the basement or slab floor. They help keep water out in case exterior drainage systems fail. Additionally, these systems are necessary for homes with a high water table, frequent flooding, consistent basement leaks, and hydrostatic pressure problems.
Here are some common types of interior drainage systems:
- Drain Tiles: Similar to a French drain, these are perforated pipes installed along the interior perimeter of the foundation beneath the floor. They collect water and direct it to the sump pit.
- Sump Pumps: A sump pump is placed in the sump pit at the lowest point of the basement. It helps to pump water collected by the drain tile system away from the home’s foundation.
Both exterior and interior drainage systems act as a line of defense to manage water. A professional basement waterproofing expert can easily determine what type of drainage system is right for your home.
Components of a Foundation Drainage System
Here are some of the components of foundation drainage systems.
1. Gutters and Downspout Extensions
Your home’s gutters collect water from the roof and divert it through downspouts to ground level. The extensions ensure that the water drains away from your foundation.
2. Drainage Pipes
Perforated drainage pipes help collect water and drain it away from your foundation or out of your basement without causing flooding or soil erosion.
3. Gravel and Fabric
Landscape fabric encases the perforated pipes to keep silt out and prevent clogs. These wrapped pipes are positioned in a trench and surrounded by gravel, facilitating smooth water flow.
3. Drainage Trench
A drainage trench is part of a French drainage system. It is a narrow, gravel-filled channel that holds the drainage pipes. It captures both surface water and groundwater, channeling it away from the foundation.
4. Surface Drains (Catch Basins)
These drains capture surface runoff and channel it away from the foundation, preventing water from pooling near the home’s base.
5. Sump Pumps (for Interior Systems)
Sump pumps automatically remove water from the basement or crawl space, preventing flooding and helping manage a high water table.
Benefits of Foundation Drainage Systems
Proper foundation drainage can help you avoid expensive foundation repairs.
The major benefits of foundation drainage systems are:
- Preventing water accumulation around the home
- Lowering the chance of significant foundation settlement issues over time
- Decreased erosion of the soil
- Prevention of termite and pest infestation
- Prevention of cracks caused by hydrostatic pressure
When Do You Need a Foundation Drainage System?
If you notice excess water around the foundation, you need to find a way to drain the water regularly to prevent bowing walls, cracks, leaks, and mold. In these cases, it’s important to install or upgrade a foundation drainage system:
1. Water Pooling Around the Foundation
Excess water in the soil under and around a home’s foundation causes hydrostatic pressure to build up and push on the foundation walls, leading to potential cracks and structural damage.
2. Cracks in the Foundation Walls or Floor
When water buildup exerts hydrostatic pressure on the foundation, cracks can form in the foundation walls or floors. As a result, it becomes easier for water to seep into your home.
3. Damp or Musty Basement
A consistently damp or musty smell in the basement is a clear indicator of excess moisture, which may result from poor drainage. By installing drainage systems, you can prevent moisture from accumulating in your basement.
4. Mold or Mildew Growth
Mold and mildew thrive in damp environments. If you see signs of mold growth, including a musty smell, water stains, or fuzzy patches on walls, particularly in the basement or lower levels of your home, it’s a strong indicator that water is not being properly drained away from the foundation.
5. Foundation Settlement or Shifting
Poor drainage can cause the soil beneath the foundation to become oversaturated, leading to uneven settling or shifting of the foundation. This can result in cracks, misaligned doors or windows, and other structural issues.
6. Frequent Basement Flooding
If your basement floods, especially in heavy rain or snowmelt, it’s likely due to inadequate drainage around your foundation. Installing a drainage system can help prevent flooding and protect your basement from water damage.
Install a Foundation Drainage System in Your Home Today!
Water causes costly foundation damage to your home. The best way to safeguard your home’s structure is to install a proper drainage system. If you are dealing with pooling water, cracks in the foundation, or a musty basement, it’s time to book an inspection with our foundation experts. Our team will help you set up a robust foundation drainage system.
