A strong foundation is key to a safe and stable home, but without proper drainage, your foundation is at risk of water damage, cracks, and costly repairs. Whether you’re building a new home or improving an existing one, foundation drainage plays a crucial role in keeping moisture out and preventing structural issues.
What Is Foundation Drainage?
Foundation drainage refers to the systems in place to divert water away from your home’s foundation. Without these systems, excess moisture can seep into the foundation walls, leading to:
Cracks & shifting due to expanding soil
Mold & mildew from trapped moisture
Flooding & water damage in basements or crawl spaces
Types of Drainage for Foundation Protection
There are several types of drainage systems used to protect footings, foundations, and basements from excess water buildup.
1. Perimeter Drain System
A perimeter drain is a system of pipes installed around the outside of your foundation to redirect water away from your home. This prevents water pooling around your foundation walls, which can cause cracks and erosion. Learn more about perimeter drains
2. Footing Drains
A footing drain is a drainage pipe installed at the base of the foundation to collect and remove groundwater. This system is critical in areas with high water tables or frequent heavy rainfall. Difference Between Foundation Drains & Footing Drains:
Foundation drains focus on keeping water away from basement walls.
Footing drains protect the footings (the base of the foundation) from excessive moisture.
Foundation footing drains combine both systems for maximum drainage efficiency.
3. French Drain
The French drain, also called a weeping drain, is a type of drainage system that consists of a perforated pipe wrapped in gravel or porous material. This design allows water to seep into the pipe, which then redirects it away from the foundation. The surrounding backfill material ensures smooth water flow while preventing debris from clogging the pipe.
Since French drains efficiently move water away from a home’s foundation, they are commonly installed around basements and crawl spaces.
4. Sump Pit and Pumps Drainage
For areas that experience heavy rainfall or snowfall, a sump pit and pump system is often the best solution when simple slopes or gradients aren’t enough to move water away from the home.
A sump pump system works as a catch basin for excess water, collecting groundwater in a sump pit before actively pumping it away from the foundation when the water level reaches a certain threshold.
Foundation Drainage & Waterproofing: A Complete Solution
While a foundation drainage system plays a major role in protecting your home, it should be combined with other waterproofing methods for maximum protection. By combining foundation drainage systems with preventative waterproofing, you can protect your home from costly foundation repairs.
Is Your Foundation Drainage System Working?
If you notice signs of moisture buildup, cracks in the basement, or pooling water near your home, your drainage system may be failing. At John G Plumbing, we provide expert foundation drainage solutions, including perimeter drains, footing drains, and foundation waterproofing.
You may have noticed water is draining slowly from your sink, tub or shower. Well, that is the sign that it’s time to flush your drain line. Clearing a clogged drain can depend on the severity of the clog, the location of the clog, the accessibility of the drain line, and the plumber you choose. At John G. Plumbing, we offer affordable rates and plumbing coupons for various jobs.
In addition, it also depends on what method will be used to deal with the issue. John G. Plumbing offers a variety of drain-cleaning services that will fix any issue when it comes to clogged drains. We know that drain cleaning is an important part of maintaining your home’s plumbing system and avoiding the risk of a basement leaking when it rains. Explore our drainage cleaning services for more information.
How often should drains be professionally cleaned?
Grease, soap residue, organic debris, food particles, and more are flowing each day through those drains that over time can build up and clog the line. Leaving unattended can lead to serious issues. The last thing you want is a clogged bathroom drain with scum flowing out of it. Or worse, a broken pipe!
Drains should be professionally cleaned at least once a year to ensure they are free from any build-up. Also, being aware and observant of your drain’s condition can add more protection to your drain pipes and prevent additional damage.
How to fix a slow-draining sink?
When you are clogged, the first thing you can think of is to use a plunger. Plungers are one of the most used home remedies to fix a slow sink drain alongside boiling water, drain snakes, chemical drain cleaners, and more. These are all used to loosen hardened or sludgy particles in drain lines. For light clogs, they can sometimes work but don’t address the underlying problem.
If the problem continues to persist, the enemy might be bigger than just a residue. Tools to treat and diagnose severe blockages are not often available at home. Calling a plumber is the best option for finding the issue. John G. Plumbing is a professional plumbing company that unclogs bathroom drains and fixes water line leaks. We have proper tools, like cameras and snakes, to identify and clear clogged drains safely. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Baking soda and vinegar to clear drains, is it safe?
While it is effective for breaking down clogs, chemicals as their nature can bring damage to your pipes. This includes the humble baking soda and vinegar combination. Prolonged use can wear down the linings of your drain over time. This can lead you to greater expense in the future, as your pipes will need to be replaced.
As fizzes look effective, it is better to stick with a plunger or call a plumber. It might not be the build-up that is being flushed but the pipe or the drain itself. Skip the patch jobs, and get it done properly and safely by calling John G.
Are clogged drains slowing you down?
Get them cleared quickly with our professional drain cleaning services! Call us today to restore your plumbing and prevent future blockages.
The basics of perimeter drain systems – What exactly is a perimeter drainage system?
Around the outside of your home are specialized drainage pipes that help direct water away from your home. These pipes contain small holes that allow water to enter so that it can be directed elsewhere.
The perimeter drainage system, also known as drain-tile, clay-tile and weeping tile systems, protects your home from the natural groundwater throughout the perimeter of the house’s foundation. When the system fails, it allows the natural groundwater to create hydrostatic pressure on the foundation. Once this happens, it’s only a matter of time until the groundwater finds a path of least resistance through the foundation, generally, a crack, causing your home to flood.
Benefits of a perimeter drain system
Getting a drain system installed around your home sounds like it can be an investment, so is it worth it? Of course!
Here are some reasons why homeowners ensure they have drain tiles installed on their property:
Helps prevent basement and crawl space flooding
Helps conserve the longevity of your home’s foundation
Assists in preventing flooding around your home
No water accumulation
Reduces soil erosion
Can help reduce contaminated water caused by flash flooding
John G. Plumbing is your local Vancouver Island expert for installing and maintaining drain tiles. We service areas like Nanaimo, Qualicum Beach, Parksville, and Coombs for plumbing and gas fitting services. (Technical Safety Gas contractor license number: LGA0208853)
How does a perimeter drainage system work?
Along the footing of the house perforated pipe is laid and graded towards the low point of the perimeter. On top of the pipe, drain rock is placed to filter out dirt and debris before entering the pipe.
On the foundation, a membrane is installed; it is generally either tar or blue skin and dimple board. At the low point of the house, a sump is installed to allow any dirt and debris from the piping to drop to the bottom of the pit while the water flows out to the city main. When it starts raining or in some locations that have constant groundwater the water flows toward the house. The water then hits the membrane which acts as a foundation waterproofing.
Since the water cannot penetrate the membrane gravity takes over and the water takes the path of least resistance to the drain rock. The drain rock then filters the murky water. The groundwater then hits the house’s original hard compacted ground (hardpan) upon which the foundation was laid.
The water cannot penetrate the hardpan, therefore it builds back up. As the water table rises the water then enters the pipe through the perforations (small holes). Since the pipe is graded the water starts to flow to the desired location, to the low point. At the low point, the water and the debris that may have accumulated upon the journey falls into the sump. The debris remains at the bottom of the sump and as the water rises, it eventually reaches the out-going line and flows to the city main or in some cases into the sewer main.
How can I tell if my home drainage system is broken?
If you find your perimeter drain isn’t draining, that’s a sure sign you need the professionals at John G. Plumbing to take a look. Debris and roots can sometimes get into the pipes, causing problems. Usually, the first sign of knowing if your drainage system is broken is if you experience flooding in your basement or water seeping through the walls.
We use cameras and other equipment to inspect your drainage system to look for debris, overall condition, and areas that require repairs.
How long do perimeter drains or weeping tiles last?
When properly installed and maintained, they can last for decades. This helps ensure your home is protected from water damage.
vInstalling a perimeter drain – what to expect
When installed by the professionals at John G. Plumbing, your home will be protected from water damage for many years.
Our plumbers will come to your home for a personalized quote, so you can know exactly how much it will cost and the expected timeframe needed to complete the job.
The installation will involve digging up part of your yard around your home to install pipes near the foundation, next to the footing. Usually, this is about 6 feet deep. The water collected by the pipes will be directed to a sump pump or other suitable location.
vDo perimeter drainage systems require maintenance?
Most people who are aware of perimeter drainage systems have the common misconception that they are supposed to last a lifetime. That is not the case. Over time, drainage pipes often deteriorate, compromising the entire system. Roots may have started to penetrate the pipe or dirt has completely blocked the line or even worse, the pipe has collapsed. The age, the type of pipe installed and the condition of the drainage system will determine how often the perimeter drainage pipes should be maintained.
Although every home is different the rule of thumb is that the perimeter drainage system requires maintenance every 2 years. If your perimeter drainage system has not been regularly maintained it is strongly encouraged to schedule an inspection. We will use a hydro-flusher to pull the dirt to the sump and use an auger to clear any roots. We will then use state-of-the-art cameras to inspect the condition and integrity of the perimeter drainage system. Upon completing the inspection, we’ll provide a complete report on any deficiencies or repairs that may be required, and a recommendation for how often your system should be maintained.
As such, if you have left your perimeter drainage system unattended for at least a couple of years, then consider contacting us at John G. Plumbing. We are happy to assist in maintaining or repairing your pipes to perfection.
How much does installing a perimeter drain cost?
Installing a perimeter drain depends on several factors, including the size of your home. For that reason, we offer personalized quotes depending on the size and location of your home. Please contact us for more information.
vUnclog weeping tiles, drain cleaning Nanaimo
Are you located in Nanaimo, Coombs, Parksville, or Qualicum Beach and are looking for a plumber to help with your drain tiles? The professionals at John G. Plumbing are here to help.
Perimeter drain tiles, also known as French drains or weeping tiles, are an important part of your home’s maintenance and longevity. Installing this system can help prevent flooding, soil erosion, and expensive repairs down the road.
