French Drains: What they can do for you

If a wet basement plagues your home, a French drain may be just the solution you need. There are many different types of French drains, and they are often referred to with different names (drainage system, drain tile, etc.). Having a high-quality drain tile installed around the interior perimeter of your basement is an effective way to keep water from flooding your basement and damaging everything in it.

Homes are typically built on compact, virgin soil. This soil is dug out and the foundation is built inside a hole. The hole is then refilled with loose soil, which compacts and settles over time. When it starts to rain, water enters this loose soil that is surrounding your foundation. This water starts pushing against your foundation and seeping through into your basement.

Some French drains are just simple tubes. Other, more high-quality drainage systems are perforated pipes. Ask the Builder columnist Tim Carter writes that homeowners can redirect water by installing a gravel-covered perforated drainage pipe around the basement. Water has a much easier time traveling through drain tile than through soil. Carter refers to a French drain as a "moat" that protects a home from flooding.

The DIY Network writes that a French drain can help lower the potential for mildew and mold to grow in a basement. The drain tile is installed with gravel, which draws moisture away and holds the drainage system in place.

Using a powerful sump pump along with the drain tile packs a double punch against basement water damage. The water travels through the drainage pipe and gets pushed up and outside with the sump pump.

An unclogged downspout extension will also help keep water away from your foundation by flowing it downhill and away from your home. The water that comes from your gutters can just seep into the soil and through your basement walls, but a downspout pointed away from your home will help solve this problem.

A quality, reliable drain tile system is a safe way to protect your basement from flooding and other moisture problems. Pair it with a sump pump to help keep your basement dry and clean. Basement Systems can help you with all of your basement waterproofing needs! Get a free basement waterproofing quote today by calling or contacting us online.

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