What Are Footer Drains?

Identification

• Footer drains are installed beside the bottom of the home's footing and consist of gravel, filter fabric and plastic drain pipe. The proper drain pipe is typically 4 inches in diameter and has perforations which allow water to drain out. These types of drains can also be installed on the inner side of the home's foundation after construction, if moisture is a problem.

Effects

• The footer drain's primary purpose is to keep water from running into your home and causing structural damage or mold growth. When properly installed, footer drains effectively battle moisture. In addition to footer drains, all homes should be "final graded" so the ground slopes away from the home, directing water away from the house.

Installation

• When installed during new construction, footer drains should be placed beside the footing of the home. According to the United States Department of Energy, footer drains installed in this manner keep the water from flowing between the footing and the wall. When existing homes have moisture problems, a footer drain can be installed by breaking up the floor around the basement and placing the drain in a trench that carries water away from the home. A sump pump may be necessary for maximum benefits.

Prevention

• Homeowners can take other precautions to keep moisture out, including installing down-spouts and gutters that draw water away from the home. These can also be connected to the drainage system to speed moisture removal. A plastic membrane over the basement floor keeps water vapor from seeping into the home. This is an important step for homeowners who have dirt floor basements. Placing a moisture barrier under the slab floor, along with a capillary break, may also help reduce moisture. The United States Department of Energy recommends that homeowners use 10 mm polyethylene as a vapor barrier and this material goes over gravel. Materials such as waterproofing paint on the interior of your basement helps keep water out. Waterproofing products work best when applied directly to concrete block instead of finished walls.