Foundation Drainage Methods

Drain Tile

• It doesn’t resemble the tile in your bathroom. Drain tile is a sturdy but flexible tube that rests on the top of the foundation footers, which are the little ledges at the bottom of the foundation walls. Drain tile features tiny perforations that collect water at the base of the wall and then route that water to a collection bucket, often located beneath a window well.

Sump Pump

• A sump pump is necessary for pumping water from the collection bucket up to ground level, where it can drain into storm sewers or follow another drainage route. The sump pump sits in the collection bucket, and when water drains to a predetermined level in the bucket, it activates the sump pump. During times of high rainfall, the sump pump may cycle frequently as the collection bucket fills.

Grading

• The best way to prevent foundation damage caused by water is to prevent the water from pooling there in the first place. Proper yard grade means that the soil next to the foundation is higher than the soil in the middle of the yard, encouraging water to drain away from the foundation. The grade away from your house should be a minimum of 2 percent for adequate drainage.

Surface Water Control

• Even with the correct yard grade, dry weather can result in soil contraction, which can leave big cracks in the ground. A gap may also appear between the foundation and the soil. The first time you get a heavy rain, some of the water will fill those cracks. To reduce that water, install guttering and a downspout system on your home to divert the water that runs off your roof.