How to Install Sock Drains With a Sump Pump

Footing drains are a major component of the foundation drainage plan, in conjunction with waterproofing and surface drainage. Drain tile, or perforated plastic pipe, is placed beside the footings to intercept water before it penetrates the foundation. On flat sites, the water exits to a sump pit in the basement, where a sump pump discharges the excess water outside. The pipe is wrapped in geotextile cloth to keep silt and debris from entering the pores and clogging the pipe. Sock drains are produced with a removable polyester fabric attached to the pipe instead.

Rigid PVC pipe, 6-inch or larger
Perforated pipe with sock, 4-inch, or as recommended for local conditions
Washed gravel, 1-inch
Gravel, crush or road mix quality
Sump pump and discharge pipe, and fittings
Drill and bits

Instructions

- 1
  Lay washed gravel beside the footings, about 1 to 3 inches deep, and about 8 inches wide. Slope the gravel slightly, with the low point at the insertion point for the drain tile to the sump pit.
- 2
  Place the sock drain pipe on the gravel channel. Ensure the slope is maintained, removing or adding gravel under the pipe to adjust the grade as necessary. Continue along the perimeter of the footings, ending at the insertion point.
- 3
  Slide the sock drain inside the insertion pipe. Cover the exterior pipe with 1 inch of the washed gravel, flush with the top of the footing.
- 4
  Add 2 to 3 three feet of washed gravel on top of the sock drain, after the foundation walls are poured and waterproofed. Backfill with crush gravel to 8 inches below the top of the foundation wall.
- 5
  Slope away from the structure, at a gradient of 5 percent, for at least 10 feet --a drop of 5 inches. Ensure runoff is directed toward a swale or ditch. Place backfill in 6-inch lifts, or layers, and compact.
- 6
  Install the sump pump according to manufacturer's instructions. Drill a hole in the sill plate to the size of the discharge pipe. Run the discharge pipe from the sump pump, up the foundation wall to the hole, to the exterior of the foundation. Use 90-degree fittings as necessary.
- 7
  Continue the discharge pipe along the ground, 18 inches to 2 feet from the wall. Cover with 1 to 2 inches of gravel, leaving the end exposed.

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