Drain tile, also known as French drain has evolved significantly since it was first created. Originally designed by Henry Frenchin the 19th century, it was made of lengths of ceramic tile with gaps created that would collect the water and direct it on to the next tile. These installations would work for a short time and then clog with dirt and debris.
French Drain was first used in basement waterproofing projects in the 1920s. The round tile was quickly replaced by circular plastic PVC pipe that was installed around the edge of the foundation as it was laid. This PVC pipe was laid in a bed of gravel intended to filter the soil and particles out so that water could seep through and be directed away from the foundation through the pipe. While these pipes are still used today, they have the following weaknesses:
These French drain systems rarely install with a sump pump and therefore depend on gravity to discharge the water away from the foundation. If your home is not located on a hill, it will be very difficult to find a way to make this pipe run downhill. And pipes that discharge into a septic system are limited to the holding tank of the septic system for water discharge.
Despite the rock laid on top, French drains will still eventually clog with soil and sediment. When filter fabric is laid on top of the stone to help prevent the soil from clogging, the filter fabric clogs instead.
To service or replace a French drain system, exterior excavation is required. This involves digging up the entire perimeter of the home and removing stairs, porches, landscaping, and foliage. The job is disruptive, invasive, and expensive. And a year later, the area around the foundation will need to be regraded with soil to prevent water from collecting around the home.
Homeowners with wet basements are finding that their French drain systems are failing all the time, leading them to flooded basements that cause expensive and extensive damage to their homes. Basement water can leads to damaged personal property, mold, mildew, dust mites, and expensive cleanups. Your local Basement Systems dealer can provide an estimate and consultation on what you need to solve your waterproof basement needs once and for all. And with our written, transferrable lifetime warranty and spotless reputation with the Better Business Burearu, we've got the best system in the industry!
* What is a Free Estimate and Inspection? An authorized Basement Systems or CleanSpace® Crawl Space contractor will schedule a meeting during which a design specialist will inspect and measure your basement or crawl space FREE of charge, provide a free in-depth book on basement or crawl space solutions (valued at $14.95) and present you with a free written estimate at no cost.
** Warranties vary by product and service. Check with your local authorized Basement Systems or CleanSpace® Crawl Space contractor for specific warranty information.
