Table of Contents
What does drain tile do?
The aim of drain tile in the construction industry is to prevent ground water damage to a building. Drain tile gathers water from around a building and removes it. There are two different types of drain tile systems – internal and external.
Do I really need drain tile?
While some homes may never have need for a drain tile system, it is a good feature to have since you never know when a period of heavy rain or rapid snow melt might cause catastrophic water problems in your basement or crawl space.
How do I know if my house has drain tiles?
While drain tiles are a simple solution to keep water away from foundations, dirt and tree roots can interfere with their efficient operation. Signs of a plugged drain tile system include water entering the basement or crawl space, lush grass growth, puddles, or a sinkhole forming along the line of piping.
Why is it called drain tile?
The phrase “tile drainage” derives from its original composition from ceramic tiles of fired clay, which were similar to terracotta pipes yet not always shaped as pipes. Commonly HDPE and PVC tubing denominated “tile line” is used, although precast concrete and ceramic tiles are still used.
What do drainage tiles look like?
DRAIN TILE PROPERTIES Drain Tile is perforated (has holes) to allow water a point of entry. The pipe is usually round / cylindrical in shape, although there are some square or rectangular shaped drainage systems. Shape makes no difference in the flow of water.
How deep should drain tile be buried?
If the drain tiles are implemented primarily to protect the foundation from subsurface water, dig the trench up to 6 feet deep. If the primary concern is surface water, a trench only 2 feet deep will suffice. Make sure that the trench extends to a suitable outlet like a ditch, drain field or dry well.
Can I have a sump pump without drain tile?
If your basement has occasional water problems, a sump pump can help remedy the problem and is relatively inexpensive and easy to install. Without a drain tile system, a sump pit and pump is most effective if it can be positioned in the precise low spot in the basement where water naturally collects.
What happens when drain tile fails?
When Drain Tile Fails A high water table increases the chance of water seeping in cracks under the slab. Older homes may have a footing that is too narrow. They also may have original clay tile that is broken or missing. A subtle exterior grade towards the sump pump is common in older homes.
What is the difference between drain tile and French drain?
Drain tile is also embedded in gravel and usually carries ground water to a sump pump for discharge from the home. A French drain is typically installed just below the surface and is used mainly to move water from low spots or other places where it may collect and saturate the soil.
How does a sump pump and drain tile work?
Drain tile is essentially a network of porous pipes that run alongside your foundation. The pipes run through a network that leads to a sump pump to drive the water away, or they go through a downward sloping drain system that leads away from your home to the surface where the water can safely drain away.
How do I put drainage in my yard?
Start digging. Dig a really big hole. Install the dry well. Prepare the dry well. Set the dry well in place. Lower the dry well into the hole after wrapping the sides with a special silt blocking landscape fabric. Connect the drain tube. Cover the tube with fabric. Connect the downspouts to the drain line.
How much slope do I need for drainage tile?
When you are installing Drain Tile, it is important to slope the Pipe 1/8” per linear foot. This means that every 8 feet there will be a drop of 1” in the pipe. This is vitally important for the heavier rains. Same as your sewer, if it was level, it could handle SOME of the water/sewage coming from your home.
Should I be worried if a house has a sump pump?
Although sump pumps can stop most of the water, holes in the structure of your home can cause leaks and lasting damage. So, even if you have a sump pump installed in your new place, it’s important to keep an eye out for this kind of damage.
How far should sump pump drain from house?
It is important to keep the discharge point of your sump pump as far from your foundation as possible. The minimum distance should be 10 feet. Most discharge pipes have a flexible hose tightly attached to the pipe coming from the basement.
Will sump pump keep basement dry?
Sump Pumps Keep Your Basement Dry Having a working sump pump is one of the best ways to ensure that your basement stays dry and you avoid the need for flooded basement clean-up.
