Owning a home is one of the most important investments you will ever make. Most buyers choose a home under the assumption that they will live there for many years to come. However, any home’s longevity can depend greatly on what steps are taken to protect and maintain the foundation. An interior perimeter basement drain system is a great way to protect your home from water accumulating around your basement perimeter. This is just one waterproofing solution, and there are certain things you can look for to determine if a French drain or similar system is the right choice for you. In this guide, we will share some tips to help you better understand if an interior drain system is the right choice for your basement waterproofing needs.
Signs That Your Basement Needs an Interior Perimeter Drain System
The best place to start in determining the right fit for basement waterproofing and drainage is to first evaluate what signs and symptoms of water accumulation are visible. What are the things you notice about the water in your basement? Where are there potential vulnerabilities causing water damage to the basement?
Some of the most common signs that you may need an interior perimeter basement drain system are:
- Water stains around the perimeter (walls or floors).
- Cracks in your foundation or walls.
- Standing water in the basement.
- Dampness in the basement.
- Musty odors.
- Mold growth, particularly around the walls.
- Insect infestation.
What is an Interior Perimeter Drain System?
An interior perimeter drain system is more commonly known as a French drain. This drainage system utilizes a shallow trench for pipe placement. Any water that has accumulated and is placing pressure against the perimeter or around the foundation of the home can be diverted into the pipe and carried away from the foundation. The pipe that is placed in the trench is perforated on the top to allow easy water seepage into the drain system. While there is a little bit of work that goes into designing and installing such a system, it’s very effective at diverting water and relieving hydrostatic pressure.
There are other drain solutions that can be used on the basement perimeter. Another common choice is a sump pump. Sump pumps collect water and then eject that water well away from the foundation.
Benefits of an Interior Perimeter Drain System
Interior drainage systems can offer many benefits, the greatest of which is keeping your basement dry and free of excess moisture. If water is seeping into the basement, rest assured that it will eventually cause damage and a cleanup that will affect the longevity of your home.
Over time, that water can also harm your foundation.
These are the top benefits of having an internal drainage system:
- Prevents water damage to the basement.
- Improves overall air quality in your home.
- Protects your home’s foundation.
- Increases the resale value of the home.
- Keeps water out.
Installation Process
Installation of an interior perimeter basement drain system will vary depending on your basement needs. However, here is a general overview of the process:
- Assess the basement.
- Dig the perimeter trench.
- Measure and cut piping to fit.
- Fill with gravel.
- Ensure external drainage establishment.
It is important to always work with a professional who will be able to properly assess your needs and help you create the appropriate plan for your basement. A skilled and experienced company will work efficiently to get the drainage system in place.
The cost will also vary depending on your needs. Cost varies greatly based on what is required to install the drain system. Plan to move things away from the perimeter of your basement while the installation is being completed.
Maintenance and Care
When you have a drainage system in place, no matter what type it is, maintenance and care are required to ensure things last for many years to come. This includes cleaning and inspections at least once or twice a year to ensure there are no repairs needed.
When you get an interior basement drain system from Drycrete, we provide a lifetime warranty for our work. We also offer maintenance and care plans so that you can ensure your drainage system is built to last and taken care of over time.
Consider these tips to care for and maintain your drain:
- Test the drain occasionally.
- If you suspect a clog, get it checked out.
- Clean the drain once or twice a year (or hire someone to clean it).
- Be cautious when trying to clear a clog.
- Inspect the ground around the French drain periodically for signs of problems.
Call the company that installed the drain if you suspect any kind of issue or need help with care.
Drycrete Can Help with Your Interior Perimeter Basement Drain System Design
When you need basement waterproofing, we’re here to help. Our teams have been serving the waterproofing industry for more than 30 years. We can help you determine the best solution to get your interior drain system in place.
Having the proper drainage in place will make a huge difference in protecting your home and improving your home’s value as well. Request a quote today to get started!