Foundation Drain Design, Why Designing Your Drainage System Is Important
Foundation drain design is a relatively simple process that takes into account all aspects of a foundation and determines the correct size and quantity of pipe needed. If the foundation is properly vented and drained, major water problems can be avoided. If a foundation drainage system is not designed correctly, things can go from bad to worse, rapidly creating thousands of dollars of damage. The following foundation drain design information will help you find the best solutions for the needs of your home:
Watershed of Landscaping and Foundation Drainage
Before beginning any landscape or foundation drainage project, it's important to understand the impact the design has on the overall watershed of your property. The watershed of landscaping is extremely critical to the success or failure of your foundation drainage system and should be central in the planning phase.
Sump Pumps and Wells for Mechanical Drainage
Sump pumps and wells for mechanical drainage are important because they allow you to move water that has seeped into your basement to an outside location. Pumps are often installed in the basement of your home to elevate groundwater levels high enough so that it flows toward the sump pit, where it can be distributed away from your foundation. The sump pit is something that's found in most basements. It's a small area that you'll find at the lowest point on your basement floor. The purpose of this area is to collect groundwater and prevent flooding.
Types of Foundation Drainage Systems
Foundation drainage systems literally keep your house from falling into the ground. If you're building a new house or thinking of renovating, you're going to need a good drainage system to keep your foundation dry and solid. Foundation drainage systems, also known as French drains or perimeter drains, typically consist of buried perforated pipes around the outside of your home. Sometimes, they also include the previously mentioned mechanical sump pumps to help with the drainage.
Components of a Well-Designed Foundation Drainage System
Foundation drainage systems are often forgotten parts of a home renovation. There are many different components to a home's foundation and drainage system that can easily be overlooked, and these include:
- Gravel layers
- Perforated pipe
- Secondary drain
- A sump pit (or sump pump well)
Your foundation drainage system will have a custom design that is designed specifically for the drainage of your home. This means that it might have all of these features or a variation of these different foundation drainage components.
An improperly designed foundation drainage system can lead to damage. Mismanaging water on your property can lead to more than just damaged landscaping and slippery floors. Contact a foundation drain design service, such as The American Drain Company, to ensure your home has the drainage it needs.
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