A musty smell or damp floor is often the first sign that water’s starting to get in. In cases like that, it helps to understand what a system like drain tile can do. It’s made to keep water away from your foundation before it becomes a bigger issue.
The system uses small pipes buried near the base of your home. These pipes move water toward a sump pump, where it’s pushed safely away. In this guide, we explain how it works, why it helps, and when it makes sense to install one.
How a Drain Tile System Helps Your Basement
The purpose of a drain tile is to collect groundwater before it reaches your basement. Contractors build the system with perforated pipes buried along the inside or outside of the foundation. These pipes guide the water toward a sump pump, which then pushes the water out of the home.
Here is how the system works:
- Groundwater moves through the soil due to gravity.
- The drain tile sits lower than the basement floor, so water flows into it.
- The sump pump removes the water from the system and sends it away from the house.
Pro Tip: The drain tile should always be placed lower than the basement slab to collect water before it leaks into the space.
What to Know if Your Home Is Older
If your home is more than 100 years old, it likely was built without a drain tile system. If it has one, it may be too old to function well. These older systems can clog, collapse, or connect to outdated discharge setups.
In some homes, sump pumps are used to send water directly into the sewer line. That setup no longer meets modern code and is not allowed in most areas.
Key Takeaway: If your house is old and your basement gets wet, the problem could be due to the lack of a working drain tile system.
Why It Matters Where the Water Goes
A common mistake is placing the sump pump discharge too close to the home. If the system releases water too close to the home, it can soak into the ground and end up back in the basement.
To avoid this, your system should:
- Send water far away from the foundation
- Follow all local building codes
- Avoid any connection to the sewer system
- Discharge in a location where the water won’t return
Need expert help with drain tile? Contact Foundation 1 for a free consultation. We will inspect your basement and help you find the right solution.
Do You Really Need a Drain Tile System?
We recommend that every home have a drain tile system. Whether you are building a new house or fixing a wet basement in an older one, this type of system can protect your home from serious damage.
A working system can:
- Keep your basement dry during storms
- Prevent mold from growing
- Protect your foundation from shifting or cracking
- Help maintain the value of your home
Even a small amount of water in your basement could signal bigger problems that are beginning to appear.
What Can Go Wrong Without Drain Tile?
Water that is not managed properly can:
- Pool next to the home
- Leak through cracks in the basement walls
- Damage the structure of the home
- Lead to mold, mildew, and air quality issues
We often see small leaks turn into major issues after a few years. A drain tile system provides a long-term fix that stops these problems from starting or worsening.
Can Drain Tile Be Added to an Existing House?
Yes, even if your home was built without it, we can install a drain tile system. This is a common part of basement waterproofing projects.
Here is a basic outline of the process:
- Dig a trench along the inside or outside of the basement wall
- Add the pipe and gravel drainage layer
- Install a sump pump system
- Route the discharge pipe to a safe place outside the home
Once we install the system, it helps move water away from your basement and keeps the space dry.
Final Thoughts on Drain Tile Systems
A drain tile system protects your property by keeping water out of the basement. If your home lacks one, or if the system fails, water damages your basement and living space.
Contact Foundation 1 today to schedule your free inspection. We are here to help you keep your basement dry and safe.
