Clogged Drain Tile

How to Avoid Clogging Basement Drain Systems

The interior drain systems are available in all shapes, sizes and designs. However, irrespective of the system you have installed, a small change in the way it is made will result in a major change in how they perform and resist clogging. If you want your interior drain system not to clog, there are a couple of things you should consider doing.

Place the Drain Away from the Mud Zone

This is a no-brainer. A drain that is in mud will clog. Mud has a way of working its way through the gravel and into the clog filter fabric. This eventually blocks up the perimeter drain systems. Currently, there are no self-flushing drainage systems. When mud gets in a drain system, some of it will remain there. When water seeps into the drain from the mud, it will come with some mud.

The perimeter drain should be placed on top of the foundation footing. That way, it will be above the ‘mud zone’ and collect water at the most common point of entry – the joint at which the foundation walls meet the floor. It is also possible to install the drain under the floor. Service ports can also be installed to access the system when the need arises.

Don’t Use Generic Drain Tiles

Basement drain systems have evolved significantly over the years. There are very good reasons why modern-day drain systems are designed as they are. They are built to clog less often, install easily, and require minimal basement floor removal during installation. They are also built to collect water from basement walls. They can also be customized to withstand various challenges like installation around thin floors, around leaky hatchway doors, and dirt floors.

Don’t Leave Open Gaps on the Slab Floor

The old basement drains used to be installed by jackhammering the basement floor around the perimeter. A large, round PVC pipe was then installed in the created space. As the floor was being restored, a 2-inch by 4-inch board is placed against the wall. The board helps open gaps along the basement floor. The gap is meant to collect water that leaks from basement walls. The problem is as it collects water, the gap also collects debris in the basement, which ends up clogging the drain system.

To avoid clogs, you should avoid leaving open gaps on your slab floor. Installing a system with a 3/8 inch wall flange that extends above the floor to collect water will be great. This will work well without collecting debris.

Have a Sump Pump System Installed

Experts always recommend that you install a sump pump system along the perimeter drain. You also need to include a battery backup so that the sump pump works smoothly even when there is no electricity.

The role of the sump pump is to pump the water out of the basement, thus allowing it to drain more than when relying on a drain system. A sump pump will come in handy during the rainy months when more water needs to be drained.

If you have a passive gravity drain, you need to note that it is slow-moving. This makes it easy for mud to deposit in it. With a sump pump, the mud deposits will be forced to move, thereby preventing clogs.

Safeguard Against Freezing Drains

The weakest point of a drain system is the discharge line. This is more so when it comes to the cold months. Subzero temperatures often cause the discharge lines to freeze up and clog. Needless to say, even the smallest clogs can cause the sump pump system to fail. This is because the sump pump will have to work harder to force the water out. Over time, the pump will overheat and subsequently fail.

To prevent this problem, you should consider installing a grated opening at the base of the discharge line. The opening offers water an alternative way out in case the discharge line freezes.

Protect the Discharge Line Opening

Still on the discharge line, it is paramount that you keep the area where water exits protected. Oftentimes, contractors leave this part wide open. Over time, the exit gets filled up with mud, leaves, dead rodents, and other debris. Installing a grated outlet that blends with the rest of the landscape will keep the discharge line from blocking.

At Direct Waterproofing, we have waterproofed hundreds of basements across Canada. We offer a warranted solution that will help keep your drain system from clogging. Contact us today for a free basement waterproofing estimate.

What Solutions Are Available?

Direct Waterproofing can solve a clogged drain tile, often without the need for excavation. We can examine the pipes with a video camera and locate the source of the block. We can then use a drain snake or rooter, which is fed into the pipe to clear away any clogs. This could be a single fixture, multiple, or the main drain.

In the event that a pipe is badly damaged, we can also install new weeping tiles. We also offer perimeter drains as part of an interior or exterior waterproofing solution, to make sure water never ruins your basement again.