Digging deep around the house is hard, so repair it right the first time, right? #MakeItLast
Chuck with Apple Drains in Charlotte, NC explains foundation waterproofing retrofit solutions.
Old drain tile can become clogged with dirt after years of service. The drain tile in the video was installed in the early 1960s, so it has been in service for over 50 years.
Here's the step by step on how to replace a clogged old footing drain:
- Step 1 is digging down to the footing to expose the drain tile.
- Step 2 seal with foundation wall with paint on waterproofing membrane.
- Lay a gravel base for the drain pipe. Gravel should extend about four inches below the top of the footing so that the pipe can sit level with the footing.
- Lay perforated pipe on top of the gravel with the holes pointing down so that ground water rising from below will be directed auto daylight through the pipe.
- Cover the pipe with gravel extending a few inches above the pipe and the footing.
- Install a fabric barrier over the gravel to filter out dirt that will clog the pipes.
- Backfill the trough making sure to slope the grade away from the house.
—Thanks to Apple Drains for posting cool YouTube videos
Homes built pre 1970 used Field Tile for Foundation Drainage. This pipe is usually cemnet or ceramic and came in 1 foot sections that was butted together and laid along the footer. Take a look at what it looks like after 30 or 40 years. It is totally full of dirt and needs to be replace. This is not an easy Do it Yourself project but it can be done if you have a few friends willing to work for a back yard cook out! :) Apple Drains Drainage Contractors WATERPROOFING www.AppleDrains.com Trusted and recommended by Your Neighbors Since 1997