How To Set Up Footer Drains Outside?

Foundation drains, also known as footing drains, are exterior drainage systems installed on the outer face of the foundation wall and near the wall footing. They are used by construction contractors to mitigate sediment buildup and are located just outside the foundation wall. There are two major ways to install a footing drain: one that discharges to a sump pit or daylight, and another that is installed underground on the exterior side of the footings.

To install a footing drain, dig a trench around the perimeter of the foundation, which should be about 4 feet wide and away from the footing. Footing drains work by collecting water that accumulates around the foundation and directing it away from the building. The perforated pipes are installed in a bed of gravel, which acts as a filter.

To install an outdoor drainage system, dig a trench for the pipe, slope the bottom of the trench, dig the dry well, put in gravel and a drainage pipe, line each side of the dry well with landscape fabric, cover the pipe with gravel, and fill the well with gravel. Dig a trench large enough to accommodate the filter fabric, drainage tile, and gravel, allowing 6 inches of space around the pipe.

Most detail drawings suggest that a footing drain should be located next to the footing, but some builders prefer placing the drain pipe on top of the footing. Place the fabric along the trench, ensuring it is wide enough to wrap around the drainage pipe and gravel.

Footing drains are covered with gravel up to the surface, and considerations such as local rainfall and soil conditions should be taken into account when building a foundation drain.

Can a drain pipe go through a footing?

In the event that pipes are to be installed beneath footings or foundation walls, it is imperative that a relieving arch or pipe sleeve be incorporated into the wall structure. The sleeve should be of a size that is two pipe sizes larger than the pipe passing through the wall.

Is PVC or corrugated pipe better for drainage?

Landscapers employ the use of drainage grade PVC pipes due to their durability and longevity, particularly when buried beneath heavy materials such as soil. In contrast, non-rigid corrugated NDS pipes are more cost-effective but possess inferior strength.

How to install a drainage system around the foundation of a house?

To install a French drain near a foundation, dig a trench 2 feet wide and 2 to 3 feet deep, sloping away from the foundation. Lay a layer of gravel, place a perforated pipe on top, fill the trench with more gravel, cover it with geotextile fabric, and backfill it with soil. The French drain should be installed 4 to 6 feet away from the foundation to prevent water accumulation. The distance may vary depending on the landscape and the severity of the water problem.

Ensure the drain slopes away from the foundation to divert water properly. Improperly installed French drains can cause foundation problems, as they may direct water towards the foundation, causing water seepage and potential damage. Ensure proper installation and maintenance to protect your foundation.

Can you run a drain pipe through a footing?

A protective sleeve is required for any pipe that passes through a concrete foundation wall or footing. This is to allow for movement in the pipe or the foundation and compensate for imperfect field installations. For underslab piping, a sleeve cast into a footing should be two pipe sizes larger in diameter than the penetrating pipe, as per P2603. 4 of the 2021 International Residential Code. For a typical 4-inch-diameter drainage pipe, the sleeve would need to be 6 inches in diameter.

However, footings formed with 2x10s require 3 inches of concrete coverage, as per ACI 318-19 table 20. 5. 1. 3. 1. This coverage is necessary to protect against corrosion and ensure adequate thickness. Above grade, only 1 1/2 inches to 2 inches of concrete cover is required, depending on the size of the rebar. If 1/2-inch-diameter 4 rebar is used both above and below the sleeve, another inch must be accounted for in determining clearances.

Are footer drains necessary?

Footing drains are a popular method for managing water around a home’s foundation, but they may not always be the most effective or cost-effective solution. Factors like soil type, landscape, and existing water issues can affect their effectiveness. Consulting with a foundation waterproofing expert is crucial for determining the best solution.

French drains are a flexible and cost-effective alternative for managing water drainage around a property. They consist of a perforated pipe in a gravel-filled trench, covered with breathable fabric to prevent soil from clogging. French drains are designed to redirect water away from problem areas but are typically installed farther away from the foundation. They can be used in various landscape settings to address pooling water, soggy lawns, and other drainage issues.

What is the best pipe for a footer drain?

The International Residential Code (IRC) section 1 mandates that drains surrounding concrete and masonry foundations should remain below grade, except for well-drained soils and soils with sand and gravel mixtures. Heavy rains and flooding can overload a foundation drain system, but drainage boards can mitigate this risk by quickly draining off water and preventing hydrostatic pressure next to the foundation wall. Most contractors prefer rigid drain tile for basement footer drains, while flexible corrugated plastic pipe is an expensive option but may get crushed during the backfilling process.

Soil moisture is another factor to consider when choosing drainage solutions. Moist soils do not drain as well as dry soils, and flood-prone areas need other drainage solutions. Trees should be planted no closer to the foundation than their eventual height, as tree roots can fill perimeter drains and damage the foundation drain system.

Foundation drains are often used by contractors to protect foundations from settlement. They prevent water accumulation near the building’s foundation, reducing the risk of settlement and pest breeding. They also help prevent soil erosion and remove toxic organisms from stagnant water, which can become a breeding ground for disease-ridden pests and create swamp-like surface conditions.

How deep should yard drainage pipe be?

A trench measuring 18 inches in depth and 9 to 12 inches in width should be excavated from the yard in question to the selected outlet. Prior to commencing work, it is imperative to ascertain whether there are any underground utility lines or pipes in the vicinity.

What is the proper footing drain?

A footing drain system is a crucial component in preventing water from pooling along the foundation wall. It involves a perforated drain pipe, also known as drain tile, installed underground on the exterior side of the footings below the basement slab or crawlspace floor. The pipe is wrapped with filter fabric to prevent clogging and laid in a bed of washed stone, also wrapped in filter fabric. The pipe is slightly sloped around the house, allowing water to drain to a single collection point.

This collection point connects to an unperforated pipe that discharges the drain pipe to an above-grade location at least 10 feet away from the foundation or to a suitable alternative, such as a drywell or storm sewer. The drain pipe can also discharge into a sump pump located in the floor of the crawlspace or basement, which discharges the water either to daylight or to a suitable alternative. A properly installed footing drain system helps maintain a dry basement or crawlspace.

Do footing drains need to be sloped?

It is imperative that perimeter drains be connected to a solid pipe that runs to daylight on a sloped building site, with a minimum pitch of 1/4 inch per foot. In the event that the length of the foundation exceeds 200 linear feet, it is recommended that a second outlet be added or that the outlet pipe size be increased. In the event that the aforementioned pitch is insufficient, it is recommended that exterior drains be connected to a sump pump located in the basement via a 6-inch line. In some cases, the soil conditions at a construction site may be unsuitable for the installation of a basement.

What is the pitch of a footing drain?

Proper drainage in foundation footings requires a slope of one-eighth inch per foot, with the footing drain being perforated but the outlet pipe having no perforations and sloped away from the foundation footing. The drain pipe should be low enough to prevent water from reaching the footing top, with the best spot being a few inches below the footing and at least a half-foot under the slab. To prevent clogging, weeping tile should be laid in coarse gravel or crushed stone covered by industrial strength filter fabric, creating a solid seal.