Finishing A Basement With A Perimeter Drain

Finishing a basement can be a great way to add extra living space to your home. However, it is important to make sure that your basement is properly waterproofed before you start any finishing work. One of the most important steps in waterproofing a basement is to install a perimeter drain.

A perimeter drain is a system of pipes that is installed around the perimeter of your basement. The pipes collect water that seeps into your basement from the outside and redirect it to a sump pump. The sump pump then pumps the water out of your basement.

There are two main types of perimeter drains: interior drains and exterior drains. Interior drains are installed inside your basement, while exterior drains are installed outside your basement. Both types of drains can be effective, but interior drains are typically more expensive to install.

If you are considering finishing your basement, it is important to contact a qualified waterproofing contractor to discuss your options for installing a perimeter drain. A waterproofing contractor can help you choose the right type of drain for your basement and ensure that it is installed properly.

Benefits of Installing a Perimeter Drain

There are many benefits to installing a perimeter drain in your basement. Some of the benefits include:

Prevents flooding: A perimeter drain can help to prevent flooding in your basement by collecting water that seeps into your basement from the outside and redirecting it to a sump pump.
Reduces moisture: A perimeter drain can help to reduce moisture in your basement by collecting water that seeps into your basement from the outside and redirecting it to a sump pump.
Protects your belongings: A perimeter drain can help to protect your belongings from damage by preventing flooding and reducing moisture in your basement.
Increases the value of your home: A perimeter drain can increase the value of your home by making it more desirable to potential buyers.

How to Install a Perimeter Drain

Installing a perimeter drain is a complex process that should be performed by a qualified waterproofing contractor. The following steps provide a general overview of the process:

Excavate a trench around the perimeter of your basement. The trench should be at least 12 inches wide and 18 inches deep.
Install a layer of gravel in the bottom of the trench. The gravel will help to collect water that seeps into your basement from the outside.
Install the perimeter drain pipes in the trench. The pipes should be perforated so that they can collect water. The pipes should also be sloped so that water can drain to the sump pump.
Backfill the trench with soil. The soil should be tamped down to compact it and prevent it from settling.
Install a sump pump in the sump basin. The sump pump will pump the water that collects in the perimeter drain pipes out of your basement.

Maintenance of Perimeter Drain

Once your perimeter drain is installed, it is important to maintain it regularly to ensure that it is working properly. Some of the maintenance tasks that you should perform include:

Inspect the perimeter drain pipes regularly. Look for any cracks or leaks in the pipes. If you find any cracks or leaks, you should repair them immediately.
Clean the perimeter drain pipes regularly. Dirt and debris can build up in the perimeter drain pipes over time. This can reduce the effectiveness of the drain. You should clean the pipes regularly to remove any buildup.
Test the sump pump regularly. The sump pump is the most important part of the perimeter drain system. You should test the sump pump regularly to make sure that it is working properly.

By following these maintenance tips, you can help to ensure that your perimeter drain is working properly and that your basement is protected from flooding and moisture damage.