Proper Drainage Systems for Your Basement: The Options to Consider

If your property is plagued with water seeping into the basement, it's time to start thinking about installing some drainage. The good news is that there are a lot of different options for drainage systems, so you just need to think about what you're really looking for. Here's a look at some of the interior and exterior drainage solutions to help you dry things out in your basement.

Exterior Drainage

The best drainage systems start with reducing the amount of water that can get into the house to begin with. That means installing exterior drainage. A French drain is a great way to do this, but it does require some excavation work and installation. The installers will dig a trench along the perimeter of your home and install a drainage system that allows water to filter down to the drain pipes and then flow away from the house. It keeps that water from ever getting into your home.

You can also improve exterior drainage with channel drains and hardscaping. If you choose permeable pavers, you can incorporate drainage beneath those pavers as well. All of these techniques will help keep water from ever reaching the interior of your basement.

Interior Drainage

Sometimes even the best exterior drainage systems fail. That's why many homeowners install both interior and exterior drainage systems. It can help to ensure that you have adequate solutions in place no matter how much water your property is exposed to.

A sump pump is one of the most common drainage solutions out there. Sump pumps are installed in a pit that's dug out of your basement floor. Usually, these pumps are installed at the lowest point in your basement, so your installation contractor will assess the grade to determine that. Then, the sump pump will engage and pump water out of your basement when the water level in the pit reaches the float and engages the motor.

You can also have a drain line installed in the floor that routes underground and away from the house. These drains are usually fitted with flat floor-drain covers, and they drain out to the side of the house. Again, these drains are best installed at the lowest point in the basement because water will follow the path of least resistance and flow to that point.

These are a few of the most common solutions for drainage systems. Talk with your installation contractor about the specific needs on your property to find the right solution for you. Click here for more information about drainage systems.