Popup #9

Water in Basement or Crawl Space

Wet Basement or Crawl Space? 

Considering Basement Waterproofing? 

We specialize in the Best Drainage and Waterproofing Systems available at the best cost. You really only get one chance to do waterproofing the right way. It's when the home is being built. Fortunately, Drain Designs has decades of experience when it comes to finding the best solutions for your new home and older home rainwater problems. Not only that, but our solutions have lots of other benefits and are built to last a lifetime.

In this picture below, the black waterproofing on this garage wall will be underneath the garage floor. You can imagine how costly it would be to remove the entire garage floor to fix the waterproofing. We often see wetness on the other side of these garage walls because water accumulates in the gravel that they use to backfill under the garage floor. There should be a foundation drain in place under the gravel to help the water bleed out. 

Once the home is built and landscaping is in place, it's generally better to try to address water intrusion issues with drainage improvements first. In other words, address the cause of the problem which is usually too much water accumulating against the wall. 

We really only get one chance to install waterproofing correctly. The image below shows how easy it is to access the foundation when the home is being built. Once everything is back-filled, concrete sidewalks poured, landscaping and utilities in, it becomes extremely difficult to dig everything out again to fix the waterproofing.

Waterproofing Problems and Solutions Explained: 

Good News! 

• You probably won't need Basement Waterproofing if you improve the drainage. Furthermore, if you do waterproof your basement, most waterproofing guarantees do not cover issues caused by drainage problems so you would still have to fix the drainage. If your foundation drain is clogged and water is building up on your walls, even the best waterproofing won't stop the water from coming in. As a matter of fact, most building code books now call it damp-proofing instead, since there is really no practical way to completely waterproof a foundation. Foundation drains are designed to prevent water from building up to and above the basement floor level. When the water level gets higher than the basement floor level, it tends to find its way in somewhere, even if it has to come up under the footer and between the wall and the floor.

• Plus drainage improvements provide lots of other benefits such as an all-around healthier foundation, home and yard, plus less bugs, mold and mud. 

• With proper drainage, the small amount of moisture or wetness that may get in can be sufficiently handled with a dehumidifier and a less expensive interior drainage solution but in over 95% of our cases, our drainage improvements sufficiently solve the problems.

If you do need Basement Waterproofing for a new home or on an existing home, don't worry, we've got you covered. American Drain is the best possible waterproofing system available. Below is a drawing of a side view/ cutaway of the American drain system. This is the only system that allows you to access the foundation walls without digging them up. This means that the system can be accessed, tested, monitored and maintained. These days, sensors are inexpensive and easy to install. We can drop sensors in to notify you and us if there is water building up anywhere around the foundation.

Standard Basement Waterproofing and Foundation Drain:

Here's a drawing of a standard Basement Waterproofing system and Foundation drain. As you can see, wet soil presses right up against the foundation wall. Most foundation drains are  extremely difficult to access. This means that it is also difficult to clean and maintain them.

Interior Basement Waterproofing: This type of system is not recommended since it allows water to enter into the basement to be captured along the inside base of the basement walls. It's much more desirable, of course, to prevent the water from ever coming into the home. In some extreme cases this may be necessary but it's important to fix the drainage first. Once the drainage is fixed, you may find out that additional waterproofing is not needed or that a much less extensive interior treatment is needed. 

Basement Waterproofing, like Helical Piers, are over prescribed.

In our experience, basement waterproofing and helical pairs are way over-prescribed. Worse yet, drainage problems often void waterproofing warranties. We have been able to sufficiently resolve over 99% of basement wetness issues by improving the exterior drainage. We have been to countless jobs where homeowners have received quotes for $50,000 to 100,000+ for waterproofing and helical piers that they simply didn't need. We were able to resolve the issues, plus lots of others, while giving the homeowners peace of mind for a fraction of the cost.

Also, watch out for loopholes in basement waterproofing guarantees because there are often lots of them. For example, many guarantees state that the warranty is void if there are drainage problems that cause water breaching the waterproofing system.

Helical Pier and cracking issues:

Have a drainage specialist check your drainage before you sign up for expensive Basement Waterproofing and/ or Helical Piers (for foundation cracking/ settling). Cracks in walls can allow water to more easily get into a basement or crawl space. The problem is that helical pairs hold one part of the foundation in place while the rest of it may settle as soil shrinks during dry weather and lift as soil expands during wet and freezing weather. Since helical piers don't move, the cracks tend to open and close as soil expands and contracts. 

In our experience, in most cases it's better to fix the drainage issues. With proper drainage, there's more even saturation around the foundation which promotes more even expansion and contraction and therefore more even settling. In nearly all cases, when we fix the drainage, the cracking does not get worse over time. We recommend that homeowners take photos of the cracking and keep them in their records so if they go to sell the house years later, they can show that the problem was addressed at the cause and has not gotten worse since. To fix cracking walls and footers, we have seen much better results with reinforcements compared to helical piers.

Other ways water gets into your home and ways to keep it out:

Water typically finds its way in the basement or crawl space because of one or more of several different factors such as:

• The foundation drain may be clogged with roots and mud or crushed, or the outlet may have been grown over/ buried. The foundation drain is basically a French drain (perforated pipe surrounded by gravel) that wraps around the entire crawl space or basement and exits out to a low point of the property or into a sump crock to be pumped out.  To find out more about sump pumps and crocks click here: Sump Pumps 

Here is an image of a clogged Foundation drain outlet pipe. When this happens, water cannot get out of the pipe fast enough (or at all) so it builds up in the gravel around the foundation and can eventually rise up higher on the walls until the drain can catch up. This leads to water intrusion. Homeowners generally don't think about maintaining foundation drains yet this is essential. Once they become clogged to a point, they cannot be cleaned without damaging the pipe. Maintaining these systems is critical because they are cost prohibitive to replace. 

• Downspout(s) backing up or just discharging close to the foundation. The average downspout discharges more than 200 gallons of water per inch of rain. We can get an inch in a 5 or 10 minute heavy downpour. Discharging 6 ft away from the home is not enough. Even if the soil appears to be sloped away, moles or other underground tunneling animals can create tunneling that heads downhill towards the foundation. Downspout water that finds Its way into these tunnels can flow underground, towards and into your home. In many cases where downspouts flow short sections of pipe, we have held a garden hose at the end and ran 50 or so gallons only to see that none of it flows away but all of it goes into the ground, into underground tunneling near the home and ends up flowing into a clogged Foundation drain.
  
  

• Loose backfill soil: It typically takes a few years before the soil around a new home completely compacts. This is because excavators are careful when backfilling the foundation not to push the new walls in. This causes a number of problems as follows:

• Loose backfill soil can hold excess water and cause excess burden on the foundation drain. This can lead to water entering into the foundation drain faster than it can exit which leads to water building up onto the walls and coming into the foundation. 

• Negative gradient, soil sloping towards the home instead of away from it, can be caused by loose soil compacting over time. Even if the grading was originally sloped away it may sink/ settle a few inches or more down, 2-3 feet out from the foundation walls. This area is often filled with mulch which makes the matter worse since it becomes essentially a moat filled alongside the home. 

If you pick up a paver that's been laying in your yard for a couple of months, you will likely see lots of underground tunneling. Here are photos showing underground tunneling under a mat in the woods and tunneling made by some other creature. 

• the foundation drain is overwhelmed/ overburdened by downspout drains backing up/ leaking underground into the foundation drain.

• water overflowing from valleys on the roof. Surface drains can help in areas where the gutters can't handle the volume of water flowing from the roof In heavy rains. This often happens in roof valleys but strategically placed surface drains can collect gutter overflow. 

Downspout drainage systems are extremely important. The average downspout discharges over 200 gallons of water per 1 inch of rain. While this water may seem to flow downhill and away from the home, much of the water may actually flow back towards the home through underground tunneling. To see this for yourself, you can run a hose at about 1/4 volume, about 2 gallons per minute, where a downspout is discharging. What we often see is that after 20 or 30 minutes, the entire ~50 gallons goes into the ground and does not flow away. You can imagine with 8 hours of rain how much water is flowing down and around the foundation. It's the long, steady rains that tend to cause the most structural damage. 

• poor grading sloping towards the home and/ or too much mulch holding water up against the house. 
• failing waterproofing or cracks in the foundation that allow water to flow in
• Standing water between homes can also find its way into the foundation drain plus cause hydrostatic pressure on crawl space or basement walls that eventually leads to dampness, leaking, water intrusion or even flooding of the crawlspace/ basement.

The following General recommendations are important to minimize the amount of water that accumulates near/ on foundation walls and in the yard. 

General Recommendations 

1. All gutters and downspouts should be secure & work properly. Collected water that will likely be harmful to the building and/ or landscaping should discharge at the most ideal location(s) on the property. Ideally, when possible/ practical/ healthy, water should be kept on site with well designed means of collection/ harvesting or rain gardening. 

2. All drainage systems should be built to last a lifetime. 

3. Maintenance: All buried drainage lines should be easy to test, inspect and should be maintained at least once every 2 years. Surface drains can fill with debris in one good rain so these need to be kept clean as a part of your regular lawn maintenance routine. Ideally, ensure surface drains are clean before and after big rains.

4. When there is a basement or crawlspace and the exterior grade is higher on the outside of this space in relation to the interior crawlspace or basement floor, there should be a foundation drain system and 1 or more outlets sufficient to relieve water accumulation in and around the foundation. This system and its outlets should be easy to inspect and maintain. 

5. Gradient: There should be a minimum of 5% slope on the grade away from the home for 10 feet whenever possible (~6” in 10 feet) or a 2% minimum positive gradient on hard surfaces (concrete, pavers, etc.). Grading should be smooth and properly sloped with drains in low areas to prevent standing water, erosion and excess saturation around the foundation. 

You probably won't need Basement Waterproofing if you improve your drainage. Plus drainage improvements have lots of other benefits such as an all-around healthier foundation, home and yard. Have a drainage specialist check your drainage before you sign up for expensive Basement Waterproofing. In our experience, basement waterproofing is way over prescribed. We have been able to sufficiently resolve over 99% of basement wetness issues by improving the exterior drainage. We have been to countless jobs where homeowners have received quotes for $50,000 to 100,000+ for waterproofing and helical piers that they simply didn't need. Water typically finds its way in the basement or crawl space because the foundation drain is clogged with roots and mud and/ or overwhelmed/ overburdened. 

For help with all of your drainage and waterproofing needs, call Drain Designs. We can locate  the different components of your drainage systems such as the inlets and outlets of your downspout drainage system, your surface drains and your foundation drain. Once we get your system working  properly, we can maintain it so that it works optimally for the life of your home. 

Sump Pumps

Sump pumps are often used in basements or in other low lying areas where there is not enough fall on the property to use a gravity drain. Gravity drains are preferable to sump pumps since they don't rely on mechanics so they will always work unless the drain becomes clogged. 

The problem is sometimes gravity drains aren't practical. For example if there's not enough fall on the property to run a gravity drain downhill from a location such as a sump crock in the basement, then a sump pump may be the best option. In some cases there may be enough fall on a property but you may have to run the line hundreds of feet away to achieve the fall in which case it may be more practical to install a sump pump.

Battery backup systems 

Sump pumps should have battery backup systems so if the power goes out during a storm, the battery will allow the sump pump to pump water out before it gets higher than the basement or crawl space floor level. If the sump pump stops working, water can rise up, floating the space and causing costly damage.

Sump pumps installed outdoors 

In some cases, sump pumps may be installed outdoors. For example, if there is a problem area where water is standing in a backyard and there is no place to drain the water off on the property then it may need to be pumped up, for example, to the street. This may require an electrician to hook up a GFCI outlet for the sump pump or to hardwire it to a breaker. 

Drain Designs can help with all your rainwater and foundation drainage sump pump needs. 

The majority of the work when it comes to sump pump installation is generally installing the sump pump drainage pipe and the sump pump crock. We will make sure that the sump crock is properly connected to the foundation drain or French drain systems or into any other drainage components that should be tied into the sump pump system. We will also make sure that components like downspout drains are not unnecessarily tied into the sump pump system since they can overwhelm the sump pump and shorten its life significantly. In other words Drain Designs will ensure the sump pump is your best option for your area that it is installed properly carrying the water out to a desired location instead of just pumping it right outside of your basement wall. 

We have worked on many jobs where sump pumps have been installed by plumbers or handyman so that the water pumps right outside of the wall, drains in through the ground right back into the sump crock and the same water is then pumped out again over and over shortening the life of the pump. This may be because plumbing and rainwater drainage are essentially two different trades. While plumbers are good at installing plumbing components, they are typically not trained on rainwater/ groundwater drainage management. 

We do not install sewage pumps. 

Drain designs does not install sewage pumps however, we do work with local plumbers and can help you with a recommendation for the best sewage pump installers near you.

Drain Designs can help prevent flooding by ensuring your system is designed, installed and maintained properly. The sump pump is an important part of your drainage system. We recommend testing and inspecting your sump pump yearly. We can also repair or replace non-working sump pumps. We partner with excellent local plumbers and electricians and can work together with them when needed to offer turnkey sump pump solutions. 

Popup #8

Patio Flooding

Water pooling around patios, retaining walls and other structures causes settling and unevenness.

Driveways are actually meant to crack along control cuts. Saw cuts or control joints are the lines on your concrete driveway that allow for movement because there is not enough tensile strength in 4 to 5 in thick concrete to span more than 8 ft when sitting on unstable. Poor drainage can ruin a driveway over time and the damage often costs far much more than the drainage system that could have prevented it.

Typically, gravel is used to level out the base of the driveway. If downspouts dump near the driveway, water can flow through the gravel under the driveway and cause undermining and soft, unstable base soil. 

Every 10 ft by 10-ft square section of driveway produces over 62 gallons of water with 1 inch of rain. As rain falls on the driveway and flows down, it can flow into the control cracks or other cracks that may form and this can cause undermining as well. We will often run a hose on a driveway and see the water flow right down into a crack in the middle of the driveway and come out somewhere else several yards away.

Downspouts flowing on top of the driveway can contribute to this issue. They can also flow off the side of the driveway, eroding around the edge and/ or filling up voids in the gravel below the concrete.

Driveways that slope towards the home can also cause drainage problems so it’s important to have proper drains to carry runoff water away from the home and yard. Typically, driveway sloping towards the home will have a swale portion. Where the concrete slopes away from the garage before it slopes up again. Water flowing through this swale can often be caught by a surface drain and carried through PVC pipe to a safer area where it won’t damage the yard, home or other structures.

See our page about Trough drains, Channel drains and linear drains Trough Drain, DD Webpage 11-24

Driveway drainage problems are a common issue that can lead to significant property damage and safety hazards if left unaddressed. Poor drainage can cause water to pool on the surface of the driveway, causing safety concerns and leading to cracks, erosion, unevenness and even the formation of potholes over time. In colder climates, standing water can freeze, creating icy patches that make the driveway hazardous to walk or drive on. Additionally, improper drainage can result in water seeping into the foundation of adjacent structures, potentially leading to costly repairs such as basement flooding and structural instability.

One of the primary causes of driveway drainage problems is inadequate slope or grading. If a driveway is not constructed with a proper incline to channel water away from the surface and towards a designated drainage area, rainwater or melting snow will accumulate on or near the driveway instead of flowing away. Blocked or absent drainage systems, such as gutters/ downspout drains, surface drains, or culverts can further exacerbate the issue by allowing water to linger on the surface. Over time, this stagnant water can promote the growth of mold, algae, and weeds, further compromising the driveway’s durability and appearance.

To address driveway drainage problems, homeowners can implement several solutions depending on the severity and underlying cause. Installing drain(s) along the driveway’s edges can help redirect water away from the surface. For driveways with improper grading, re-leveling or resurfacing to create a slope may be necessary. Permeable driveway materials, such as pavers or porous concrete, are another option that allows water to seep through and drain naturally into the ground. Regular maintenance, such as clearing debris from drains and gutters, is essential to prevent clogs and ensure effective rainwater management. Proactive measures not only protect the driveway but also safeguard the surrounding landscape and structures from water damage.

 

Popup #7

Pool Area Drainage Problems

Water damaging/ bulging the pool liner and damaging pool patio, causing muddy water to flow into the pool, increasing mosquitoes.

Pool Drainage 

As with a home, a good drainage system can double the healthy life of your pool and pool patio. We have helped numerous customers who have had issues with muddy water flowing into their pools, pool liners bulging in/ wrinkling, pool patios cracking and other structures around pools being damaged by poor drainage.

Pool Liners Bulging In: 

As we’ve been experiencing bigger rain events, we’re getting more and more calls from customers whose pool liners are starting to bulge inward, looking like big water balloons in the corners of their pools. This happens when the water level surrounding the pool is higher than the water level in the pool. This hydrostatic pressure forces water down and into the pool through hairline cracks in the pool concrete causing the liner to balloon up. Once the water drains off, the water between the pool structure and the liner may subside leaving wrinkles in the pool liner. Typically, to fix these wrinkles, a pool needs to be drained, the liner needs to be re-stretched and resecured. This can cost thousands of dollars but proper drainage can prevent this as well as other damage to the pool, patio and nearby structures with the added benefit of reducing pests like mosquitoes that are attracted to wetness. 

Pool French Foundation Drains & Sump Pump Systems: Good pool builders typically install a French drain around the bottom of the pool. This is basically a foundation drain (otherwise known as a footer drain, drain tile or a curtain drain) that either drains out via gravity or with a sump pump, preferably an automatic float-controlled sump pump system. The sump pump system should automatically pump water out once it gets to a certain level so that water never builds up too high on the outside of the pool. 

The actual pool pumps and filter systems (not to be confused with the sump pumps) often need to be backwashed so it is also helpful to have a drain to carry the backwash away. This drain is also helpful if the pool needs to be drained. 

Pools Lifting, Floating Up: 

It’s amazing to see that the giant concrete structure of a pool can be lifted by water and even float up like a boat. I was on the job once where they just installed a brand new concrete pool. After a 4 inch rain event, the next day the pool floated up about a third of the way out of the hole. The entire pool had to be broken up, removed and reinstalled. When a pool is filled with water, this is much less likely to happen but if the water level around the pool is high enough and the water level in the pool is low enough, or if the pool is drained it can cause the pool to lift. 

Many homeowners have a manual pump which is not ideal. It may be electric but it needs to physically be turned on rather than automatically turning on with the float switch. Replacing the system with an automatic sump pump can save you thousands by preventing damage. Moreover, it is important to understand your pool drainage system and to know whether or not you even have a pool pump system, a French drain system around the pool or drain pipe and outlets for draining and back flushing the system. If you’re not sure about any of these, Drain Designs can help. Give us a call if you’d like to discuss any of this or have us check your pool drainage system in order to keep your pool environment healthy and prevent costly depreciation and other problems down the road. 

Popup #6

Foundation Settlement

Shifting or sinking foundation causing wall/ brick cracking, uneven floors, and structural damage.

Foundation Damage Prevention

Foundation damage is more than just cracks and settling. Water accumulating around the foundation can lead to problems like mold and pest issues that can quickly make a home unhealthy. You can literally double the healthy life of your home and foundation with a proper drainage system. This is just as important as a good roof in terms of keeping your home healthy.

Cracks and settling are typically caused by undermining and/ or unstable base soil. They can also be caused by issues during construction like poor quality concrete or by concrete being poured on frozen or unstable base soil. Either way, the best way to prevent or arrest cracking and settling issues is to ensure good drainage and waterproofing systems are in place and well maintained.

Foundation Issues Can Affect Air Quality: The home's ductwork typically runs through the basement or crawl space. Ductwork is not airtight. It can leak up to 6%, even when it's brand new. This leakage allows it to draw in damp, moldy air from the crawl space or basement and can contaminate the air in the living space.

1. A moldy air vent caused by the HVAC system pulling in moldy air from the crawl space.
2. Mold growth on floor joists lead to wood rot.

Solutions:

• A good downspout drainage system to carry the roof water away is the #1 Foundation health priority. Each downspout discharges an average of over 200 gallons per one inch of rain. If this water is not properly routed away from the foundation, it can overburden the foundation drain system and basement waterproofing, causing undermining, wetness in and around the foundation, pest issues (since pests are attracted to wetness) and mold. Downspout systems when properly designed and installed should also include routing the PVC pipe through low areas in the yard and adding surface drains where necessary to prevent standing/ pooling water.
• Ensuring that the foundation drain is in good working order is also extremely important. In our experience, most foundation drain pipes on homes over 2 years old are often somewhere between halfway clogged and 98% clogged. Homeowners generally don't know about these drains or where they outlet to or how to maintain them. If the foundation drain is clogged, water can build up in the system around the base of the foundation causing the base soil to soften and other wetness problems. Foundations on soft soil/ mud are more susceptible to cracking plus this wetness increases moisture levels in the crawl space or basement which causes mold and attracts pests.
• Proper waterproofing should have been installed when the home was built. This is the tar or membrane that is applied to the foundation walls to prevent the porous masonry or concrete from wicking in water. Unfortunately, these coatings or membranes are often applied to the foundation walls when they are wet, icy and/or dirty. Waterproofing has actually been renamed damp proofing in most building code books because it does not really make a basement waterproof. Waterproofing should come at least up to the grade line on the exterior of the home. We often see soil built up on a foundation wall much higher than the waterproofing. This also allows water to wick in.
• Grading should slope away from the home a minimum of 6 inches in 10 ft according to most building code books. In areas where this is not possible, for example, when there is a home 8 ft away from yours, linear drain(s) should be installed along this portion of your home to make up for the inability to achieve proper grading to prevent water from standing between the homes.
• A sump pump should be installed if there is insufficient fall on the property to run a gravity drain. A gravity drain is typically preferable but in some areas they are not practical or feasible. Where gravity drains aren't practical, the sump crock provides a place for the footer drain / foundation drain to discharge into so that it can be pumped out away from the home by the sump pump and exterior drainage system.
• Crawl space sealing is important if your home has a crawl space. We're learning more and more about the toxicity/ neurotoxicity of mold and how it can have long-term negative effects on our health. A sealed crawl space that is heated and cooled provides geothermal energy benefits plus allows the moisture and temperature of the space to be controlled. Differences in temperature cause condensation, which is essentially wetness. As wetness increases, humidity and moisture levels increase which leads to mold, wood rot and pest issues. A sealed crawl space can be kept clean and healthy. This means that the air in the rest of the home will be cleaner and healthier. It's common to have significant amounts of ductwork as well as air handling units located in the crawl space. These units are not completely sealed, allowing up to 6% leakage even when brand new, so they let crawl space air in which is then circulated throughout the home.

There is an important step to take before sealing your crawl space. it's making sure that your drainage system is well maintained and optimized. Otherwise, water can ruin the crawl space sealing system. Basically white vinyl or plastic material is used to seal the inside of the crawl space. This material is taped together and glued to walls and piers. Too much moisture causes the glue and tape to separate from the plastic over time which causes plastic to all the way which allows the moldy air to escape into the home. Drain Designs is the drainage specialist so we do not seal crawl spaces but we partner with excellent companies that do this type of work.

In this image, the plastic has been pulled back from the crawl space floor to expose the moldy mess underneath.

Wetness can also weaken mortar over time. Here's a photo showing how condensation inside of the walls leaks down onto the joints, is pulled through by vapor pressure thereby causing the mortar to literally disintegrate.

The bottom line, a good drainage system is Job 1. Before you invest money in cleaning, conditioning and sealing the crawl space - it's important and wise to protect your investment by making sure that the drainage and foundation protection systems are optimized.

A good drainage system costs far less than the problems it prevents. One crack in the foundation or a failing sealed crawl space system can depreciate a home more than the cost of the drainage system that could have prevented it - while offering lots of other benefits. A good drainage system lasts a lifetime and does not depreciate. When properly installed and maintained it will work just as good 20 years from now as it did the day it was installed.

Popup #5

Downspout Runoff

Downspouts pour an average of 250 gallons per inch of roof runoff near the foundation, often into clogged drain lines. Maintenance is key.

Downspout Drainage Systems

Managing Roof Runoff

Gutter systems collect hundreds of gallons of roof water per inch of rain. The average downspout discharges about 200 gallons per inch of rain and can basically fill up about 4 rain barrels at every corner of a home in a 10 minute downpour. Runoff from the roof/ downspouts is/ are the number one cause of foundation problems including structural problems/ cracking/ undermining, flooding, mold and water intrusion. Excess water around the property also attracts pests such as moles, voles, mosquitoes and giant cockroaches, otherwise known as water bugs.

 Gutters are generally recommended to collect rainwater runoff from the roof. The gutter water goes down the downspouts and dumps around the foundation unless a proper downspout drainage system is installed. 

Many builders and landscapers bury corrugated pipe to carry this water away. This is a temporary solution since corrugated pipe should be used for above ground temporary use only until a proper PVC system can be installed. 

Why is PVC pipe so much better than corrugated?

• A PVC drainage system basically does not depreciate. It will still work as good as new a lifetime later if properly maintained.
• PVC pipe is smooth with a larger inner diameter so it can handle twice the volume of water compared to corrugated pipe which has ridges that cause friction. There is double walled corrugated pipe but the inner diameter is considerably smaller. 
• Corrugated pipe is connected by loose, leaky fittings. These fittings not only allow water to leak out which can undermine structures. 
• Ridges in corrugated pipe hold water and attract roots which get in through the loose leaky fittings. Once roots get in, leaves and other debris get caught on them and cause the pipe to clog.
• Corrugated pipe holds water in the ridges that attracts mosquitoes and encourages mosquito breeding. 
• Corrugated pipes are easily crushed. Weed eaters can easily cut through them, leaving holes where they extend from the ground to the downspouts which lets downspout water leak out and cause damage to the foundation.
• The ridges in corrugated pipe can also cause sticks and debris to get lodged in the pipe which causes leaves to back up behind the caught debris filling the pipe solid over time. PVC pipe allows debris to slide right through and out the open end.
• If there ever is a problem with PVC pipe, rotary plumbing cleaning tools can be used to clean them out, whereas these tools can basically grind up corrugated pipe.
• The ABS plastic that black corrugated pipe is made of does not hold up well to sunlight and the corrugated pipe that extends up to downspouts out of the ground and tends to crack over time which causes water to flow out and can damage the foundation. 

A proper drainage system is installed correctly using the right materials the first time. It's a one-time job that once done properly should never need to be redone.

PVC Drainage System Maintenance: 

PVC drainage systems require very little maintenance. We typically run water in one end and make sure it comes out the other. The biggest problem we see is that water that trickles out the end of these pipes will cause plant growth. Of course if a tree grows up at the end of the pipe, it will block the end and cause the pipe to back up eventually. We have also seen homeowners or landscapers dump debris such as lawn clippings and cover up the end of the pipes which can over time cause them to back up. That's why we recommend testing basic downspout drainage systems at least once every 2 years.

Gutter System Alternatives, Ground Guttering:

We specialize in ground guttering systems and have our own product designed specifically for this purpose. 

Some homes are built without gutter systems. It is still critical to get this roof water carried away from the foundation. Ground guttering systems in the form of linear drains along the drip line of the eaves are an alternative to standard gutter systems. In wooded areas where gutters will likely be easily clogged by leaves, this can be a great alternative. Also, it can be difficult to install gutters on metal buildings. They typically need to use straps that screw into the metal roof which may not be ideal. 

Ponding on Driveway/ Patio 

Water standing on driveways causes further settling, slip hazards and discoloration. 

 Driveway Water Problems

Driveways are actually meant to crack along control cuts. Saw cuts or control joints are the lines on your concrete driveway that allow for movement because there is not enough tensile strength in 4 to 5 in thick concrete to span more than 8 ft when sitting on unstable. Poor drainage can ruin a driveway over time and the damage often costs far much more than the drainage system that could have prevented it.

Typically, gravel is used to level out the base of the driveway. If downspouts dump near the driveway, water can flow through the gravel under the driveway and cause undermining and soft, unstable base soil. 

Every 10 ft by 10-ft square section of driveway produces over 62 gallons of water with 1 inch of rain. As rain falls on the driveway and flows down, it can flow into the control cracks or other cracks that may form and this can cause undermining as well. We will often run a hose on a driveway and see the water flow right down into a crack in the middle of the driveway and come out somewhere else several yards away.

Downspouts flowing on top of the driveway can contribute to this issue. They can also flow off the side of the driveway, eroding around the edge and/ or filling up voids in the gravel below the concrete.

Driveways that slope towards the home can also cause drainage problems so it’s important to have proper drains to carry runoff water away from the home and yard. Typically, driveway sloping towards the home will have a swale portion. Where the concrete slopes away from the garage before it slopes up again. Water flowing through this swale can often be caught by a surface drain and carried through PVC pipe to a safer area where it won’t damage the yard, home or other structures.

See our page about Trough drains, Channel drains and linear drains Trough Drain, DD Webpage 11-24

Driveway drainage problems are a common issue that can lead to significant property damage and safety hazards if left unaddressed. Poor drainage can cause water to pool on the surface of the driveway, causing safety concerns and leading to cracks, erosion, unevenness and even the formation of potholes over time. In colder climates, standing water can freeze, creating icy patches that make the driveway hazardous to walk or drive on. Additionally, improper drainage can result in water seeping into the foundation of adjacent structures, potentially leading to costly repairs such as basement flooding and structural instability.

One of the primary causes of driveway drainage problems is inadequate slope or grading. If a driveway is not constructed with a proper incline to channel water away from the surface and towards a designated drainage area, rainwater or melting snow will accumulate on or near the driveway instead of flowing away. Blocked or absent drainage systems, such as gutters/ downspout drains, surface drains, or culverts can further exacerbate the issue by allowing water to linger on the surface. Over time, this stagnant water can promote the growth of mold, algae, and weeds, further compromising the driveway’s durability and appearance.

To address driveway drainage problems, homeowners can implement several solutions depending on the severity and underlying cause. Installing drain(s) along the driveway’s edges can help redirect water away from the surface. For driveways with improper grading, re-leveling or resurfacing to create a slope may be necessary. Permeable driveway materials, such as pavers or porous concrete, are another option that allows water to seep through and drain naturally into the ground. Regular maintenance, such as clearing debris from drains and gutters, is essential to prevent clogs and ensure effective rainwater management. Proactive measures not only protect the driveway but also safeguard the surrounding landscape and structures from water damage.

Popup #3

Water In Planter Area

Water collecting in planter areas near your home can cause foundation issues including basement/ crawlspace flooding and cracking walls.

Water accumulating in planting areas 

Sidewalks or garden walls can often create dams that hold water in areas near the foundation. It’s common to have a downspout dumping into an area between a walkway and a home. The water can’t flow out because it is trapped by the walkway so it has to flow under the walkway in order to flow away from the house.

The video below shows an example of how water from a downspout is trapped in a planting bed so it works its way under the concrete driveway, causing the driveway to settle and crack and also undermining the nearby retaining wall as well as killing healthy grass beds. 

VIDEO TO FOLLOW

Popup #2
Yard Drainage
Water in Yard, Driveway and Patio Area
Water accumulating in the yard causes messy mud, attracts/ breeds mosquitoes and damages grass

Yard, Driveway and Patio Drainage 

Hard surface runoff from patios, driveways and roofs is one of the biggest causes of yard drainage issues and erosion problems. Yard drainage may consist of many different components like downspout drains to carry roof water away, yard drains, French drains, basin/surface drains, linear/ trough/channel drains, rain gardens and dry wells. Other drainage improvements may include different grading strategies such as berms and swales to direct water away from your yard, building up grade coming from your home or lowering grade around your home to create slope away from your home. 

At Drain Designs we specialize in figuring out what solutions are going to work best and then designing a drainage system to fit your needs and budget. We also specialize in optimizing your existing drainage system. Unfortunately, many customers call us after they’ve already spent thousands on drainage systems that simply did not improve their situation.

Double the healthy life of your home and yard with Drainage Expertise.

When it comes to addressing yard drainage issues, $ave thousands by being proactive and doing it right the first time. Work with a drainage specialist. Choosing professionals like us who understand the specific challenges posed by your region ensures that drainage solutions are tailored to your landscape’s unique characteristics. When you Google “yard drainage near me” you will see Drain Designs as your local top rated drainage specialist.  We are backed by over 35 years of experience when it comes to protecting the health of your foundation and outdoor space from the ravages of poor drainage.

Dumping high volumes of downspout water near foundations causes Foundation cracking .

Different types of drainage systems and their components:

Downspout drains: Getting downspout water as far away from the home and usable landscaping is generally ideal as long as it doesn’t cause problems downstream. A properly designed and installed PVC downspout drainage system will typically be the biggest drainage improvement that will give you the most bang for your buck. An average downspout discharges roughly 200 gallons of  roof run off per inch of rain. Without a good downspout drainage system, the soil near the corners of the foundation can become oversaturated which can lead to water intrusion, pests and mold. High volume of water dumping from the downspouts also causes erosion and loss of topsoil. Eventually, holes may form near the foundation from the downspout discharge which causes water to accumulate around the footer and foundation walls and concrete or crushed stone base of the home (footer). We also typically notice the grass dying in the path where the downspout water flows. This is due to the high volume flow from the downspouts washing away the topsoil and eventually the grass. When there is no grass to stabilize the soil, this leads to more erosion. A proper downspout drainage system should route roof water away from the home to a safer location. It’s important that a system is designed properly. An improperly designed drainage system can be dangerous. For example, discharging water near large tree can eventually undermine the tree which can cause it to fall on a home. If you have any drains like this, please call us and we can figure out how to route the system around the tree to drain out at a safer location.

Low point Yard drains: Standard yard drains consist of a grate and a basin where the basin is connected to a pipe designed to carry the water away from low points in the yard.  A low spot in the yard can become like a bathtub without a drain. The yard drain, otherwise known as a surface drain, is used to provide a drain for this low spot. Standing water in a yard tends to make soil lower and lower over time, growing just like a pothole so it’s important to get a drain in an area like this sooner rather than later.

Yard Drains in Swales: It is generally important to have intermittent drains along a swale. Otherwise water flowing through an active swale will cause erosion and kill grass. We often see low spots form in swales that hold more and more water over time. Having a pipe installed at the bottom of your swale and intermittent drains, about one every 50-100 ft depending on the slope of the swale will allow thousands of gallons of water flowing through the swale to drop into drains and be carried away through PVC pipe. This will allow the drainage swale to work much more effectively and will prevent costly maintenance such as regrading and replanting the swale.

Yard Drain Maintenance: There are some challenges with yard drains. They need to be kept clean regularly. Even with fencing around the drains to filter out debris, or domed style atrium grates, debris can build up and prevent water from getting into the drains. There is also potential for erosion around the drains which can make the water flow around the drain rather than into the drain. Grass, other plantings or rocks strategically placed around the drains can reduce/ minimize maintenance and clogging. Drains should be maintained regularly as a part of the routine lawn maintenance.

Linear drains/ trough drains/ channel drains: These are basically three names for the same type of drain. They’re often used in concrete or asphalt in situations where, for example, water is flowing towards a garage door or down a driveway or sidewalk. A trough drain can be installed along the width of the driveway or sidewalk to collect water. A pipe connected to the trough drain can then carry the water out to a desired location. These drains may be useful in situations where water is accumulating on a sidewalk or where high volumes of driveway water are causing erosion to the nearby yard and landscaping.

One important thing to notice about trough drains is how the trough drain connects to the PVC pipe. Oftentimes trough drains come with small holes. For example there may often be a 2 ½” diameter (4.9 sq inches) factory installed drain hole knockout in a 6” wide x 4’ long trough drain is sufficient to allow higher volumes of water into the pipe. Ideally, if you have a 4-in pipe, the hole in the trough drain should be close to 4 inches in diameter which provides ~12 sq inches of opening. 

Rain gardens: For good gardeners, rain Gardens are promoted by many ecologists and stormwater management professionals to help keep water on the property, thereby reducing rainwater runoff.  Rainwater runoff is the number one source of pollution in many areas and it causes algae blooms and unhealthy conditions in our lakes and waterways. Rain Gardens use water loving plants in a pit filled with a sand mixture planting media in a low-lying wet area. It’s a good idea to have an overflow drain system to carry excess water from the rain Garden. It can take an extremely large rain Garden to handle the volume coming off of the average roof. Work with your local stormwater management division to find out more about their recommendations for rain gardens.

Dry wells:  Dry Wells can work well for drip lines from AC units which can discharge roughly 20 gallons per day. They can typically only handle around 100 gallons of water, depending on the size of the well and the soil type so they are usually insufficient when it comes to handling downspout water because the average downspout discharges roughly 200 gallons per inch of rain.

Familiarity with Local Conditions: 

Local yard drainage experts like us have an intimate knowledge of the climate, soil types, and topography specific to your region. We understand how these factors impact water drainage and can tailor solutions to address the challenges unique to your area. This familiarity allows for more effective and targeted drainage strategies that are better suited to the local environment.

Teaming up with The City: 

Your local stormwater Management Department can be an excellent resource. We are experienced in working with stormwater Professionals to develop the best plans to fit your needs and budget while protecting the environment.

Safely installing the best system possible:

Drainage projects like a buried downspout drain pipe installation involve digging all through the yard. It is important to work with a drainage contractor near you that has experience with excavating around utilities like buried gas lines, power lines and communication lines. Damaging the plastic coating of a gas line, for instance, can cause the line to rust and leak years later. Damaging a buried gas or power line can be deadly. Working with a specialist with knowledge and expertise in digging around utilities is essential to safely install your drainage system.

Site-Specific Solutions: 

Different regions pose different drainage challenges. A drainage solution effective in one area may not be suitable for another. As a Holly Springs drainage  contractor, we understand the specific needs of your landscape and can design site-specific solutions that account for local conditions, ensuring optimal performance and long-term effectiveness.

Knowledge of Native Plants: 

We local experts are familiar with the native flora of the region. This is crucial when planning landscaping around drainage solutions, as native plants are often better adapted to local soil conditions and water availability. Integrating native plants into the landscape not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also contributes to the overall success of the drainage system.

Community Reputation: 

We have a great reputation within the community. Word of mouth and local reviews can provide insights into the quality of our work and customer satisfaction. Choosing Drain Designs as your Yard Drainage Repair service ensures that you are working with trusted professionals with a great reputation who have a vested interest in maintaining their great reputation in the community.

Climate Adaptation: 

We experts understand the seasonal variations and weather patterns specific to your area. This knowledge allows us to design drainage solutions that adapt to changes in climate, ensuring year-round effectiveness. From heavy rainfall to drought conditions, to snow melting and freezing around your basement, local expertise provides solutions that can withstand the challenges posed by the local climate. 

Drainage Systems Require Regular Maintenance: 

Do you know where your buried downspout drains and your foundation drain discharges at? It’s important to maintain these discharge areas to ensure that they don’t grow over or get buried. We have cameras and locating equipment as well as cleaning equipment to keep your system working optimally. Regular maintenance is vital for the longevity of drainage systems. Drain Designs offers routine check-ups and maintenance, ensuring that your drainage infrastructure remains in optimal condition. This fosters an ongoing relationship, allowing for long term care of your home and yard’s drainage needs. 

In conclusion, 

When searching for yard drainage services near you, Drain Designs is a strategic choice that offers a host of benefits. From a nuanced understanding of local conditions to compliance with regulations, quick response times and safe installations, we provide tailored solutions that ensure the effective management of water on your property. When it comes to protecting your home and nurturing a healthy and thriving outdoor space, the power of our local drainage expertise is an invaluable asset.

Drain Designs would love to serve you. We can help with all of your home, yard and property drainage needs. Give us a call if you’d like us to come by and figure out how to protect your investment by spotting red flags and creating a plan to optimize and maintain your drainage system.

Popup #1
Neighbor Runoff
Water flowing from neighboring properties can damage your yard and foundation. We can help!
Solutions For: Runoff from neighboring properties

Dealing with Rainwater Runoff from Neighboring Properties

Dealing with runoff from neighboring properties has a unique set of challenges. While there are laws that are meant to prevent upper properties from directing water onto lower properties, they’re often vague and not enforced. Our clients have not had much luck getting help from the city or upper neighbors to solve their drainage problems. Unfortunately, it’s generally up to the homeowner to improve the drainage on his or her property. 

Fortunately, we have solutions and improvements to deal with water seeping down from the woods, flowing in from streets and cul-de-sacs, overwhelming culverts, flowing from upper neighbor’s properties and the like. 

We specialize in significantly improving drainage on your own property regardless of what’s coming down from neighboring properties. Here are some strategies for dealing with runoff from neighbors: 

• Collecting water in drains and sending it through pipe out to a desired location. Oftentimes, neighbors have downspouts or drain pipes that flow downhill right towards your property and home. In many cases, it’s better if they actually concentrate the flow of their roof water through a pipe into one area so you can easily catch it with the surface drain and carry it away. Alternatively, if they’re downspouts just dump around their house, much of that water flows through the ground and this can cause issues that are much more costly and difficult to fix.
• Diverting water with berms, retaining walls or swales. 
• Re grading to get water to flow away from the foundation and the usable property and out to a safer place.
• Drainage improvements such as French or American drains Designed to collect and carry away water to desired location 
• Downspout drainage systems 
• Grass and plantings. Once erosion and saturation is significantly improved, healthy grass and other strategic plantings can improve the properties drainage.

Neighbors Working Together on Drainage (-: 

We have worked on several jobs where the ideal solution was to run pipe through several of neighbors backyards and out to a storm drain or pond. Before the work was done, water flowed from yard to yard, ruining the swale, causing standing water, killing grass and causing erosion. Neighbors realized the benefit of working together so we could help them create systems that would benefit all of them but that would still be individualized. 

Close together homes: In some cases where homes were very close together, we were able to create systems that would allow for both homes’ downspouts to drain out of one pipe thereby significantly decreasing the cost. We have developed techniques to share drainage components but to still keep the individual systems separate from each other or to make them easy to separate if needed.

A linear drain between these two homes will prevent ponding and help protect the foundations.