Understanding Interior Basement Waterproofing

First off, there are differences between the types of basement drainage that is out in the industry today. The French Drain is not a slang term for any pipe with a series of holes that’s placed in the ground, but it is actually the proper name for a style of basement waterproofing that was created in America in the early 1800’s.

The French Drain: The original design was similar to what we understand to be Drain Tile. It was a series of clay tiles lay in a manor in which to create two channels side by side. Henry French, the originator of this style, did this to minimize the amount of his leach field that would enter the basement and come in contact with his food. It’s now a term that’s loosely used for any style of pipe that has openings for water that’s installed near a foundation’s footing.

Drain Pipe: Exactly what it sounds like. Metal, plastic, and even brick sections that are connected together to create a channel to redirect water under your basement.

Drain tile: This style is slowly being removed from the industry due to technological leaps. It is a series of clay pipes that are placed in series but that aren’t connected. The theory was that water would find one and merge to the next, keeping the general mass of the water in the direction of the tiles.

All were good attempts at waterproofing basements at the time, however, things have finally changed and technology has combined all the correct theories into products that have recently come to the market.

Any drain system that you have installed in your basement now should come 2 channels standard, with a separating wall in between, large holes on the side for flow, and be fully continuous. Many drains to this day can’t be built on the job without connecting multiple lengths of drain together. When looking into an interior basement waterproofing system keep your eyes open for a drain system that can be built to suit. This way you have minimal gaps, cuts or places for water to find its way out of the system.

When you’re in the market to waterproof your basement, be wary of people who shoot off words like "drain tile" and "French drain." Most technology is out of date and has serious design flaws that can seriously complicate your basement project. And since many of these terms are now slang for "any pipe we put down there" ask questions to make sure you know the system, function and installation process of what you’re having the professional there to suggest for you.

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