How to Build Basement Drains

The most common problem relating to basement drains safeguarding them from high tides. You certainly would not want the high tide water to spoil your lovely furniture. The best drainage solution for the basement is French drains. Contrary to common misconceptions, the name is not derived from France, but from Henry French, who designed this drainage solution for basements. The French drain is designed in such a manner that all of the high tide water is directed to a series of pipes located on the walls of the basement. These pipes take the accumulated water to a pump where it is drained.

Use a Measuring Tape

Use the measuring tape and chalk to draw a line marking a 14-inch area around the entire perimeter of the basement. This area is marked so that it would be easier for you to cut a trench.

Use a Narrow Jack Hammer

Use a narrow jackhammer to cut along the 14-inch drawn line. Once the entire area is cut, ensure that the trench is at least 8-inches deep. Be careful that while cutting the trench, you do not spoil the basement foundation and wall footings.

Dig Out Dirt

Once the trench is cut, use a shovel to remove all of the dirt and mud from the cut trench.

Fill Grounded Stone

Once the trench area is cleaned, put a grounded stone or pea gravel in the ditch. Ensure that the pea gravel or grounded stones occupy at least 1-inch of the trench. Double-check that all the corners of the trench have been covered by pea gravel.

Laying the Drainage Pipes

Now lay the drainage pipes. Ensure that one end of the drainage pipes is firmly near the pump well. Lay the drainage pipe on top of the pea gravel. Ensure that the entire stretch of the basement is covered by the drainage pipe. Place the pump well on a slightly elevated surface so that the water accumulated in the well can be drained easily.

Connect to Pipe Couplings

To firmly keep the drainage pipes in place, ensure that they are connected with the pipe couplings. Ensure that the drainage pipe is firmly held in place.

Cover the Cut Out Trench

Once the drainage pipes have been connected with the pipe couplings, cover the cutout trench with pea gravel. Ensure that the pea gravel reaches the level of the basement floor.

Apply Basement Flooring

Once the trench has been covered completely, apply basement flooring to create a uniform look.