Drainage Problems

Often times, a water problem on the inside can be fixed from the Great Outdoors.  The following is a list of instructions for installing drain tile adjacent to the house’s foundation.  The drain tile will allow excess water from gutters and “run-off” to be channeled into drainage pipes.  NOTE: The amount of materials may vary depending on the length of the drain tile required.

List of Materials Needed
-    slotted drain tile
-    weed barrier fabric
-    weed fabric “anchor pins”
-    load of gravel
-    drain tile connectors (“Y” or “T” depending on position of downspout)

List of Tools Needed
-    spade or shovel
-    all-purpose cutting tool
-    sharp pair of scissors

STEPS FOR INSTALLING A DRAIN TILE
STEP 1
    Dig a trench along the foundation of the house, corresponding to the problem interior wall.  Only make the trench about 6-8 inches deep and 6-8 inches wide.

STEP 2
    Next, line the trench with weed barrier fabric.  Use anchor pins to hold the fabric in place.  The fabric will not only keep weeds out of the trench, but prevent the gravel from sinking into the mud.

STEP 3
    Cut the drain tile to the appropriate length and place it in the trench.  Don’t forget to add enough length to connect to the downspout.  If you are connecting your drain tile to existing solid (non-slotted) drain tile, attach the pieces using the appropriate connector.

STEP 4
    Fill the trench with gravel. 

STEP 5
    Connect the drain tile to your downspout, using the appropriate connector.  Incoming rainfall will flow through the gravel, enter the tile through the slots, and flow away from the house.