House Foundation Drainage

What Is Foundation Drainage | Types of Foundation Drainage

What Is Foundation Drainage?

Foundation drainage is defined as a drain that is placed or installed at the foundation of any type of structure to prevent water from around it. Foundation drains are laid simultaneously with the footing during the construction phase of the building foundation.

Also, foundation drains are installed with the help of trenchless technology with minimum changes in surface topography. The main aim of providing a foundation drain is to collect the water and drain groundwater from around the foundation of the building to keep it from standing water or pooling there.

There are different types of foundation Drainage consisting of a perforated pipe that is installed around the footing and supports the wall of the foundation. Also, the foundation wall captures drains it either catches the basin or soaks the pit at some distance from the structure.

Importance of Foundation Drainage

  • It prevents the accumulation of water on the construction site.
  • It minimizes the chance of settlement.
  • It reduces the erosion of soil from taking a place.
  • It prevents termite attack.

Read More: What Is Canal Irrigation| 20 Types of Irrigation Canal

Types of Foundation Drainage

The following types of foundation drainage are used;

  • French Drain
  • Footing Drainage
  • Grading Drainage
  • Sum pit and pumps

French Drain

The French drain is name come from its inventor Henry French. In this system perforated drain pipe uses as foundation drainage which is placed under the foundation, also the French drain is also known as perimeter drain and this method is popularized in the 1800s.

French Foundation Drainages
French Drain

The Slope of the perforated pipe is kept away from the structure. So that foundation protects against the ill effect of dampness and pooling of water. Backfilling of the foundation is done with the use of porous material, such as gravel, fine sand, etc.

Footing Drainage

Footing Drainage
Footing Drainage

The footing Drainage system is an exterior type of foundation drainage. As the name suggests it is provided outside of the foundation. Footing drainage is useful in residential buildings and commercial buildings.

Grading Drainage

 Grading Drainage
Grading Drainage

Grading Drainage is the easiest and simplest system of drainage. In this system, a sufficient amount of gradient is provided away from the building or structure so that water is easily passed out and joins the stormwater drain.

Sump Pits and Pumps

A sump pit is a hole or drain kind arrangement in the basement, foundation, and crawlspace of a house or commercial building.

 Sump Pits and Pumps
Sump Pits and Pumps

When water is entered into the sump pit at that time triggers a sensor that activates the pump, and turns it on and water moves away from the building through perforated pipes.

The pump is running through electricity or battery power. The pump drainage system is highly effective. A drainpipe is placed around the foundation wall.

Read More: What Is Dewatering | 10 Dewatering Methods In Construction

Advantages of Foundation Drainage

  • Foundation drainage prevents water from pooling or standing near the foundation.
  • It reduced the chance of settlement.
  • It helps in reducing the erosion of soil.
  • Proper foundation drainage is helpful to remove deleterious organisms and toxic from the stagnant water.
  • Foundation drainage can reduce the effect of dampness.

Disadvantages of Foundation Drainage

  • The construction Cost of foundation drainage is high.
  • It required skilled labor.
  • The maintenance charge for foundation drains is also high.
  • Regular Maintenance is required in the case of perforated pipe. Because it is clogged due to the accumulation of silt inside the pipe.
  • Foundation drainage is contaminating the water bodies such as lakes, rivers, streams, etc.

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