Protecting your home from water damage starts with a well-thought-out waterproofing system. While flexible, corrugated drain tile is a popular choice due to its low cost and simple installation, it’s not always the most effective way to keep your basement dry. In this post, we’ll explore the downsides of using flexible corrugated drain tile and guide you toward a more reliable waterproofing solution. Choosing the right system is crucial for long-lasting protection against water damage. Ready to find out how to safeguard your home effectively? Let’s dive in.
The Problem With Flexible Corrugated Drain Tile
Flexible, corrugated drain tile is commonly used for surface drainage or as a collection pipe for sump pumps, but it’s not a reliable waterproofing solution. Many of these systems fail, often due to their inability to withstand backfilled soil and gravel. They can collapse and become clogged with dirt and debris, leading to basement flooding.
The pipe’s flexibility means it often rests unevenly in trenches, creating low spots where water collects, increasing the risk of mold and mildew. Even if installed correctly, its corrugated surface traps water, and the narrow slots can become blocked by mineral buildup, reducing efficiency.
Compounding the issue, many municipalities require a filter sock over the pipe, which tends to clog without an effective drainage field, further limiting system performance.
For effective waterproofing, invest in high-quality, durable materials to ensure your drainage system can handle the demands of your environment and protect your home from flooding.
Advantages of Rigid PVC Drainage Pipe
Rigid PVC drainage pipes stand out for their durability and effectiveness compared to traditional flexible corrugated options. Unlike flexible pipes, rigid PVC can easily handle the weight of gravel and new concrete without degrading over time, offering peace of mind for long-term projects.
We expertly install these pipes to ensure a consistent downward slope towards the sump basket, eliminating any troublesome low spots that might collect water. Their smooth design prevents them from storing excess water, unlike their corrugated counterparts.
The larger holes in rigid PVC pipes allow better water flow and resist mineral buildup, ensuring smooth operation. When properly installed with a washed rock drainage field, these pipes are elevated from the trench’s dirt base, effectively preventing silt from entering.
Comparing Flow Rates
For retrofitting sub-soil drainage, often called basement waterproofing, the Minnesota Uniform Plumbing Code requires a drainage conduit with at least a 3-inch diameter.
A 3-inch corrugated drainage conduit has an opening of 7.06 square inches and can handle about 35 gallons of water per minute. However, the ridges inside create friction, slowing the water flow and preventing complete drainage. Its flexibility also makes it challenging to maintain a steady downhill slope, further reducing its efficiency.
In contrast, a 3-inch Rigid PVC drainage conduit, with the same opening size, offers a higher flow rate of around 44 gallons per minute. Its smooth interior allows water to flow freely to the sump basin, ensuring complete drainage. The rigid structure maintains a consistent slope, enhancing water flow and simplifying installation.
Our Solution
Standard Water offers a highly effective sub-slab rigid drain tile system, recommended by the University of Minnesota. This system positions the drain tile alongside the footing, allowing water to drain beneath the slab efficiently. One of the main challenges in installing such systems is directing water across the footing into the main drainage field.
Traditional methods have varied in effectiveness. Some contractors use small tubes from the block to the drainage field, but these often suffer from sediment blockage and complicate floor restoration to its original thickness. Others lay washed rock atop the footing, which avoids blockages but still disrupts slab thickness restoration.
Our Patented Diamond Drainage Board addresses these issues with innovative design, ensuring efficient drainage without compromising the integrity of your flooring. We pair this with a state-of-the-art sump pump backed by the industry’s best warranty.
Additionally, we offer a lifetime warranty on your system, providing peace of mind for the life of your foundation. This warranty is also transferable to new owners, enhancing your home’s value if you choose to sell.
Add Battery Backup For Extra Peace Of Mind
Rest easy knowing our custom branded Battery Backup System has you covered during heavy rains and power outages. With a powerful backup pump that moves 2,400 gallons per hour at a 10-foot head and a robust battery offering up to 7 hours of continuous operation or days of intermittent use, your home is protected for 5 to 7 years.
Unlike most systems that share a discharge pipe, our solution integrates seamlessly with Dual Seamless Discharge pipes, enhancing your pumping capacity and eliminating common faults. Plus, our Backup Control Unit continuously monitors household power, battery, and pump conditions, automatically running weekly tests to ensure everything works perfectly.
Conclusion
For a waterproofing system that truly protects your home, opt for rigid PVC drainage pipes over flexible corrugated drain tiles. Rigid PVC pipes offer far more reliable protection against water damage, which means fewer costly repairs down the road. Act now to safeguard your home and your wallet! If you have any questions reach out to us. We’re here to answer your questions and help you make the right choice.
More Information: https://standardwater.com/services/basement-waterproofing/