FAQ’s

A. Perimeter drains are the piping system that surrounds the footings of your home. They are responsible for removing the rain water from your roof, gutters and foundation. The type of system installed depends on the age of the house. Drainage systems are a constant source of water, which makes them appealing to roots. This can spell disaster for your drains, so it is important to have them inspected periodically for blockages and breaks.

A. Cleaning and servicing your drains on a routine basis will help to keep the water flowing. Roots, dirt, and debris are the main blockages in perimeter drains. Depending on the severity of the blockage, conventional augering and hydro flushing equipment will generally remove these blockages.

A. This depends on the landscape around your home and the type of drainage pipe that has been installed. Newer PVC drainage systems generally require less maintenance than older concrete tile systems. Overall, we recommend inspecting and cleaning at least once every three years.

A. There are several indicators of failing perimeter drains that you may notice inside your home, including dampness, an obvious musty smell, and a white chalky powder (efflorescence) on the inside of the foundation wall. Many basements are finished with drywall and insulation, however, so it is often difficult to see the signs before the water makes its way into the house. Having your perimeter drains inspected is always the best way to start if you have concerns about water entering your basement.

A. No. Most leaks are isolated to one specific area. There are many reasons why the water may not be draining properly. If conventional roto-rooting or hydro flushing does not get the water moving, there are other options to explore. We can often excavate the leak area specifically and remediate the problem from there. Sometimes, though, the best option is to replace all of the drains, depending on the condition drain system and the foundation.

A. Every job is site specific, though most systems will take approximately 2 weeks to complete. The cost will depend on many variables such as accessibility for crew and equipment, depth of the trench, and the landscape. There are many options that can be considered that will have an impact on cost, and we can help suit any budgetary requirements. For example, we are happy to work with homeowners that like to join in on the fun of replacing their drainage system to help save costs, or choose to dig up their own flower beds and landscaping and reinstate them at job completion.

A. There are products in today’s market that can be used on the interior of your home to stop leaks; however, these products still allow the water to absorb into the foundation from the exterior. The interior sealer becomes the home’s last line of defense to keep the water out. In most cases, an interior sealer is a Band-Aid solution, and we do not recommend it for long-term waterproofing. Waterproofing the exterior of the foundation and having the drainage system remove the water from the property as a first line of defense is much more ideal. We cannot stop the water from getting to your home’s foundation, but we can definitely control it and remove it from the property.

A. Wrong, unfortunately. Every year, we field flood calls from people that have their drainage system cleaned on a regular basis. There are many factors that will compromise a drainage system’s ability to remove water from your home’s foundation, such as the depth of the pipe in relation to your home’s footings, the slope of the pipe, or cracked or misaligned drain tiles. Conventional drain cleaning will not uncover these issues; however, a full inspection with a drainage camera will.

A. Yes. There are drainage systems that can be installed that will take this pesky water away. They are most commonly referred to as curtain drains or French drains, wherein shallow trenches are excavated, perforated pipe is installed, and the trench is filled with drain rock.

A. Driveway drains often plug faster than the rest of the home’s perimeter drains due to the amount of dirt and debris that washes into them. Over time, the dirt and debris build up and will only allow water to drain slowly or not drain at all. A drain servicing appointment may be all you need at this point, or an upgraded driveway drain may be your best option.

A. Water will always take the path of least resistance, and it’s tough to determine what water is doing underground. We have sealed cracks that had been there for years before the water found its way in, but this isn’t always the case. It’s most ideal to get the cracked foundation properly sealed to ensure it is water tight, as it is just a matter of time before the water finds its way in.

A. We have tried many products over the years, and have sourced the best on the market for keeping your home dry. When we are exposing and waterproofing the entire foundation, we use a combination of two products, a Blueskin membrane and a Delta drainage mat. The system is resistant to twisting, abrasion and compression, and its ability to prevent water from entering your home is incomparable. In cases where a more localized repair to the waterproofing of the foundation is required (such as filling large cracks, honeycombing, or holes), we use Xypex products to repair with precision. These products are are made with a unique technology that is superlative in its ability to return a foundation to top-notch condition.