How Drain Tile Systems Work, Types, Costs and More

For homeowners with basements, water problems and potential damage are a constant concern. One of the most effective drainage systems for preventing a wet basement is a drain tile system. But what exactly is a drain tile system? How does it work? What are the installation costs, and is it worth the investment?

In this article, we’ll explore the function, types, and costs of drain tile systems so you can make an informed decision about protecting your home.

What is a drain tile system?

A drain tile system is designed to remove water from around your home’s foundation and prevent it from seeping into your basement or crawl space. Despite the name, it is not actually a tile but a system of perforated drain tile pipes that help direct water away from your home.

These pipes are typically installed around the foundation footings and covered with gravel to allow water to flow into them easily. Once collected, the system pumps the water away, either to a storm drain, a dry well, or an area where it can safely disperse without causing damage.

If your home sits on a slope, gravity assists in draining the water. However, if your property is flat or has poor drainage, a sump pump is required to help direct the water away from your home.

Often, these outlets lead to an existing drainage system, while in other cases, the sum pump sends the water to an open ground from where it can drain into the soil or into nearby storm drains.

Drain tile systems are known by other names as well, including weeping tile, foundation drain, perforated drain, and perimeter drain. In agricultural and gardening parlance, it is commonly called a French drain.

How drain tile works

A drain tile system works by intercepting water before it can enter your basement. When properly installed, it effectively prevents water from accumulating around your home, reducing the risk of structural damage and mold growth.

There are two primary types of drain tile systems:

1. Exterior Drain Tile System

Installed outside, along the foundation footings.
Helps remove water before it enters the basement.
Requires excavation around the home’s perimeter.

2. Interior Drain Tile System

Installed inside the basement along the perimeter of the foundation.
Prevents water from rising through the floor and directs it to a sump pump.
Less invasive and costly than an exterior system.

Types of pipes used

There are types of pipes commonly used for drain tiles systems.

PVC pipes

The first type of pipe is a rigid PVC pipe with holes on one side. This pipe is laid into the ground with the holes facing down. Water enters the pipe from underneath it. This type of pipe is used because it has a crush resistance of up to 3000 pounds. However, because of its rigid nature, you will need corner fittings to navigate it around the house. Expect to spend around $0.65 per foot on this pipe. You can purchase them in 10-foot lengths.

Flexible plastic pipe

The second choice for a drain pipe is a perforated flexible plastic pipe. The perforations allow water into the pipe but keep large soil particles out. Alternatively, you can buy this pipe with a fabric sheath, which will prevent even smaller soil particles from coming out.

At $0.40 per foot, the unsheathed version of this pipe is cheaper than the PVC alternative. However, since plastic isn’t as durable as PVC, these pipes are more likely to be crushed by backfill.

Both PVC and flexible plastic pipes are available in sizes ranging from two inches to 18 inches in diameter. The standard size used in most cases is 4 inches.

Installation

There are two ways drain tile pipes can be laid: externally and internally. And while older homes can drain tile systems installed, it is easier to get the job done while the home is still under construction.

Digging a deep trench around the foundation footings on the exterior of the home and laying perforated drain tile in the trench. The pipe is then placed in the trench and covered with a minimum of ½ – ¾ inch washed gravel. This is done to avoid blockages that might put the system out of service.

A porous fabric like landscape matting is used to cover the gravel before layers of soil are added to bring it to ground level.

While the same process of exterior drain tile installation can be followed on older homes, it involves digging up the foundation walls of the home and removing pathways, trees, and decking. It is an expensive and disruptive process that does not guarantee protection for more than 10 years.

Interior installation

For older homes with existing water issues, an interior drain tile system is often a better option. The first thing that needs to be done is for the basement to be completely stripped down and emptied. If the basement has been finished, flooring and sheetrock will need to be stripped out along the bottom of the walls. Any furniture and cabinets must also be removed. Then, cover everything in the room with a plastic sheet.

A jackhammer will be used to dig a perimeter trench and sump pit into the concrete foundation and the ground below it. The pipe is laid so the groundwater runs into the sump pit, from where it is discharged to the outside by the sump pump via a discharge pipe.

Costs

The average cost of installing a drain tile system depends on several factors, including whether it’s an interior or an exterior system. So, the cost of installing an external drain tile system for a new house, assuming all materials and labor will cost around $70 per foot, will mean spending around $3,500 for 50 feet of drain tile. The same installation for an older home could cost between $25,000 and $50,000.

Interior drain tile systems are relatively inexpensive, costing around $4,500. However, actual costs will vary depending on basement access, size, and complexity.

Also, basement waterproofing., If your basement floor is disturbed during installation, you may need additional waterproofing and flooring repairs. And, for sump pump installation, most drainage systems require a sump pump to pump the water away.

Extra expenditure

There are some hidden costs that you will need to consider as well while installing these drain systems. For example, if you need the water to be directed to another part of your property and not to an existing drain, you may need to spend an additional $3,500 on a dry well. If you’ve ripped up the basement floor for an internal installation, you will need to reinvest in basement waterproofing and flooring.

Conclusion

A drain tile system is a crucial investment for homeowners dealing with a wet basement or water problems. Whether you choose an exterior drain tile or an interior drain tile, the system will effectively remove water and protect your foundation from damage.

While the installation cost varies, the benefits—such as preventing structural issues, mold growth, and basement flooding—make it well worth the expense. If you’re experiencing water problems, consider consulting a professional to determine the best drainage system for your home.

Written by Narayan Shrouthy. January 28, 2022

Narayan is a content writer for Kukun. With experience in both content writing and editing, Narayan mixes his writing and love for reading with his passion for music. As an active musician, He aims to be a key player in Kukun's content experience.