Drain tile systems have been around for thousands of years. They first made their appearance in agriculture. Farmers would drain excess groundwater from their crops to prevent flooding and produce higher yields. Eventually, this system was applied to homes to allow a higher standard of living and better quality buildings. The drain tile system is one of the most important, but most neglected systems within the home. Without it, basement walls will crack and collapse, floors will buckle, and ground water will pour into your home. It is the biggest protection system for the home, as it ensures the integrity of your foundation.

There are two types of drain tile system that can be installed in the home, exterior and interior. The two have equal advantages and disadvantages; the choice depends on your needs. We will help you establish which system works best for you and your home.

Once a house reaches 15 to 20 years old, nearby trees and shrubs have matured, sending their roots to the most available water source, which is the drain tile system. We recommend cleaning the system every 3 to 5 years, as roots and clay can get caught in the piping. Blocked pipes put your home at risk. Preventive maintenance protects one of the biggest investments you can make. As always, give us a call. We can assure you that you and your home are in good hands.

The exterior system is where the piping lies outside of the home. The advantages of this system include:

• You may still use your basement during its installation. In an interior installation, all the work is done inside your basement.
• It prevents water from entering through the walls of your basement.
• Waterproofing your basement in any way after installing this system is unnecessary. With an interior system, you would still need a waterproof layer outside your basement walls.

The interior system is where the piping is installed beneath your basement floor. This system’s advantages include:

• You will not have to tear up any garden or shrubs that may be outside your home.
• This system can be installed in winter, while the exterior system cannot be installed while the ground is frozen.
• It is easier to access the pipe with this system, as it is installed just below the basement.
• Interior systems can be less expensive to install.