What is an Interior Basement Drainage System & How Does It Work?

Having a properly waterproofed basement or crawl space is important for all homes. However, choosing between installing an interior vs exterior basement drainage system may be a difficult decision. At American Waterworks, we advise installing an interior drainage system. Still not convinced to install an interior basement drainage system? Keep reading below to learn more about interior drainage systems and how they work! 

What is an Interior Drainage System?

Before we discuss the benefits of an interior drainage system, it is important to know what it is. An interior basement drainage system is placed under the perimeter of your basement floor. Additionally, an interior drainage system can bypass the expense and damage to your yard that can be caused by excavation during the installation of an exterior drainage system. Furthermore, the installation costs half as much and can be installed within a few days. 

How Does It Help?

Now that we understand what it is, you may be wondering how it works. To install the basement drain, the installer would run the drainage system along the leaking or weeping walls. Ideally, the system would be secured around the entire perimeter of the crawl space or basement. Next, the water is directed from the interior drainage system to the sump pump, and then is discharged away from the home. 

Why Should You Install an Interior Basement Drainage System?

There are several reasons to install an interior perimter drainage system. Among the top reasons are: 

1. The Drain is Less Likely to Clog

A lot of houses we've fixed already have an interior drain tile, and our system is serviceable. Certain drainage systems are installed with an open gap at the edge of the floor. These gaps can collect dirt and debris from the floor, which contributes to the clogging of your drainage system. While others sit completely underneath the floor, lying on the mud below your home. Our system does the complete opposite by sitting on top of the foot, out of the mud, on a bed of stone to keep the system clean, and with a 3/8" wall flange to accept the wall seepage and keep debris out. 

2. Has Frozen Discharge Line Protection

With drains and discharge lines resting outside of the home, they are at high risk of freezing during the winter months. If it becomes frozen, the water will have no exit and could flood into your basement or crawl space, or burn out your pump. Our system has a special grated opening outside your home to allow the water to escape and work automatically.

3. An Easily Accessible Port

The access ports provide a channel that is usable for inspections, flood-testing, and flushing out the system. These are important when creating a drainage path for your dehumidifier system and include knockout holes to allow the insertion of a drainage tube. 

What Does American Waterworks Offer?

At American Waterworks, we offer the award-winning, patented below-floor drain, WaterGuard, that sits on a drainage stone on top of the foundation footing. WaterGuard provides several key advantages, including:

• Installed Out of the Mud Zone
• Has Anti-Clog Design
• Collects Water from Wells
• Includes Life-Time Warranty
• Serviceable

Additionally, this system can be quickly installed in a home with minimal removal of the slab, and the concrete is restored. Along with the sleek installation, any leaks from the walls will move downward, then into the WaterGuard system. 

Having the right waterproofing system in your home is an important decision to make. At American Waterworks, our professionally trained Design Specialists are here to provide you with the ultimate peace of mind, knowing your basement is properly protected. If you are interested in signing up for your FREE estimate, click HERE to get started today!