In a residence, a drain file system is important because it prevents the groundwater from entering the home. Some homes do not need a drain tile system but it is always a good feature to have. If the rainy season comes it will prove useful for you to keep water away from your home. Therefore know the importance of a Drain Tile System here and also know why you need it.
A drain tile system is an ancient method to keep water away. But still, it is useful for our times too. Therefore to prevent water problems in your residence you can use this method. It is very effective. The function of the drain tile is to collect water in the basement foundation. So if the drain tile functions properly it can serve as a beneficial system in your home. Continue reading to know more about the Drain Tile System.
The History of the Drain tile system
The drain tile system was found 2000 years ago. It started from the Egyptian and Babylonian kingdoms that used drain tile in agriculture. They used this type of drainage technique to get rid of the excess water from the field. Also, these systems were made from clay tiles. Then after many centuries, in 1838, a Scottish immigrant, John Johnston used the clay tiles on his farm in New York. Then many people started to write about his methods. This popularized the use of a drain tile system.
Know about residential drain tile
The main purpose of the drain tile system around the house is to collect the excess water in the basement foundation. Then the water will get channelized to a place. If your house is located in a place without a slope then the water will flow into a sump. After that, it will get pumped out of the foundation. On the other hand, if you live on a steep slope the water will run downhill and reach a daylight exit point.
Therefore whatever the location of the house, the drain tile system will function effectively to keep water away from your home. Also, it is less likely for the water to enter through the cracks in the slab or foundation.
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Types of drain pipes
1. Rigid pipe
One type of pipe is the rigid PVC pipe that has holes in it. Also, the holes in the pipes face down and the water flows through the pipe from underneath. This type of pipe is available in 10-foot lengths. Because of its rigidity, it needs corner fittings to fix around the house. Further, the PVC pipe is resistant to crush and costs $0.65 per foot.
2. Flexible pipe
The second type of pipe is a flexible plastic pipe with small slits. It lets the water into the pipe but it does not allow large soil particles. Also, this pipe has to be bought with fabric covering as it prevents soil from entering the pipe. If the fabric covering is not present the price of the pipe will be $0.40 per foot. So this pipe is cheaper than the PVC pipe. But it is susceptible to getting crushed. The four-inch diameter piping is the right size for the drainage systems.
The Drain Tile Function
The water that is around the house can lead to hydrostatic pressure. So the water can leak inside the home. Also, the foundation of the home can get severely damaged. That is why the drain tile is necessary. The best solution for this is to keep the water at the ground level and send it away from the house. So the drain tile pipes are kept at the base or the footing of the foundation. Then a crushed rock or gravel at a volume specified by the code has to be laid at the top of the pipe.
The rock or the gravel will equalize the weight of the soil above. Then it will act as a pathway for the water to get to the pipe. Also, the rock will assist with lateral movement.
Further, the water will fill the pipe because of the slits in the pipe. The fabric laid on the pipe will protect it from filling with silt. Then the water will easily move downslope through the pipe. This will keep the water away from the house. The water will end up in a sump pump or the daylight.
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