We must not forget that when we dig the ground to sink the concrete walls of our basement, we perform the same work for the installation of an inground pool. The only difference is that one is designed to have no water inside, while the other wants to keep the water inside.
A dry basement is more pleasant and less expensive to heat because warm dry air is much less energy than heating damp air.
On French Drains Installation
Human health may also suffer from the humidity in the basement. Indeed, a wet slab transfers the moisture to any material in contact with it. We know that if the materials are wood, such as paper for gypsum board and all types of wood, there may be fungal growth. We even saw wooden structures rotting after years of neglect due to a faulty French drain. There is a way simple enough to know if the French drain works well when the concrete walls are apparent. Just look at the base of walls and the slab if there are traces of efflorescence. In such cases, inspection of the drain and French drains installation must be done by professionals.
The analysis of the water in the catchment area or conduct flowing into the basin cannot allow itself to determine the risk associated with clogging of the drain. That's why your contractor will adopt a more holistic approach in particular to determine the level of the water table at this point, the pH (acidity) of water and iron concentration and the type of drain used. It can thus assess the potential for clogging of the French drain and propose, if necessary, a correction method of effective drainage, such as the installation of chimney cleaning, correcting some of the drain or adding to it, or its replacement. In the event that the drainage system is not efficient enough, the casing of the foundations, which is to make waterproof the foundation walls with a waterproofing membrane, may alleviate the problem.
Proper Maintenance
Proper maintenance of your drainage system is essential to avoid a worsening of the situation and possible damage, as ferruginous water accumulated in the catchment and in the storm drains and French drains can affect its effectiveness. It is the same for submersible pumps which, in contact with the oxidized water can be damaged enough to require replacement. It is therefore important to periodically perform maintenance tasks to include:
- Wash the French drain (when equipped with cleaning chimneys) with water under pressure;
- Remove and clean the sump pump and pipes;
- Adjust the level of the submersible pump;
- Wash the catchment area;
- Equip the pump with a battery of security to ensure its autonomy in case of power failure.
Control of Runoff
In order not to solicit further drainage system, it is also very important that your home or gutters must be connected to downspouts that water away from the foundation wall. The level of the ground near the building must also allow runoff away from foundations in French drains installation.