Wet Basement Floors? When Footing Drains Become Necessary

If you've noticed wet areas or musty smells in your basement, a footing drain may be the solution. But how do you know if a footing drain is really needed? There are a few key factors that determine whether a footing drain is necessary to keep your basement dry and prevent damage.

With a properly installed footing drain, you can say goodbye to the headaches of a damp, musty basement!

What is a Footing Drain and What Does it Do?

A footing drain is a perforated pipe that's installed around the perimeter of your home's foundation. It sits below the basement floor, slightly above the foundation footing. The footing drain collects groundwater before it seeps into the basement. It then diverts that water away from your home through a drainage system.

By keeping groundwater away from your foundation walls and basement floor slab, a footing drain prevents water damage. It creates a barrier between the saturated soil outside and your basement interior. It also relieves hydrostatic pressure against the foundation that can cause leaks, flooding, and cracks over time.

Signs You May Need a Footing Drain Installed

There are a few clear signs that excessive moisture is present and a footing drain should be added:

• Wet spots or standing water on basement floors or walls
• A consistent musty odor in the basement
• Mold or mildew growth on floors, walls, or wood framing
• Cracks in foundation walls or floors from water pressure
• High humidity levels in the basement

If you notice any of these issues, it likely means groundwater is infiltrating into your basement. A footing drain is the solution to divert that water before it causes further concerns.

Factors that Determine if a Footing Drain is Necessary

There are several key factors that impact whether or not a footing drain is recommended for a home:

Climate and Rainfall

Homes in regions with heavy annual rainfall are prime candidates for footing drains. When the ground becomes saturated after heavy storms, moisture has nowhere to go but into basements unless it's diverted. Footing drains are most critical in flood-prone areas.

Soil Type Around the Home

Footing drains are usually vital in homes with clay soil surrounding them. Clay does not allow water to permeate well, resulting in saturated soil. Sandy soil, on the other hand, may drain sufficiently without a footing drain in some cases.

Site Drainage

Poor drainage on a property can create runoff right next to your home's foundation. This soaked soil places outward pressure on basement walls. A perimeter footing drain helps relieve that pressure. Footing drains are especially important if the yard is sloped towards the house.

High Water Table

When the water table is high, groundwater sits close to the earth's surface. During wet seasons or heavy rains, it may rise right up to foundation level. Footing drains placed below the water table depth can intercept this rising groundwater.

Nearby Water Sources

Having a pond, stream, or other water body near your home increases the need for a footing drain. Runoff can flow downhill into your foundation. Strategically placed footing drains divert that water away from your house.

Foundation Material

Poured concrete foundations are more prone to moisture problems than block walls. The solid concrete leaves no room for water to escape, so it penetrates inward. Block walls have mortar joints that allow some water movement. Footing drains should always be used with poured concrete foundations.

When Should You Have a Footing Drain Installed?

The ideal time for footing drain installation is during initial home construction. Having the system in place from the start prevents future headaches.

For existing homes, plan to add footing drains if you'll be remodeling or finishing a basement space. Preventing moisture issues will make the space far more usable.

Finally, install them at the very first sign of a wet basement or foundation damage. Addressing problems early maximizes your drainage system's effectiveness.

What Does Footing Drain Installation Entail?

Proper footing drain installation requires technical expertise and the right equipment.

This creates a clear path for groundwater to be channeled away from your foundation footprint. The gravel allows water flow while filtering sediment. A professional contractor handles all details to code.

Footing Drain Cost and Value

A complete footing drain system installed by a contractor averages $3,000 to $8,000. The exact cost depends on:

• Total linear footage around the foundation
• Excavation challenges
• Piping needed
• Gravel fill
• Connecting to downspouts or storm drains
• Sump pump requirements

This is a worthwhile investment that can prevent tens of thousands in foundation repairs. Footing drains also add usable living space when basements remain dry. This can greatly increase your home's value.

Hiring a Professional vs. DIY Footing Drain

Technically inclined homeowners may ponder a DIY footing drain installation. However, this task involves many complexities:

• Precise trench sloping and drain placement
• Meeting code requirements
• Integrating sump pumps
• Safely operating excavation equipment
• Avoiding utility lines, wires, and pipes

Mistakes can render the drain ineffective and allow continued moisture damage. For best results, hire an experienced foundation contractor familiar with footing drains.

Maintaining Your Footing Drain System

Once installed, a footing drain requires periodic maintenance. Have a professional inspect your system annually, watching for:

• Settling or clogged areas
• Tree root intrusion
• Proper water flow
• Sump pump operation

The drainage pipes should also be flushed every few years to remove sediment. Address any problems immediately to keep your system working properly.

What's the difference between a footing drain and foundation drain?

These terms are sometimes used interchangeably. Footing drains sit at the footing of the foundation walls. Foundation drains are installed directly against the walls to intercept infiltrating water.

Where does the water from my footing drain go?

Footing drains should connect to downspout pipes or a storm sewer system. This drains the water well away from your home. A sump pump moves it uphill if needed.

How deep are footing drains buried?

Footing drains install 2 to 3 feet below grade. The top of the drain pipe must sit below the lowest point of the basement floor slab.

Can I install interior basement drains instead?

Interior drainage cannot prevent hydrostatic pressure or groundwater from entering your basement. Perimeter footing drains are the only effective solution.

We hope this overview helps you understand when to install footing drains and how they work. Addressing moisture problems early is key to keeping your basement dry and avoiding expensive repairs down the road.