Turns out that all fixtures run to one lateral, confirming that our basement pipes do indeed tie into it somewhere out in the yard. The sewer guys theorized that what the inspector mistook for an exterior cleanout was actually the basement pipes tying in!

Where does drain go in basement?

Your basement floor drain is located at the lowest point of your basement, and its job is to direct any water safely away from the house and to the sewer system or municipal storm drain system. This keeps your basement floor dry and prevents flooding, which may damage personal belongings.

What is this pipe in my basement?





Foundation drains are pipes that are installed under your foundation or basement floor to collect water and move it off-site to prevent your basement from filling with water.

Where is the trap in the basement?

There are several types of traps, but the most common ones are the short, U-shaped traps located under your sinks, shower, and drains. These elements, called ”drain traps”, prevent sediment, hair strands, and other small objects like rings or earrings from flowing down the drain and clogging the pipes.

What is the big pipe in the basement?

Sewer Line Clean-Out



It is usually found in a cap or hub mounted to a 3- to 4-inch diameter pipe that rises out of a slab floor in a basement or utility area. Sometimes it is mounted flush into the floor. In some climates, the clean-out is mounted in an in-ground fitting located just outside the foundation of the home.

What are French drains in basement?

A French drain (also called a weeping tile, drain tile, perimeter drain or sub-surface drain) is a common basement waterproofing solution. It’s a trench containing a perforated pipe that redirects surface water and groundwater away from the foundation.

Where do foundation drains drain to?





The foundation drain tile drains to a sump pump, which pushes the water out and away from the foundation.

How do you find hidden drains?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: You might just see water come up out of the ground. And you just explore the area you'll find the pipe real simple quick little house Hey. Good morning Chuck here at that will drains.

Does washing machine drain into sewer line?

This main sewer drain pipe under the yard is connected to the main drain inside the house, which accepts the wastewater from the individual branch drains serving each plumbing fixture, including sinks, tubs, showers, and toilets, as well as the washing machine.

How do I find the lowest point in my basement?

Most times we dig a pit in the floor to create a sump. We would then put in a liner or sleeve and then install the pump in the sump. So by digging the hole in the basement, the sump is the lowest point in the basement because it is sub-floor.

Where does French drain water go?



It is used to direct surface water or groundwater away from a specific area, such as a home’s foundation. French drains direct surface level water toward the lowest point and allow it to seep through the surface level gravel into the drain.

How do I know if my basement has a French drain?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: It should be fully contained there shouldn't be any surface drainage in this system all this should be is an open french drain the water comes off the brick paper patio into an open french drain.

Do all basements have French drains?

Regardless of whether keeping your basement dry requires a French drain to be installed on the interior or the exterior, one fact remains – only a qualified basement waterproofing contractor has the knowledge and capability to install it properly.

Does a French drain go inside or outside?



Exterior French drains are installed around the outside perimeter of a foundation. The drain consists of a flexible perforated drainpipe buried in a trench at the bottom of the foundation footing.

What is the difference between a French drain and a perimeter drain?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Usually in two different ways. The first one will be buried around the foundation wall on the external side of the foundation.

How do you clean a basement French drain?

How to Unclog a French Drain

  1. Step 1: Locate an end of the French drain. …
  2. Step 2: Use a garden hose to run water down the French drain. …
  3. Step 3: Use a pressure washer to unclog the drain, which will use high pressure to send water down the drain. …
  4. Step 4: Use a sewer snake for stubborn clogs.


Why does my basement smell like a sewer?



A strong sewer smell coming from your basement is most often caused from a dried out floor drain, a bad ejector pit seal, improperly vented appliances or fixtures, or even a damaged sewer line. Floor Drains – Rarely-used floor drains in your basement are typically the source of the sewer stench.

Does a French drain need to be cleaned?

Despite the design’s best efforts, French drains get clogged by dirt, debris and silt. They do need to be cleaned out regularly – about once per year – to ensure that they continue to direct water away from the building’s foundation.