When you’re installing basement flooring and you have a drain present, you have two options. You can cut the flooring and leave the drain exposed, or you can install flooring over the basement floor drain.
How do you cover a floor drain in a basement?
There are two main options for covering a basement floor drain: cement or a lid or cap. While a permanent option may be the way to go when finishing a basement, a temporary cap or lid is ideal in other situations.
What is the drain called in the basement floor?
Foundation drains
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.
Is floor drain necessary?
A floor drain can save you from having a lot of water damage if something does happen to break and let water into your house. Sometimes flooding isn’t caught right away and having a drain there will prevent further damage. So, there is a purpose to them.
What is a French drain 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.
Do you need a floor drain in the basement?
Most homes built today are required by local code to have floor drains that lead to a collection pit where a sump pump carries the water to the surface.
Can you finish a basement with a French drain?
A French Drain System can be installed along 1 wall only-it can also be installed along 2 walls or in a very small area of only 5 ft if needed. If you are planning to finish off your basement- Installing a French Drain in a finished basement is more costly and more damaging to your basement.
How much does it cost to install a French drain in a basement?
Depending on the size of your basement, a French drain inside your home can cost between $5,000 and $13,500 on average, or $40 to $100 per linear foot. Add a sump pump to the design for $650 to $2,000, bringing the project total to $5,650 to $15,500.
Do I need a sump pump with a French drain?
So, in conclusion, if you have 1 spot that gets water and absolutely nowhere else and you don’t want to vacuum it up then get a sump pump. The rest of us need a French Drain.
Is a French drain a good idea?
French drain systems are incredibly effective because, unlike typical surface drains, they collect water over the entire length of the drain as opposed to one dedicated area. The force of gravity helps to guide water along a reliably smooth path to the desired discharge point.
What is the difference between a French drain and a trench drain?
Aside from what we’ve listed here, the difference between a French drain and a trench drain is that a French drain is used for water that is underground while a trench drain diverts excess water from a surface.
What can I do instead of a French drain?
Swales or Valleys
Swales, also called valleys, are an alternative to French drains that capture and divert rainwater. Swales are shallow ditches that do not contain pipes. You can usually find them along a property’s edge, following the natural grade of the land to direct runoff to ditches or wooded areas.
Do French drains get clogged?
But, just like any other type of drain, French drains are susceptible to clogging. Soil and debris have a tendency to build up inside the pipes, eventually stopping water from flowing altogether. To avoid letting water back up into your home, follow this French drain cleaning guide.
How much does it cost to put French drains in?
According to Fixr, the average French drain costs $4,500. An exterior drain located fairly close to the surface could cost as little as $1,000, or $25 per linear foot on average. Drains installed under your basement floor could cost $2,000 or more. Expect to pay $60 to $70 per linear foot for installation.
Do French drains need maintenance?
Fortunately, there’s not much regular maintenance needed for a French drain to function. However, over time, debris and leaves can build up in the drainpipe’s holes, compromising its effectiveness. To prevent this, clean out and snake the French drain once a year.
