Expert Watering, Sprinkler & Drip Irrigation System Contractors in Cary, NC

A downspout drain is usually part of a downspout drain system. This is typically a buried corrugated or PVC pipe system that is intended to carry water from the downspouts out to a desired location. They are sometimes referred to as drain tile because terracotta (tile) pipe used to be used for these systems.

A foundation drain, also referred to as footer drain or a curtain drain, is typically a French drain that is wrapped around along the footer of a basement or crawl space. The foundation drain pipe is typically routed either to a sump pump or out to daylight to discharge. French drains or channel type drains are often installed inside of a basement or crawl space as a last resort if the water cannot be kept out by other means or in cases where it would be cost prohibitive to stop the water from coming in. Good builders will often install French drains under basement floors during new construction as an added measure of protection to prevent water from reaching a level that will cause dampness in the basement. Another type of foundation drain is a low Point drain. This is intended to give water in a crawl space a place to go in the event of a water line break or other flooding event.

Corrugated drainage pipe systems often clog in a couple of years. Water sits in the ridges and attracts roots through loose, leaky snap-together fittings. If you see water overflowing from your buried downspout pipe(s), it's probably time for a checkup and cleaning/ maintenance. A Drainage Specialist may need a plumbing camera, underground locating equipment and pipe cleaning equipment so that they can find the clog and clean it out.

Any drainage system can be improved. The trick is to figure out if it is able to be improved cost-effectively enough compared to replacement. French drains typically lose effectiveness each year after they're installed. Filter Fabric and gravel become clogged. Soil begins to fill in and pack tightly on top of the drain which prevents water from getting down into the drain. French drains are often not installed deeply enough. French drains need to be installed at a depth sufficient to allow hydrostatic pressure to force the water into the drain. In clay soils, this depth is approximately 2 ft. deep otherwise, the drain will only dry out areas within a couple of feet of itself.