Basement flooding is a problem that many homeowners face. It is especially worse if your property is located in an area that experiences a lot of rainfall. When not addressed immediately, a flooded or damp basement may prevent you from fully maximising and enjoying the additional space that your basement provides. A damp basement can also lead to a number of serious issues, such as damage to your home’s foundation and mould growth which poses a health risk.

Thankfully, a reliable drainage system is something that can effectively keep water away from your basement. Some of the top basement drainage systems that you can consider include;

French Drains

A French drain is a very popular drainage system that homeowners use to prevent basement flooding. The system makes use of perforated pipes to remove any surface or groundwater that might be on its way into your basement. It effectively redirects water (both surface and groundwater) from your foundation. The only downside to this type of drainage system is that it can be difficult to install. Clogged pipes can also be an issue.

Exterior Drain Tiles

This form of exterior basement waterproofing sydney is a great choice if you want to effectively cover all water sources (heavy rains, downspout extensions and overflowing gutters) in your home. Similar to French drains, this system redirects groundwater before it reaches your home.

The waterproofing also prevents any water leakage, thus, protecting your basement walls from damage. The drain tiles are usually installed at a shallow depth to effectively divert rainwater away from the external walls of your basement.

This type of drainage system also offers a number of advantages which include;

• Easy installation. You don’t have to stop using your basement during installation, as no sump pump or indoor construction is required.
• The exterior sealant and the soil drainage are one, so there isn’t much lateral water pressure against the foundation.
• It also allows a chance for the installation of an exterior waterproofing membrane that is very beneficial when you lay masonry foundations.

The only downside of this type of drainage system is that the exterior excavation (a trench is dug around your house) involved can be messy and expensive.

Curtain Drains

This drainage system is the ideal choice if you have a problem with water stagnation in your yard. Curtain drains basically serve the same purpose as French drains which is to redirect water from your basement. However, they differ from French drains in terms of location (curtain drains are typically built in underground slanted trenches).

Interior Drain Tiles

Unlike exterior drain tiles, this system involves installing perforated pipes along the floor and the inside of the footing to divert water into a sump pump. This type of drainage system offers an ideal solution for relieving hydrostatic pressure, capturing rising groundwater and preventing seepage in concrete walls.

Compared to exterior drain tiles, this system is a lot cheaper and no excavation is required for its installation. Once this drain system is installed, no additional waterproofing solution will be needed.

However, this drain system does have a downside, as you won’t be able to use your basement during its installation. It is also not a feasible choice for a finished basement, seeing as how the removal of existing concrete is involved.

Sump Pumps

If your home is located in an area that experiences seasonal storms, this is the ideal choice for you. The system works by using a pit to pump water away from your home.

Sump pumps are of two types, namely, submersible sump pumps and pedestal sump pumps. A submersible sump pump sits in a large ditch dug on your basement floor. As the water collects, a floater will monitor its level and trigger the motor to pump when the level is too high. This type of sump pump is not ideal for a finished basement, as they usually require an excavation of your foundation. It can also be expensive.

With a pedestal sump pump, a ditch will also be dug into your foundation, but the motor will be held above the trench. The excavation done here is not as massive as that of a submersible sump pump.

Conclusion

A flooded or wet basement is an issue that needs to be addressed as quickly as possible, and the best way to go about it is to have a suitable basement drainage system installed. You can achieve this by searching for something like ‘damp specialists London’. A good drainage system will effectively keep water away from your basement while also protecting against structural damage to your foundation and basement walls.