What Is Drain Tile and Is It Necessary?

A drain tile system is a plumbing system that uses a drain tile to collect and direct the flow of water. Drain tiles are installed under sinks, tubs, showers and other fixtures. The drainage tile can be connected to a pipe or directly to the septic tank.

Drain tile is the material under a floor and around pipes. It keeps water from getting into cracks in your floors, walls, etc. If you have an area where objects might fall through the drain tile (like if someone leaves something heavy or sits on it), then you can use metal reinforcement mesh to strengthen this spot while still allowing drainage underneath it.

You most likely live in a home that was built decades ago and have suddenly observed a pool of water gathering in the basement. Furthermore, owing to the musty odor, you can scarcely breathe when you enter the basement, so you have no choice but to summon the pros. They inform you that the drain tile system has to be replaced since the pipes have deteriorated after an examination. You’re not sure what a drain tile is, therefore you’re not sure whether it’s even essential. So, here’s all you need to know about drain tile, including how it works and what it’s used for around the house.

Drainage is one of the most essential components of your home. Whether it is efficient drainage of the water from your bathroom and kitchen areas, or the removal of excess water from your garden and driveway areas, you need to install drain grate covers. One of the most important reasons is that you don’t want your drain to get clogged or blocked under any circumstances. You want it to be as free flowing so that the running water does not have to deal with any obstacle. In most cases, when drain pipes get blocked, you will have water coming back up. Or, you are likely to experience a very foul smell coming from the drains.

Drain Tile is a kind of drain tile.

Drain tile, according to Hunker, is a system of porous PVC or flexible plastic pipes put under the ground rather than tiles. It may be put either outdoors around the perimeter of the foundation or inside beneath the basement floor. Contractors can decide which places prone to water pooling need drain tile, so the installation is not restricted to these two regions. The drain tile’s principal purpose is to divert excess moisture from the foundation’s base to a sump pump, which subsequently transports it away from the home. If the home is on a downslope, a sump pump isn’t essential since gravity will help with excess water flow. As a consequence, the drain tile’s role is to keep water from collecting around the foundation. As a result, houses with a lot of subterranean water require a drain tile grid to keep up with the quantity of water that seeps through the soil. Drain tile systems are also required in areas prone to severe floods and heavy runoff as a result of urban growth to avoid damage to the foundation and the building as a whole.

The Functions of Drain Tile

The drain tile system, according to Reid and Peterson, consists of crush-resistant PVC pipes that have been perforated to enable groundwater to flow through. After the foundation footer of a new house is constructed, the pipes are put in a trench, which is normally excavated alongside the foundation footer. The drain tile is then coated with gravel that is big enough to filter water as it seeps into the pipe but tiny enough to avoid getting into the holes of the perforated pipes. The drain tile is then covered with a porous cloth. It guarantees that the dirt stays outside while water seeps into the pipe. A layer of earth covers the pipes to finish the system. Perforated drain tile and a bed of stones to ease drainage to the pipe are two prevalent characteristics of an effectual drain tile, according to US Waterproofing. While various drain tiles contain different sorts of stones, the cleaned gravel measuring approximately 3/4 inch encourages the optimum water movement, according to the report. Smaller gravel or compacted stones, according to reports, obstruct drainage by being too close together; hence, the lack of space between the stones obstructs water movement. Drainage tile pipes exist in a variety of forms, although the majority are cylindrical. The form of the pipes, on the other hand, has no effect on the water flow. The pipes’ diameters vary from 2 to 18 inches, with 4 inches being the most common. Pipes may also be made of clay or ABS, in addition to PVC. Drain tiles for PVC pipes are commonly offered in 10-foot lengths. Corrugated ABS pipes are available in lengths ranging from 100 to 3000 feet. To reverse the direction of a PVC pipe, you’ll need corner fittings, and a 10-foot pipe costs $8.95. At $0.89 per foot, ABS pipes are less expensive and do not need corner fittings. Because of their polyvinyl content, they are more durable. They will not crack when a vehicle weighing over 2800 pounds drives over them, according to American Dry.

Is a Drain Tile Required?

Water damage is the primary cause of home and renter insurance claims, according to Rate Hub. As a result, it’s critical to make sure your perimeter is well-drained. While water damage is typical in many houses, your homeowners insurance will only cover a limited number of situations. Flood damage for individuals with flood insurance, storm-related water damage, unexpected or inadvertent water release, and accidental sewage overflow are examples of such events. Insurance will not cover gradual water damage, such as foundation seepage that occurs when you don’t have drain tile. Besides, even if you have drain tile and neglect to maintain it to the point that it finally causes substantial damage, your homes insurance is unlikely to cover it. As a result, it is essential to properly install and maintain the drain tile. This keeps the pipes from clogging or deteriorating over time. While it may be difficult to continually monitoring for damage to pipes placed under the house, mildew in the basement, cracks, water stains, musty odors, and even water collecting around the home’s exterior are all signs of a problem. Whether you’re moving into a new house, check to see if it has a drain tile system, and if it does, make sure it’s in good working order. It is recommended to install a drain tile system if the house does not already have one. Depending on what is included, it might be rather pricey. For example, the larger the house, the more pipes are necessary and the more trenches must be dug; as a result, the cost will increase. It will be more costly if there is concrete to be excavated, and if you choose human digging over machine excavation. Regardless of the expenses, it is preferable to spend whatever it takes to have the drain tile placed rather than fixing the damage caused by foundation water seepage.

Drain tile is a type of drainage system that can be installed in order to prevent water from getting into your home. It consists of a series of pipes that are connected to the ground outside of your home, and then lead into the house. Drain tile has been used for centuries because it’s cheaper than other drainage options like french drains. Reference: drain tile vs french drain.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I need drain tile?

A: You need a drain tile if you have a black spot on the floor. The black spot is where all of your water and sewage lines run to and it needs to be cleaned out, this is usually done by using a broom with long enough bristles or just manually with hands.