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Examples of
Foundation Drain Conditions
SUMP PIT IN SLAB-ON-GRADE FLOOR
The foundation drain sump pit is typically located in the basement or crawlspace of a home or building. A structure may have more than one foundation drain.
SUMP PIT LOCATION
A foundation drain sump pit may be placed on the exterior (outside) of the foundation. However, placing it on the interior of the foundation is preferable.
SUMP PUMP DISCHARGE ON WALLS
It is important to route sump pit discharge away from retaining walls and to protect ground surfaces from erosion caused by the flow of water.
WINDOW WELLS
If installed, small drains at the bottom of window wells collect the accumulated water. These drains, typically connected to the foundation drain system, are not designed for lots of water. If your window well continually fills up with water, you most likely have a yard drainage problem that needs to be repaired.
BASEMENT FLOODING
An improperly functioning foundation drain system can cause basement and crawlspace flooding. Problems with the foundation drain system can include improper installation, clogged foundation drain pipes, or faulty pumps.
ACTIVE FLOW IN SUMP PIT
Water in a properly functioning foundation drain system should be clear to cloudy. There are seasonal times when there is visibly active water flow in the sump pit, typically during wet seasonal weather events.
MINERAL AND SOIL BUILD-UP IN SUMP PIT
Water in a sump pit may be cloudy or contain some soil or sediment at the bottom. This does not necessarily mean that the foundation drain system is not functioning properly.
FOUNDATION DRAINPIPE
View of an excavated foundation drain pipe with the geofabric pulled away from the gravel.
NO PUMP IN SUMP PIT
Sump pit with water where the builder never installed a pump.
MUD BUILD-UP IN PIPE
Some soil or sediment buildup and shallow low spots in the foundation drain pipe can be common. This does not mean that the pipe is not functioning properly.
NO PUMP
This is a 3-foot deep foundation drain sump pit with no water. Some foundations do not have moisture problems in the backfill.
FLOW IN FOUNDATION DRAIN PIPE
Small amount of flow in a foundation drain pipe. (Per video inspection.)
SUMP PUMP WITH COVER REMOVED
This is a typical configuration of a foundation drain sump pit installed in the basement floor. This sump pit has soil build-up around it, which can indicate a problem with the foundation drain system.
DRAIN AT BOTTOM OF WINDOW WELL
Small drain inlets installed at the base of a window well function to drain any water that seeps to the bottom. Typically these inlets are connected to the foundation drain system.
ACTIVE FLOW IN SUMP PIT
Active flow in the sump pit. The water is clear, which indicates that the crushed gravel and geofabric filter is functioning properly.
SUMP PIT NOT INSTALLED
In this basement, the sump pit was not properly installed.
FOUNDATION DRAIN SUMP PIT ON THE EXTERIOR OF THE FOUNDATION
Some jurisdictions allow the installation of foundation sump pits on the exterior of the foundation (outside). However, this is not preferable because the pump is exposed to the weather and excessive temperatures.
DRY SUMP PIT (BELOW STRUCTURAL FLOOR)
Sump pits may be dry during certain parts of the year, depending on climate.
GRAVEL IN FOUNDATION DRAIN PIPE
Crushed gravel deposited in the foundation drain pipe during construction. (Per video inspection.)
COMBINATION SUMP PIT AND RADON MITIGATION SYSTEM
Typical configuration of a combination foundation sump pit and radon mitigation system. The lid on the sump pit is sealed.
FLOW IN DRAIN PIPE
A foundation drain system may function properly regardless of some build-up of mud. (Per video inspection.)
SUMP PIT DEPTH
Foundation drain sump pits are typically 3 to 5 feet deep but can be deeper.
SUMP PIT BELOW BASEMENT STRUCTURAL FLOOR
Typical configuration of a foundation sump pit below a basement structural floor.
MUD BUILD-UP IN PIPE
The build-up of fine particle mud in the pipe indicates that the foundation trench was not correctly installed or is damaged. Water entering the foundation drain system is not properly filtered through the gravel and geofabric.
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