Exterior Drain Tile Vs. Interior Drain Tile

Choosing the best home improvement solution can be a complicated process. Especially when it comes to something as important as water in your home.  

When it comes to water seepage below grade, such as in a basement, knowing what to look for to determine the best solution can be daunting. Several options are available and a trained waterproofing professional will be able to determine the best solution for you.

There are two main solutions to waterproofing your basement, interior and exterior. 

How Does Exterior Drainage Work?

Exterior drainage systems are commonly installed at the lowest point along the outside perimeter of your home.  The trench, containing a series of perforated pipes, redirects surface water and groundwater away from the foundation. 

This solution has been common for basement waterproofing since the early 20th century, however, over time, can be susceptible to failure.

Since exterior drainage systems are often installed several feet under the earth in a bed of gravel, they will eventually clog with dirt, roots, and debris.

Exterior drainage systems are often a prolonged process since they require digging around the foundation of the home. Any landscaping, such as flowerbeds and gardens, walkways, steps, and even decks and porches must be removed. In addition, buried gas and water lines, sewer systems, and electrical wires could pose hazards during the excavation process.

How Does Interior Drainage Work?

Interior drainage systems, or an internal perimeter drain system, are clog-free alternatives to traditional exterior drainage systems. Unlike exterior drainage systems, interior systems will not clog since they are installed on top of the footing around the perimeter of your basement, also known as the “clear water zone.”

Instead of digging a trench around the exterior of your home, interior drainage systems are installed along the perimeter of your foundation walls. A specialty-engineered drainpipe is installed and encased with washed gravel at the base of the wall and then filled with cement—leaving the homeowner with a smooth floor and a clean basement.

Interior drainage systems capture water from the floor/wall joint, also known as the “cove.” Water is also captured from the walls, which prevents the center of the basement floor from leaking by intercepting the water at the perimeter of the floor before it gets to the center of the basement.

Interior drainage systems often work in conjunction with sump pumps to quickly and effectively remove water that has made its way inside your home.

Contact FSM for Expert Basement Waterproofing

Choosing Foundation Systems of Michigan for interior basement waterproofing is a decision that ensures your basement remains dry and protected.

FSM stands out due to our comprehensive approach, which involves not only addressing current water issues but also preventing future problems. Our team of experts is well-versed in the latest waterproofing techniques and technologies, ensuring that every solution is tailored to the unique needs of your home.

From high-quality sump pumps and efficient drainage systems to robust vapor barriers, and dehumidifiers, FSM utilizes top-tier products to guarantee long-lasting results. Our attention to detail, combined with exceptional customer service, makes FSM a leader in the industry. With FSM, you’re not just getting a service; you’re receiving a commitment to excellence that will keep your basement dry, comfortable, and structurally sound for years to come.

Determining the correct type of waterproofing system to meet your home’s needs is something best left to a waterproofing professional trained in the many options available. Schedule a free inspection today.

Leah Leitow

Content Writer

Leah is a Content Writer for Groundworks with more than ten years of experience working in the foundation repair industry. Her experience ranges from working with homeowners to find the right solution to training inspectors and staff. In her background as a Michigan journalist, she gained invaluable insight into people's lives throughout our state. Leah lives in metro Detroit with her husband and two sons.