How Drain Tile Works: Protecting Your Home from Water Damage - Atlas Restoration
847-415-9600
Blog
Drain Tile System Protecting Basement from Water Damage

BLOG:

How Drain Tile Works: Protecting Your Home from Water Damage

Drain tile systems have a long history, dating back to Henry French, who studied how Europe drained wet farmland, with practices going as far back as Roman designs. Originally, drain tiles were made from clay pipes surrounded by stone, installed under farm fields to move water to the nearest stream.

Today, “drain tile” can go by many names: French Drain, Footing Tile, Weeping Tile, Clay Tile, Tiling System, Perforated Drain, Foundation Drain, or Rubble Drain. No matter the name, the goal is the same, keep water away from your home.

At Atlas Restoration, we install modern drain tile systems that combine stone, perforated pipe, and Hydraway engineered drainage. These systems can be installed either inside or outside the foundation wall, next to the footing. Here is how it works:

Water collection: Water from the surrounding soil is absorbed by the stone and Hydraway, then enters the perforated pipe. 

Drainage: The pipe directs the water downhill into a sump basin. 

Water removal: A sump pump then safely moves the water away from your home, relieving hydrostatic pressure, which can cause basement leaks or foundation damage. 

Exterior Drain Tile

Exterior drain tile is usually installed when a home is built, especially if the design includes large window wells that need drainage. The system runs through the foundation to a sump basin, where a pump moves water away from the home. Installation can be challenging because of obstacles like driveways, sidewalks, landscaping, or stoops. It also requires careful excavation that meets safety guidelines.

Interior Drain Tile

For older homes built before drain tile was required, interior drain tile is often the best solution. Atlas Restoration installs a system under the basement floor by breaking concrete, digging down to the footing, and placing a 4-inch perforated pipe with Hydraway and washed stone. The system is pitched to direct water into a poly basin, and the floor is then repaired with concrete.

Why Atlas Restoration

Atlas Restoration uses only proven, dependable sump pumps and offers a lifetime warranty to protect your basement from future water intrusion. Our team combines expertise with trusted materials to ensure your home stays dry, inside and out.