Typically, most basement drain tile systems incorporate a few similar elements.
Let's first look at the similarities of most drain tile systems, and then see what is different about the edge system.
Similarities of Most Drain Tile Systems
Sump Pump
The sump pump is known as the heartbeat of a basement drainage system.
Without the sump pump, the water would just sit at the end of the drain tile piping.
Drain Tile
The drain tile is what carries the water to the sump basin. It is typically installed all alongside the edge of the basement.
In some rare scenarios, the drain tile can also be installed across the middle of the basement floor.
Filter Fabric
The filter fabric is a simple barrier to keep the drain pipes clear of debris and allow the filtration rock to do its job.
Filtration Rock
The filtration rock, well, they filter.
The rocks are hard and have tiny areas for the water to enter the piping.
Concrete
And lastly, concrete is re-added to cover everything underneath.
So while a system is doing work constantly underneath, you can still have your basement and live in it how you wish.
Differences in the Edging System
The edge drain tile system is similar in that it includes all of the above listed elements, but it is a slightly less intrusive fix for wall leakage issues.
Larger drain tile systems can help with hydrostatic pressure issues, or in other words, when water is coming up through the floor.
The larger systems can also resolve high water table issues or homes near lakes and rivers.
The edge drain tile system is designed specifically to fix water that is entering homes through the walls. The way it works is an edging board is installed along the wall and will stick up above the concrete about 2 or 3 inches.
Any water that runs down through the walls will hit the edging board and be filtered down through the drain tile and exit via the sump pump.
The edging board can be painted after the concrete cures. You can also lay carpet down with the edging system installed.
In Summary
The edge drainage system is very similar to most drain tile systems.
The two main differences are that the edge system is designed for water coming in through the walls, and a 2 to 3 inch edging board sticks up above the concrete against the wall. It is paintable.
Watch Us Install an Edge Drain Tile System
