Why Do Footing Drains Clog?

By
Ox Foundation Solutions
November 2, 2023
5 min read
Basement Waterproofing
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What Causes Basement to Leak in Alabama?

When you have a footing drain installed, it generally drains to either a storm sewer, sump pump, or to the surface. Storm sewers are notoriously ineffective. The reason for this is that they’re rarely installed deep enough in the ground to make the drain leading to them tilt downwards. Unless they’re installed down into the foundation significantly deeper than the foundation, the water has to run uphill into the storm drain for it to work. Additionally, the amount of water that a storm sewer can store is limited by its size. Once the storm sewer is full, where is the water going to go?

Until the day that the drain clogs, a footing drain that discharges to the surface are a solution that can work. However, this can only work in situations where the drain does not have to run uphill, as the water will not naturally flow out of it. Therefore, unless the ground drops off around your home more than 8-9 feet, a downhill incline is not possible.

If you have a sump pump installed, you can actively pump the water out of your house. This reduces the need for a natural downhill incline and ensures that the water is being removed. However, the sump pump cannot help you if the footing drain leading to it is clogged and filled with dirt.

At Ox Foundation Solutions, we believe a footing drain issue requires professional help. We have the tools, equipment, and experience to make the repair for the long term. If you are living in Jasper, Birmingham, Montgomery, and other cities in Alabama, then contact us online or give us a call at (205) 839-7950 for footing drain restoration services.

Why Do Footing Drains Clog?

Rainwater, soil particles, and other fine particles enter the drain and gradually form layers of sediment in the waterway which eventually blocks the drain making the drainage system ineffective. Since the water has nowhere else to go, it will end up finding its way into the basement through tiny gaps and crevices.

Another reason for clog is when soil is dug to establish the basement foundation and install the footing drain. When the soil is put back in against the basement wall, it crushes the footing drain if a proper method is not used, this destroys the functionality of the drain. At Ox Foundation Solutions, our services include:

  • Footing Drain - High-quality footing drains that last you years after years
  • Proper Installation - Experienced crew follow proper methods for installation
  • Fiber Filters - Prevents fine particles in the soil from entering the drain
  • GrateSump™ - Remove water by actively pumping
  • Affordable Prices - High-grade services at low prices

Rely on Ox Foundation to Take Care of Your Basement Footing Drain in Adamsville, AL

Ox Foundation takes pride in calling themselves one of the licensed Basement Waterproofing Foundation in the greater Alabama. We provide the best footing repair services and ensure the best protection for your Basement from wall and floor leak, footing drain, crawl space repair, and many more. If you find any of these issues please give us a call at 205-690-7272 and we shall dispatch a 24/7 emergency crew. We serve customers in Adamsville, Albertville, Kansas, and other Alabama cities.

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