Interior Basement Drainage
An interior basement drainage system is designed to manage and redirect water that may enter a basement,
preventing issues such as flooding, water damage, and mold growth. Here's a description of the key
components of an interior basement drainage system:
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Perimeter Drainage Channel:
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A trench is excavated along the interior perimeter of the basement floor.
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A perforated drain pipe, often made of PVC, is placed in the trench to collect water.
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The pipe is covered with a layer of washed gravel to allow water to flow easily into the system.
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Sump Pump Pit:
- A sump pump pit, or basin, is installed at the lowest point of the drainage system.
- The perforated drain pipes from the perimeter channel direct water to the sump pump pit.
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Sump Pump:
- A sump pump is installed inside the sump pump pit.
- When water accumulates in the pit, a float switch activates the pump, and it pumps the water out
of the basement and away from the foundation.
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Check Valve:
- A check valve is typically installed on the discharge pipe from the sump pump.
- It prevents water from flowing back into the sump pump pit after the pump has expelled it.
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Backflow Prevention:
- Some systems include a backflow prevention device to ensure that water from the exterior
drainage system doesn't flow back into the basement.