Foundation Repair Photo Album: Installing Drainage to Protect Foundation Wall - Freeland, WA

These homeowners noticed that water tended to accumulate around the exterior of their concrete foundation walls. They were concerned that this frequent occurrence of water around their foundation, would eventually cause erosion. They called on their local Waterproofing and Structural Experts here at John's for help! We sent one of our Design Specialists out to their home, and he performed a thorough inspection of their crawlspace and foundation. He found the crawlspace to be dry, but confirmed the homeowners concerns regarding water collecting around the foundation walls. He noticed that some very minor erosion had already begun along the exterior of the foundation walls in some areas. He told the homeowners they were correct to be concerned, as hydrostatic pressure against foundation walls does in fact greatly threaten their strength and longevity. If the hydrostatic pressure against the walls was left to worsen, they would eventually begin crumbling in on themselves, under the extreme weight of the home. Crumbling foundation walls are a costly and difficult problem to fix, so it is best to mediate water damage before it becomes significant. He kindly explained to the homeowners that the best way to prevent further wall erosion, was to install an underground drain system, to collect and expel all ground water safely away from the home. This would use gravity to send collected water down to the lowest point. The homeowners were excited for the work to begin, and we scheduled their job. Our crew of Waterproofing Experts arrived, and began installing the exterior system. First, they dug a shallow 85 ft. trench beginning at the back of the home, and wrapping around to the front, at a downhill angle to maximize downhill gravity in their favor for water expulsion. Inside of the trench, they laid perforated piping, and then covered this with gravel, until the trench was full. The system ended at the lowest point, far away from the home, and was capped off with a LawnScape Outlet, to evenly disperse the water into the lawn. From now on, all ground water will flow into the drain channel, and be carried downhill before it reaches the foundation walls. This will protect the foundation from the devastating affects of hydrostatic pressure - providing many years of safety and structural stability to this home and the family within! Here at John's, we take great pride in restoring peace of mind to homeowners, and helping them protect the long-term investment they have into their homes.