To drain or not to drain... [Archive] - Home Construction Forums

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bkrahmer
07-08-2004, 07:12 PM
Well, we finally got the house started on Tuesday, with our excavation. I started the footer forms yesterday, and hope to get them done tomorrow. I'm thinking ahead a bit, and am wondering if I should put a foundation drain around the house or not. The earth underneath the house is literally 100% sand, and goes down about 200 feet until you hit bedrock. It's about half way down a mountain, but pretty much sits on the ridge. The excavator thought I wouldn't need one. However, my Dad told me a story about a friend whose basement wall caved in a couple years ago during a huge rain. He's also in sand, but in IA, about 10-15 feet above lake level. I could see why it happened in his situation. Does anyone else have an opinion? I could easily daylight the drain about 60 feet behind the house, as it starts to go down hill back there.

Rich
07-09-2004, 02:13 AM
Personally I would put it in. Find a high point and slope it around to where you day light it. It's just cheap insurance in my opinion.

bkrahmer
07-12-2004, 08:21 PM
Thanks for the opinion, Rich. I think I will go ahead and put drains in. It was my gut feeling from the start...