Learn how a drain tile system protects your Westmont, IL basement from water damage. Understand how it works, when it’s needed, and why it’s essential for a dry, healthy home.
Many homes in Westmont, IL face regular basement moisture problems due to a combination of heavy clay soil, poor drainage, and seasonal weather patterns. When the ground becomes saturated with rainwater or snowmelt, pressure builds up around the foundation, pushing moisture through cracks and floor seams. Without proper drainage, this water finds its way inside.
That’s where a drain tile system comes in. It’s one of the most effective ways to manage water pressure and prevent basement flooding. Whether you’ve noticed seepage after a storm or you’re planning a basement remodel, a drain tile system can be the foundation of a dry, usable basement.
Despite the name, drain tile doesn’t involve ceramic or tile. It refers to a system of perforated piping that redirects water away from your foundation. These systems are designed to relieve hydrostatic pressure—the force created when water builds up in the soil around your home.
Drain tile systems can be installed either inside or outside the foundation and are usually paired with a sump pump to carry water out and away from your basement.
A drain tile system is essentially a hidden pathway that gives water an easy exit before it has the chance to enter your home.
Here’s how it works:
This system keeps the soil around your basement from becoming oversaturated and helps protect against seepage through walls or floors.
Both systems serve the same purpose, but they’re installed in different locations and used for different scenarios.
An interior system is installed beneath the basement floor. A narrow trench is dug along the perimeter, the drain tile is placed in gravel, and the floor is patched over. Water is collected from wall seepage or floor joints and routed to a sump pump.
This method is ideal for:
An exterior system requires excavation around the home’s foundation. The pipe is installed at the footing level and wrapped in gravel and fabric to prevent clogging. It collects water before it reaches the foundation walls.
This method is best for:
The clay-rich soil found throughout Westmont holds water for long periods. After a heavy rain, it becomes saturated and pushes moisture against the foundation. When this pressure builds up, even solid concrete walls can leak.
Drain tile systems provide a release point for this pressure. Instead of forcing its way into your basement, the water is safely diverted, keeping the area dry and usable. For homes that experience seasonal flooding or persistent dampness, this can be a game-changer.
If you’ve experienced any of the following in your Westmont home, a drain tile system could be the solution:
Rather than reacting to these issues after the damage is done, installing a drain tile system helps prevent them from happening in the first place.
Yes. At Accu-Dry, we regularly install interior drain tile systems in finished and unfinished basements. The process involves cutting a trench along the interior perimeter, laying the pipe and gravel, connecting to a sump pump, and then patching the floor.
It typically takes a few days and causes minimal disruption—and the results are long-term. We also evaluate whether additional waterproofing measures, such as vapor barriers or dehumidifiers, are needed based on your home’s condition.
We specialize in diagnosing and fixing basement moisture problems across Westmont and DuPage County. Our team understands the local soil and climate conditions and recommends drainage systems that match your home’s structure and water behavior.
When you work with Accu-Dry, you can expect:
Basement moisture issues don’t go away on their own. But with a properly installed drain tile system, you can protect your foundation, improve air quality, and confidently use your basement—without the fear of future flooding.
Contact Accu-Dry today to schedule your free inspection. We’ll assess your drainage needs and design a solution that keeps your Westmont basement dry and worry-free.
