Installing a drain tile system in your Westmont, IL home? Learn what the process involves, how long it takes, and what homeowners can expect before, during, and after installation.
Westmont, IL is known for its heavy clay soil and seasonal moisture. These conditions make basement water problems a frequent concern for homeowners. When groundwater builds up around the foundation, it creates hydrostatic pressure that pushes water through walls, floors, and cracks—causing dampness, mold, and even flooding.
A properly installed drain tile system is one of the most effective ways to keep your basement dry. Whether you’re fixing a persistent leak or proactively protecting your home, knowing what to expect can make the entire process smoother.
The process starts with a free on-site inspection by a qualified waterproofing contractor. At Accu-Dry, we evaluate the source of the moisture, the layout of your basement, and the condition of your foundation.
We determine whether you need interior drain tile, exterior drain tile, or a combination of both. Most existing homes in Westmont benefit from an interior system due to easier access and lower disruption.
You’ll receive a clear proposal outlining:
Once approved, we schedule the installation and prepare the space.
Before installation begins, furniture and stored items are moved away from the basement perimeter. If the basement is finished, wall sections and flooring near the foundation may need to be temporarily removed.
Our team protects the rest of your home using plastic barriers and floor coverings to contain dust and debris. Drain tile work can be noisy and dusty, but it’s carefully managed to minimize disruption.
For interior systems, a narrow trench is cut along the inside edge of the basement floor—usually about 12 to 18 inches from the walls. This trench runs the full perimeter of the space, exposing the footing and base of the foundation wall.
In homes with cinder block foundations, weep holes may be drilled in the bottom course of blocks to allow trapped water to drain out of the wall.
All debris from the excavation is removed from the site and properly disposed of.
Once the trench is prepared, a perforated pipe is laid along the footing and surrounded with clean gravel. This pipe collects water that seeps through the floor or walls and channels it toward a sump pit.
The system is carefully sloped to ensure efficient water flow. A filter fabric may also be added to prevent sediment from clogging the pipe over time.
In most homes, the pipe connects to a sump pump that automatically ejects collected water to a safe location outside the home.
After the pipe is in place, the trench is backfilled with gravel and topped with fresh concrete. This restores the floor to its original height and provides a smooth, finished surface.
The concrete cures within a few days, and the area is ready to be used again. If your basement was finished before installation, drywall, paneling, or flooring can now be reinstalled as needed.
Once the installation is complete, the sump pump and system are tested to ensure everything is functioning properly. Our team reviews the finished work with you, explains how the system operates, and answers any final questions.
We also remove all tools, protective coverings, and waste—leaving your home clean and ready to use.
For most Westmont homes, interior drain tile installation takes between 2 and 4 days, depending on the size of the basement and the extent of water damage.
Exterior systems take longer—typically 5 to 10 days—because of excavation, soil removal, and backfilling. However, most homeowners opt for interior systems due to their speed, lower cost, and minimal impact on landscaping.
Your new system immediately starts working to reduce hydrostatic pressure around your foundation. You’ll notice:
To keep your system working efficiently, we recommend annual sump pump checks and occasional inspection of the discharge line—especially before the rainy season.
At Accu-Dry, we’ve installed hundreds of drain tile systems for homes across Westmont and the surrounding area. Our team understands how local soil conditions and drainage patterns impact foundations—and we build systems that match.
We offer:
Drain tile installation might sound like a big project, but with the right team, it’s a fast, effective way to protect your home from water damage.
Contact Accu-Dry today to schedule your free drain tile consultation in Westmont. We’ll walk you through the process, explain your options, and make sure your basement stays dry—no matter the weather.
