Trying to choose between interior and exterior drain tile for your Westmont, IL home? Learn how each system works, when to use it, and which offers the best value for your basement.
In Westmont, IL, basement water problems are common due to the region’s dense clay soil and frequent rainfall. Without a way to relieve hydrostatic pressure, water can seep through walls, floors, or even foundation cracks. That’s why many homeowners turn to drain tile systems—a proven way to keep basements dry year-round.
But not all systems are the same. Some are installed outside the foundation, while others are built into the interior of the basement. So which type is right for your home: interior or exterior drain tile?
The answer depends on your home’s layout, the severity of your water problem, and your goals for long-term protection. This article will walk you through the differences and help you make the right choice.
Both systems are designed to do the same thing: move water away from your foundation before it becomes a problem inside your home.
Each system uses a perforated pipe, typically surrounded by gravel, to collect water. The water is then routed to a sump pump, which discharges it safely away from the home. By relieving water pressure around the basement, these systems stop seepage at its source.
Where the two systems differ is in how—and where—they’re installed.
An interior drain tile system is installed along the inside perimeter of the basement, just beneath the floor. A narrow trench is cut into the concrete slab. A perforated pipe is placed at the base of the foundation wall and surrounded with gravel. The trench is then patched over, leaving a clean finish.
Water that enters through the wall, footer, or beneath the floor is intercepted by the pipe and directed to a sump basin. The sump pump then discharges the water outside.
This system is highly effective and doesn’t require exterior excavation.
Exterior drain tile is installed during or after foundation construction, along the outside of the home. It requires digging around the perimeter of the house—down to the footing level. The drain pipe is laid beside the foundation wall, wrapped in gravel or filter fabric, and then backfilled.
Exterior systems collect groundwater before it reaches the foundation wall. In many cases, a waterproofing membrane is applied to the exterior wall before backfilling to further protect against seepage.
This method is more invasive and often used in new construction or full-scale waterproofing projects.
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Interior drain tile is often the go-to option when a homeowner is already experiencing basement leaks, especially in homes with limited outdoor access.
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Exterior drain tile is ideal when you’re already excavating for foundation work—or when you want to waterproof the home from the outside in.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It depends on the layout of your home, the nature of your water problems, and whether you’re dealing with new construction or an existing structure.
Many Westmont homeowners actually benefit from a combination of both systems, especially in homes with persistent water issues or mixed construction features.
At Accu-Dry, we specialize in both interior and exterior drain tile systems for homes in Westmont and surrounding areas. Our team understands how local soil, weather, and drainage patterns impact your foundation. We don’t offer generic solutions—we tailor every recommendation to your home’s structure and needs.
When you schedule a free inspection, we’ll:
Whether you’re dealing with damp floors or planning a full basement remodel, installing the right drain tile system is the first step toward lasting protection. With the right setup, you can keep your basement dry, clean, and worry-free year-round.
Contact Accu-Dry today to schedule your free drain tile evaluation. We’ll help you choose the best solution for your Westmont home—without the guesswork.
