French Drain vs Sump Pump: Comparing Basement Waterproofing Solutions with JES Foundation Repair

When considering basement waterproofing solutions for your home, understanding the differences between French drains and sump pumps is essential. This page explains these two solutions, guiding you on which one to discuss with JES Foundation Repair experts.

Schedule Free Inspection

What Are French Drains?

French drains are designed to protect your entire basement from flooding, regardless of weather or time of year. The installation process involves the following steps:

Excavate the interior of your basement, leaving at least one foot of clearance.
Tap and bleed (or drill weep holes in) the walls to allow any existing water or moisture to drain out.
Install a slotted drainage pipe and cover it with gravel.
Re-cement your perimeter.
Connect drainage pipes to a sump pump system to move water out of your home.

While the installation process is relatively quick, it is not simple, and it is not advisable to tackle this as a DIY project. Instead, contact JES Foundation Repair professionals to ensure that your home’s structural integrity is not compromised during installation.

What is a Sump Pump?

A sump pump is a specialized device designed to remove accumulated water from a basement or crawl space, preventing flooding and maintaining a dry environment. It operates by collecting water in a designated pit, and then automatically activating to pump the water out and away from your home’s foundation.

The installation steps for a sump pump include:

If applicable, lay drainage pipes near the perimeter of your home.
Find the spot in your home that collects the most water.
Drill weep holes around your sump pump’s base, if appropriate.
Test the sump pump’s float valve.
Dig out a spot for the sump pump pit and liner.
Install an interior filter to prevent silt and other obstacles from clogging the pump.
Set the sump pump inside the liner.
Connect the pump to drainage pipes.
Fill the hole with gravel.
Cover the gravel with a new layer of concrete.

Sump pumps offer the added benefit of actively pumping water collected by the French drain system out of and away from the home. However, they rely on electricity and can stop working during power outages. Investing in a backup battery is advisable to ensure continuous operation in such situations.

Combining French Drains and Sump Pumps

When deciding between a French drain and a sump pump, your situation will determine the most suitable waterproofing solution. If you’re unsure, consider discussing a dual installation with the experts at JES Foundation Repair. By connecting a sump pump to a French drain’s pipes and using both gravity and electricity, you can maximize your home’s protection without sacrificing the benefits of either method. The interior French drain collects leaking water, directing it to the sump pump system for safe and effective removal from your basement.

If you think a combined solution might be right for your home, consult the professionals at JES Foundation Repair. After a free inspection and same-day estimate, our experts will recommend the best waterproofing solution for your specific needs.

request my free inspection

Waterproofing FAQs

How deep should you install a French drain?

t varies by location. In Virginia and surrounding areas, a French drain is usually installed between 8 inches to 1 foot deep for a crawl space.

What is the cost of installing a crawl space sump pump?

The cost varies based on the size of your crawl space, the extent of the repairs needed, and customization. After a free inspection, our expert will provide a no-obligation estimate with a detailed price breakdown. We also offer various financing options. Get in touch to learn more.

Why is it called a French drain?

Interestingly, French drains aren’t actually from France.

They are named after Henry French, a judge and farmer that lived in Massachusetts in the 19^th century, who first wrote about them in 1859 and called them “cellar drains.”